Laboratory Technician - Schindler

Position Title: Laboratory Technician
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Hourly
Employment Type: Regular, Full-Time; $23-28/hour DOE
Class: Technicians
Reports To: Abbie Schindler
PI/Project: Abbie Schindler

At the Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research (SIBCR), scientists seek new ways to improve the health and well-being of Veterans through research and education conducted at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS). You will also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to be a part of an important mission.

SIBCR’s research spans a broad range of areas such as mental health; neuroscience; diabetes, endocrinology and nutrition; prosthetics; oncology; age-related diseases; and, pulmonary diseases. We are seeking a Laboratory Technician for Dr. Abbie Schindler in the Mental Health Service line.

Summary:

SIBCR's mission is to improve the health and well-being of Veterans through research and education conducted at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. SIBCR is dedicated to supporting research and education efforts by facilitating collaborative research projects with other federal agencies, voluntary health organizations, non-profit professional societies, academic institutions and for-profit companies.

The Schindler Iterative Translation Lab (SITlab; https://sites.uw.edu/aschind/) is recruiting a laboratory technician to join our expanding team. The SITlab is a group of translational scientists interested in understanding, preventing, and treating trauma and stressor-related disorders (traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, substance use disorders) using rodent models and in collaboration with human research participants. Current major funding focuses on understanding how trauma and chronic alcohol intake interact to produce adverse physiological and behavioral outcomes related to aging and neurodegeneration.

Essential Functions and Duties:

• Mouse handling/anesthesia/behavior/blast exposure.
• Stereotaxic survival and non-survival surgeries.
• Perfusion and euthanasia.
• Sample collection (fecal, blood, brain).
• Tissue processing and histology.
• Biochemistry (western blot, ELISA, PCR etc.).
• Lab and animal orders.
• General lab upkeep (dishwashing, cleaning, organizing, inventory).
• Waste management.
• Records management.
• Preparation for inspections.
• Data analysis.
• Manuscript preparation.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the job.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in biological sciences.
• 1-3 years of research experience using rodent models.
• Flexible and adaptable as tasks will be varied and may change periodically.
• Demonstrated desire to learn new tasks as well as to investigate and develop best practices to be shared with the study team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to multi-task and organize effectively.
• Knowledge of neurobiology, pharmacology, and/or immunology.
• Ability to design and execute controlled experiments.
• Effective communication with internal and external researchers.
• Working knowledge of statistics and reporting of research findings.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with rodent behavior, stereotaxic surgeries, PET imaging, and/or glymphatic imaging.
• Experience with standard biochemistry and molecular biology techniques.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move within the laboratory for extended periods while conducting tests and supporting lab operations.
• Ability to use hands and fingers frequently to handle specimens, operate laboratory instruments, and use office equipment.
• Ability to perform precise tasks such as pipetting, sample preparation, and instrument calibration.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks such as data entry, labeling, testing, and equipment setup.
• Ability to reach, bend, crouch or stoop occasionally to retrieve documents or supplies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, scientists, and team members in both verbal and written forms.
• Ability to read labels, measurements, and test results accurately, and monitor instrument displays.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move laboratory materials, supplies, and equipment, up to 20–30 pounds.
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, lab coat, goggles, masks) for extended periods.
• Rare or occasional climbing or balancing (e.g., using a step stool to access files or storage areas) may be required.

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in a laboratory environment, with occasional administrative work in office areas.
• Work is typically performed during standard business hours, with occasional evenings, weekends, or shift work depending on lab needs.
• Requires the ability to travel occasionally for meetings, conferences, training, or vendor coordination.
• Requires routine exposure to controlled laboratory risks, including chemicals, biological specimens, sharps, or fumes; strict adherence to safety protocols is required.
• Requires frequent operation of laboratory instruments, tools, and testing equipment. Moderate noise typical of active laboratory environments with equipment running.
• May work in varying conditions, including refrigerated storage, freezers, or areas with heat-generating equipment.
• Must have access to reliable internet connection for remote work.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel to work sites.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Disclaimer:
The above description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work performed; it is not intended as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and required skills for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other duties as requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities necessary to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.