Research Technician I

Job No: 556651
Work Type: Staff
Locations: Southern California: San Diego
Categories: Bargaining Unit: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Appointment Type: Temporary, Time Basis: Full Time, Job Search Category/Discipline: Research, Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac): On-site (work in-person at business location)


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Position Summary
San Diego State University is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Research Technician I to join the Haricharan Lab in the Department of Biology. The lab conducts translational cancer research focused on understanding why some breast cancers become resistant to therapy, with a particular emphasis on the role of DNA damage repair pathways in endocrine treatment resistance.

Research in the lab integrates molecular biology approaches with in vivo cancer models to study how tumor cells adapt, survive treatment, and recur. Current projects examine how changes in DNA repair mechanisms influence tumor behavior, treatment response, and disparities in cancer outcomes across patient populations.

Under supervision, this position supports in vivo experimentation, wet lab procedures, and laboratory operations that contribute directly to these research efforts. The role is well-suited for candidates early in their careers who are interested in gaining hands-on experience in animal models and molecular techniques within a collaborative, biomedical research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with in vivo research activities, including routine dosing (SC/IP), tumor measurement, and monitoring of animals.
• Support xenograft studies by assisting with tumor implantation procedures and related experimental workflows.
• Assist with blood collection, tissue harvesting, and necropsies.
• Support mouse colony maintenance, including breeding setup and genotyping.
• Follow established protocols to perform wet lab experiments, including cell culture and molecular techniques such as PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry.
• Prepare reagents and materials and maintain organized, compliant laboratory workspaces.
• Record and organize experimental data and assist with basic data analysis and interpretation.
• Support preparation of summaries and documentation related to research activities.
• Assist with laboratory operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, and supporting compliance activities such as animal protocols and EH&S requirements.
• Work collaboratively with lab members to support ongoing research projects and daily lab functions.

Why Join Us?

• Build on your existing laboratory experience through hands-on work with in vivo cancer models and molecular techniques.
• Contribute to research focused on understanding therapy resistance in breast cancer and improving treatment strategies.
• Expand your technical skills in areas such as animal handling, experimental workflows, and data collection in a structured research environment.
• Work alongside experienced researchers in a collaborative lab that supports continued skill development and progression in biomedical research careers

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date one year after date of hire, with the possibility of reappointment.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary
The College of Sciences at San Diego State University supports a broad range of research and teaching across the life and physical sciences, with an emphasis on advancing scientific discovery and student training in a diverse and collaborative environment.

Within the College, the Haricharan Lab conducts translational cancer research focused on understanding mechanisms of therapy resistance, metastasis, and recurrence in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The lab studies how alterations in DNA damage repair pathways influence tumor behavior and treatment response, using a combination of molecular biology approaches and in vivo models. Ongoing work also examines how biological and social factors contribute to disparities in cancer outcomes, with the goal of identifying more effective and equitable treatment strategies

For more information regarding the Haricharan Lab,  click here.  

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and one year of experience in technical research or statistical work. One year of graduate study in a related field may be substituted for the required experience.

Key Qualifications

• One year of experience working with laboratory animals, or familiarity with in vivo research environments
• Working knowledge of basic research techniques and laboratory methods, including molecular biology approaches (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, ELISA)
• Ability to follow established experimental protocols and maintain accurate laboratory records
• Working knowledge of research data collection and basic statistical concepts, including data organization, simple analysis, and presentation of results
• Ability to assist in compiling data into reports, summaries, and visual formats (tables, graphs, etc.)
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in a structured research environment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to analyze situations, follow direction, and apply sound judgment in a laboratory setting
• Proficiency with standard software tools (e.g., Microsoft Office); experience with R or ImageJ/Fiji is a plus
• Flexibility to work varying schedules, including occasional weekends or holidays as needed for research activities

Compensation and Benefits
San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department's budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($4,595/month).
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,595-$6,694 per month (Step 1-Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values
At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU's Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information
Apply by April 22, 2026, to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Casie Martinez at cmartinez12@sdsu.edu.


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To apply, visit https://careers.sdsu.edu/en-us/job/556651







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