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.
We have an outstanding opportunity for a Research Technician to join the lab team of Dr. Elisa Zhang, Freeman Hrabowski Scholar starting in summer 2026. The Freeman Hrabowski Scholar program is noteworthy for selecting outstanding basic researchers who have prioritized scientific excellence in research while simultaneously creating lab climates in which everyone can thrive and benefit from their leadership and inclusive mentorship.
Located on the Davis campus in the Departments of Physiology & Membrane Biology (PMB) and Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) at the University of California, Davis, the Zhang lab group is broadly interested in mammalian stem cell biology, reproduction, and development. They use cutting-edge single-cell, spatial, in vitro, and surgical approaches in multiple model species and in human organoids to investigate the uterine endometrium and maternal-fetal interface, with the goal of improving female and fetal health. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting https://zhang.faculty.ucdavis.edu/
About the Research Technician role:
As the Research Technician, you will have the general duties of working closely with Dr. Zhang and others on the lab team in the planning and execution of research projects. You will be responsible for assisting in study design and implementation; data collection, entry and quality control; literature reviews and data analysis for preparation of manuscripts and/or conference presentations, and writing conference abstracts and manuscripts (e.g., methods and results sections, table, and figure generation) for specific projects. This would be an ideal position for a highly motivated candidate who is eager to learn and is seeking a robust 2-year career experience before moving on to the next chapter of their educational or professional journey.
The lab is flexible to hire candidates at either the Research Technician I or Research Technician II level. Salary will be commensurate with the chosen candidate’s level of education, skills, and experience.
What we provide:
An energetic, intellectually vibrant, and fun lab team that values innovation, excellence, inclusion, creativity, rigor, training, mentorship, and collaboration.
Opportunities for authorship/co-authorship on research publications.
Direct mentorship and support from Dr. Zhang and other members of the lab team.
Access to cutting-edge instrumentation and facilities.
Joining the supportive and collaborative UC Davis research community. Ideally situated in the peaceful, family-friendly town of Davis, located between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, with beautiful Lake Tahoe a mere 2 hours away.
A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
Access to HHMI’s on-demand learning and professional skill-building content library.
What you’ll do:
Collaborate with other research personnel affiliated with research activities investigating stem cells and development, with a focus on the uterus and pregnancy as models of tissue physiology and organogenesis.
Perform experimental procedures including mouse colony management (including tagging and genotyping), tissue sectioning and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, confocal and light sheet imaging and quantitative image analysis, single-cell RNA-seq, as well as 2D cell line and 3D organoid culture (including maintaining stocks of lines).
Additional techniques and experimental procedures may include spatial transcriptomics, in situ hybridization (RNAScope), immunoprecipitation, Western blot, and plasmid DNA cloning and purification.
Work with Dr. Zhang on experimental design with the expectation that a research project will be carried out independently with results intended to lead to publication.
Contribute to general lab duties, including ordering, inventorying, and maintaining compliance with institutional policies.
Present and participate in group meetings, review journal articles, engage in scholarly discussions of research, and provide mentorship to undergraduate researchers (as applicable).
Attend conferences, participate in departmental and other relevant seminar series, journal clubs, and other pertinent activities.
What you bring:
Required
Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Immunology, or a related discipline).
Previous experience (full-time or part-time) in laboratory research.
Outstanding organizational skills and accurate record keeping capabilities.
Strong interpersonal and decision-making skills.
Strong quantitative skills required for accurate mathematical calculations and for data analysis.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Experience with laboratory safety and willingness to adhere to EH&S hazardous biological and chemical safety requirements.
A commitment to follow all laboratory standard operating procedures, proactively identify and address issues and/or troubleshoot with other laboratory personnel when necessary.
Positive attitude with a strategic, adaptive, and resourceful approach to problem-solving.
Commitment to research integrity.
Ability and willingness to learn to perform new techniques.
Preferred
Experience with mammalian tissue processing (dissections, cryopreservation, sectioning, imaging, etc.).
Experience with 2D mammalian cell culture and/or 3D organoid culture.
Experience with rodent handling.
Experience with coding in R.
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. #LI-NG1
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.
Compensation Range
$20.08 (minimum) - $25.14 (midpoint) - $32.65 (maximum)Pay Type:
HourlyHHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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