Laboratory Technician | 21-013 at The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation in Torrance, California

Job Description:

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• BS degree in Biology or another Life Science.  A Master’s degree in Life Sciences highly desired


• Must have prior experience within a life sciences lab.  Collegiate lab experience is acceptable.


• Must have prior experience handling cell cultures and animals in a research setting with prior experience with animal husbandry.


• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team


• Knowledge of basic cell and molecular biology techniques and biochemistry experiments required.  Knowledge of PCR, DNA and RNA extractions, genotyping, sequencing and mutation screening and similar lab techniques desired.


• Basic understanding of mouse handling techniques required. Proficiency in mouse colony maintenance and animal husbandry techniques desired.


• Ability to learn quickly and to function with minimal day-to-day direction. Self- motivated.


• Ability to work well under pressure and meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines


• Ability to interact in an appropriate and professional manner


• Demonstrated cooperative behavior and positive-problem solving and conflict resolution skills


• Available to work dependable, flexible shift                                                                                                                                                                    

Description of Duties:

This is a position in the Yoshihara Lab (https://eijiyoshiharalab.com) which studies developmental biology, physiology and genomics by using human pluripotent stem cells and genetic animal models.  Recently we have developed the methods to generate functional human pancreatic islet organoids, which potentially will be the solution for insulin dependent diabetes (Yoshihara et al, Nature, 2020; Wei & Yoshihara et al, Cell, 2019; Yoshihara et al, Cell Metabolism, 2016). Our goal is creating novel therapies for diabetes and other metabolic diseases. 

• Assist with molecular genetics research focusing on mouse models of diabetes and for managing mouse colonies that support these studies.


• Perform stem cell related experiments, include culture and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by using 3D Organoids system.


• Perform a variety of lab techniques such as PCR, DNA and RNA extractions, genotyping, sequencing, mutation screening and similar lab techniques.


• Data analysis and maintenance of tissue, DNA, and other experimental samples   


• Assist with general laboratory maintenance, including equipment maintenance and ordering of supplies.

See Job Description