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Why UConn Health

UConn Health is a vibrant, integrated academic medical center that is entering an era of unprecedented growth in all three areas of its mission: academics, research, and clinical care. A commitment to human health and well-being has been of utmost importance to UConn Health since the founding of the University of Connecticut schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine in 1961. Based on a strong foundation of groundbreaking research, first-rate education, and quality clinical care, we have expanded our medical missions over the decades. In just over 50 years, UConn Health has evolved to encompass more research endeavors, to provide more ways to access our superior care, and to innovate both practical medicine and our methods of educating the practitioners of tomorrow.

This position is responsible for performing a variety of routine or repetitive basic laboratory duties in support of laboratory research. Generally involves tasks/techniques which requires on-the-job training and draws largely upon practical knowledge and experience.

The Fortin Lab in the Department of Medicine at UConn Health seeks a full-time research technician to start in summer 2026. Our lab uses rodent models to investigate how metabolic and neuromodulatory signals act in discrete brain circuits to regulate feeding behavior, energy balance, and cognitive function, and how these processes are disrupted in conditions such as obesity and environmental exposure. The technician will assist with essential laboratory operations, including administrative tasks, rodent colony management, behavioral testing (e.g., feeding assays, cognitive tasks), surgical support (e.g., stereotaxic procedures), neural recordings (e.g. photometry), tissue collection, and histological processing. This position is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual seeking hands-on experience in a collaborative and growing neuroscience lab. The SP-Research Technician will receive training on how to work with laboratory animals. They need to be willing to work with small animals in a laboratory setting and they will be working hands on with mice and rats. The SP-Research Technician needs to have the ability to learn quickly, work well with others, stay on task in a proactive manner and have strong organizational skills.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under close supervision; works under general supervision with acquired experience.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Receives training in designated research protocols which involves basic technical laboratory techniques and procedures and the operation of laboratory equipment such as but not limited to, cryostat, microscope, etc.
• Assists research and laboratory personnel with experiments and procedures.
• Performs computer related tasks.
• Records and maintains accurate records utilizing computer database or manual methods and performs related clerical tasks, such as labeling, filing, inventories and requisition of supplies, tissue samples, etc.
• Trains and coordinates the activities of student workers.
• Performs equipment calibration and minor equipment maintenance such as but not limited to, pumps, compressors x-ray equipment, spectrophotometers, etc.
• Serves as a resource to other learning specific techniques and/or process.
• Organizes supplies, materials or equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

• Some knowledge of laboratory equipment, basic staining and slide procedures.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment/procedures.
• Some interpersonal skills; oral and written communications skills.
• Excellent computer skills with ability to perform accurate data entry.
• Ability to utilize computer software.
• Ability to follow instructions [verbal or written] and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform simple calculations and keep simple technical records.

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING:

High School diploma or equivalent.

One (1) year of experience in a laboratory/medical setting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in appropriate discipline, i.e., Biology, Medical Technology, Biochemistry, Psychology. Degrees in other areas may be substituted on a case-by-case basis.
• 6 months of experience in a laboratory/medical setting.
• Prior experience handling ABSL-1 organisms.
• Prior experience with rodent behavioral neuroscience techniques.
• Working knowledge of computer software (MS Word, Excel & PowerPoint).
• Undergraduate degree plus one (1) year of lab experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May occasionally be required to lift standard laboratory equipment and supplies.

May be exposed to risk from such elements as toxic vapor.

SCHEDULE: Full-time, 40 hours per week, schedule to be determined based on department needs.

SALARY: The hourly rate for this position is $21.00. This position is not eligible for benefits.

The duration of this appointment is 6 months from date of hire. The position may be less or continued based on need. Due to the special nature of this position, continuous employment cannot be guaranteed.