Biosciences Technician

NOTE: This is a flexible term position dependent on project funding. Current funding is expected for at least 2 years.

The Bioscience and Biotechnology division within Physical and Life Sciences at LLNL is seeking to fill a position for a dedicated and hardworking Biosciences Technician with experience in Neurobiology, cellular biology and/or molecular biology. In this position, you will provide technical support for establishing and evaluating 2D and 3D primary cultures of the nervous system. Your role will involve working on defined research projects, where you will be expected to demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, and a keen attention to detail within a team of scientists. This position is in the Human Health Sciences Group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

You will:
• Follow protocols for isolating and establishing primary human and rodent neuronal and glia cultures.
• Maintain cell cultures and perform routine cell-based assays (e.g., electrophysiology, optical microscopy, immunostaining, preparation of samples other offline assays).
• Provide solutions to problems of moderate complexity that require creative use of established and/or innovative methods.
• Collaborate with colleagues for experimental design, assay performance, data acquisition and analysis.
• Perform technical laboratory procedures, where attention to detail, effective troubleshooting skills and good judgment are required.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook and maintain complete records of experiments.
• Contribute to basic lab maintenance (restocking, waste removal, organization etc.)
• Participate in preparing for annual safety inspections and maintaining a safe laboratory environment.
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory work area; perform daily maintenance, clean up, and workspace organization within assigned work areas.

Additional duties at the SES.2 level:
• Analyze current process procedures and provide feedback for the optimization and improvement of workflow.
• Perform quality control and maintenance of laboratory equipment and robotics.
• Provide occasional training on laboratory procedures to other employees.
• Offer feedback, identify areas of improvement and efficiency on laboratory protocols.
• Attend and present technical status reports at meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Bachelors Degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with sterile techniques, culturing and maintenance of tissue cultures, and media preparation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cellular and biochemical techniques (electrophysiology, optical microscopy, immunostaining).
• Ability to use scientific instruments and operate standard equipment in routine assignments.
• Ability to follow directions and standard written laboratory protocols.
• Basic computer skills, including experience with standard software and database programs such Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a diverse, team environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong organization and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory maintenance (restocking, waste removal, organization etc.)
• Fundamental written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deliver presentations, prepare written reports and to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment both independently and as a team with a diverse set of scientists, administrative, and other technical staff
• Effective problem-solving skills to implement solutions of limited complexity.
• Ability to work weekends.

Qualifications at the SES.2 level:
• MA/MS in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry or related field
• Proficient data analysis including R and statistics
• Comprehensive knowledge of multi-omics (e.g., proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics)

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