HS Research Tech 2

Funding available through 3/31/2027; continuance beyond that date is subject to the Department's operational needs as outlined in UBPPM #3200, Employee Classifications, Click here.

The Department of Neurosciences seeks a Health Sciences Research Tech 2 to work within a neurosciences research lab focused on the neurobiological mechanisms of drug and alcohol use/exposure. Techniques to be used include behavioral assessments, immunohistochemistry, fiber photometry, and RNA-sequencing.

The HS Research Tech 2 Performs standard research protocol, under detailed and controlled research parameters, in a health sciences laboratory research setting. Conducts a variety of standardized tests and procedures; prepares data, samples, and/or specimens, and sets up and operates standard laboratory, clinical, or field-testing equipment of standard complexity. Verifies and records data, performs preliminary manipulation of experiment and/or test results, providing basic data analyses, summaries, and interpretations.

This is a full-time, benefits eligible position.

The University of New Mexico (UNM) provides a diversified package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. For a more complete explanation of the benefits, Click here.

Specific Technical Duties and Responsibilities Include:

·         Setting up and performing drug self-administration studies in rats.

·         Performing stereotaxic survival surgery in rats to implant fiber optics and infuse viruses.

·         Performing behavioral testing in rats while recording fiber photometry.

·         Collect and prepare brain tissue for microscopy or RNA-sequencing.

·         Performing histological sectioning and immunofluorescence histochemistry on rat brain tissue.

·         Performing immunoprecipitation of tagged proteins, q-PCR, and Western blotting.

·         Compile and analyze data for publication and research presentations using the above-stated methodologies.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• For individual positions in which driving is a job requirement, a valid NM driver's license and valid UNM driver's permit will be required.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Annual TB testing may be required if working in a patient care area.

High school diploma or GED; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

·         B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Neuroscience, Physics, Psychology or related field with at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. 

Experience in:

·         Working with and performing necropsies on laboratory animals, particularly mice and/or rats, is highly preferable.

·         Experience with stereotaxic surgeries in rodents is highly preferable.

·         Biomedical laboratory research, including techniques such as tissue staining, RNA/DNA extraction and processing, PCR, electrophoresis, Immunohistochemistry and behavioral experiments.

·         Handling and working with very small parts (e.g. building models).

·         Compiling and organizing very large datasets.

·         Monitoring laboratory equipment, chemical/supplies inventory, and purchasing.

·         Making research presentations (i.e. a poster presentations) or publications (including abstracts).

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.