Overview

The San Diego State University (SDSU) Research Foundation in Chemistry and Biochemistry is recruiting a lab technician with expertise in a similar role within a research laboratory setting. The ideal candidate will have experience with supporting research activities by managing daily lab operations, maintaining equipment, preparing reagents, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. This role is essential for the efficient operation of the lab, contributing to ongoing studies in membrane permeability, assay development, and other research areas. The Lab Technician will also assist in data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as contribute to the preparation of manuscripts

and presentations.

The Hu Lab is developing analytical methods and models to study cell membrane permeability and identify molecular properties that facilitate this process. These studies enhance our understanding of membrane characteristics like chirality and guide the design of molecules that can effectively enter cells and function in vivo eventually, particularly beyond Rule-of-Five molecules for next-generation therapeutics and diagnostics.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

A well-rounded candidate will work collaboratively with lab members on various research tasks. The candidate should possess advanced and comprehensive knowledge to independently perform essential laboratory research and an understanding pf the specific research focus of the Hu laboratory.

Responsibilities

The laboratory technician is responsible for but not limited to:

Core Responsibilities:

Lab Research/Bench Work/Grant Writing (90%):

• Laboratory Management: Order, receive, and organize lab equipment and consumables to ensure smooth lab operations.
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment, prepare reagents, and ensure lab safety compliance.
• Research Support: Conduct material synthesis and characterization, run experiments, collect data, and perform data analysis.
• Reporting: Document and report project progress to the research team regularly.
• Manuscript Preparation: Assist in the preparation of manuscripts, presentations, and other scientific documentation.

Laboratory Management (10%)

• Oversee logistics of managing a laboratory including ordering and administrative logistics involving record keeping.
• Address items related to laboratory, chemical, and specimen safety.

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Equivalent to graduation from a four year university

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• One-year of experience in technical research or statistical work experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• 2-3 years of experience in a similar role within a research laboratory setting as a lab manager.

Core Knowledge and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of complex scientific procedures and laboratory techniques.
• Data analysis.
• Data summary for scientific presentations.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures and work independently.
• Supervisory experience with laboratory staff and students.
• Keeping a laboratory notebook.

Project Specific Knowledge and Abilities

• Proficiency in solid-phase synthesis, plate-based assays, and/or microfluidic devices fabrication.
• Strong organizational abilities, including the capacity to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workloads, and meet project deadlines.
• Strong writing and communication skills, essential for documenting research findings and collaborating with team members.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain scientific equipment to ensure
• optimal performance.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.