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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery
and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a
biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a
vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and
professionals. Together, we're unlocking the fundamentals of
biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.
Lab Overview
The Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, led by Dr.
Jean-Laurent Casanova at UT Southwestern Medical Center, studies
the human genetic and immunological determinants of
life-threatening infectious diseases. The lab aims to understand
why some children and adults develop life-threatening or lethal
illness in the course of primary infection, while most individuals
exposed to the same microbe remain unharmed. Research in the
Casanova Lab has revealed that inborn errors of immunity — genetic
variants that affect a person's ability to fight off infectious
agents — can confer selective vulnerability to specific severe
infectious diseases. This work provides foundational support for a
human genetic and immunological theory of severe infectious
diseases. For more information, visit
https://www.hgid.org/
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated, adaptable, and team-oriented
Research Technician II to join the Casanova Lab. This
position is project-driven and focused on supporting research into
the genetics infectious diseases, including identifying genetic
mutations and conducting functional genetic analyses. The ideal
candidate is a recent post-baccalaureate or early-career researcher
with a background in Biology, Genetics, or Molecular Biology who is
looking to gain meaningful hands-on research experience in a
fast-paced, collaborative academic environment before pursuing
advanced studies. On-the-job training will be provided, and the
individual will work closely with senior lab members across
interdisciplinary project teams.
What We Provide
- A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health
and wellness benefits.
Opportunity to contribute to peer-reviewed publications, with
potential co-authorship based on research contributions.
Regular participation in lab meetings, including opportunities
to present findings and develop scientific communication
skills.
Ad-hoc opportunities to attend scientific conferences and
skill-specific learning events, based on performance and project
relevance.
A close-knit, collaborative lab environment where cross-team
support is encouraged and teamwork is a core value.
Access to the vibrant UT Southwestern Medical Center research
community and broader scientific network.
What You'll Do
- Support senior lab members in day-to-day wet lab experiments
focused on the genetics of infectious diseases, including
functional studies and genetic analysis.
- Perform molecular biology techniques including PCR and cloning
as core components of ongoing research projects.
- Apply CRISPR-based genome editing approaches, including
knockout, HDR knock-in, base editing, or prime editing as project
needs require.
- Assist with library design and/or cloning for high-throughput
screening, viral vector production, and next-generation sequencing
(NGS) preparation, depending on project assignment.
- Collect, record, and organize experimental data with accuracy
and attention to detail.
- Collaborate actively with team members across both lab project
teams, providing and receiving support as needed.
- Participate in lab meetings and contribute to a culture of
scientific rigor and open collaboration.
What You Bring
- A Bachelor's degree in a relevant life sciences or engineering
field with at least 3 years of research experience in academia or
industry; OR a Master's degree in a relevant life sciences or
engineering field with at least 1 year of relevant research
experience.
- Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques,
including PCR and cloning (required).
- Prior experience with CRISPR-based genome editing tools,
including knockout, HDR knock-in, base editing, or prime editing
(preferred).
- Experience with one or more of the following is preferred:
design and/or cloning of libraries for high-throughput screening;
viral vector production; NGS library preparation; and/or basic
coding skills for data analysis including R or Python.
- Dynamic, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced
research environment where priorities can shift.
- Strong teamwork orientation — this role requires frequent
collaboration and mutual support across lab projects.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and
ability to manage time effectively across competing demands.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability
to work effectively with colleagues at all levels.
Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended
periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or
arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example
using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word;
ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move
about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the
ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a
laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to
malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic
chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or
other hazardous materials.
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential
duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for
reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual
basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties,
responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as
an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word
“may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above
are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans
with Disabilities Act.
Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in
many ways for their contributions to our mission, including
competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans,
time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit
our
Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
Hiring Pay Range
$43,294.00 - $54,118.00
Pay Type:
Annual
The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the
anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of
posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s
qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
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