RESEARCH TECHNICIAN - Lippi Lab

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Research Technician

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lippi lab at Scripps Research seeks a Research Technician as part of a growing team of investigators studying how post-transcriptional mechanisms instruct brain development and function. We have pioneered new conceptual and technological frameworks to interrogate these mechanisms, including inducible and reversible global microRNA loss-of-function, cell type–specific microRNA–target interaction mapping, scalable manipulation of individual regulatory elements, and single-cell, isoform-sensitive measurements of translation in vivo (Zolboot et al. Neuron 2025; Sison et al. Nature 2026). For more details please visit: www.lippilab.org

As a Research Technician, you will support Postdoctoral Fellows and Graduate Students who are using these tools to discover fundamental new biology. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with a talented team, present findings in lab meetings, author scientific papers, and contribute to exciting discoveries.

A strong candidate has previous experience with one of the following:

• Mouse primary neuronal culture preparations (e.g., cortical or MGE preps), brain injections in embryos and in early postnatal pups, brain slice preparation, and AAV and LV production.  

• Establishing and optimizing CRISPR screens (e.g., CRISPRa/i), molecular biology (cloning, viral vector design, biochemistry), iPSC-derived neurons, and flow cytometry.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Ensure laboratory personnel are maintaining a clean, organized workspace, upkeep laboratory inventory by ordering reagents and other supplies and place maintenance requests for laboratory apparatus and facility.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings by reporting data and presenting during journal clubs.
• Assist with multiple research projects under the guidance of research staff and graduate students. 
• Prepare weekly mouse cortical neuron cultures and maintain these cultures, routinely handle mice for injections and sample collection; Section mouse brain tissue with vibratome and cryostat. 
• Independently perform various research procedures including but not limited to immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, PCR, and DNA cloning. 
• Collect and organize accurate data; perform statistical analyses and prepare graphs. 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline. 
• Candidates at both junior and senior experience levels are encouraged to apply.
• At least three (3) years of related laboratory experience is required for more experienced candidates. 

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $18.67 to $24 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms.  The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice.   Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff. 

EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.