Lab Administrative Research Tech- Witten Lab

Primary Work Address: Dept of Molecular Biology, Princeton, NJ, 08544

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

We are currently seeking a well organized Laboratory Administrative Research Technician in the systems neuroscience laboratory of Dr. Ilana Witten at Princeton University. The lab studies the neural circuitry underlying learning and decision-making, using electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral methods, with rodents as the model system. A major challenge that makes learning difficult is that the world is complex and high dimensional: there are often multiple possible stimuli or actions to attribute to any outcome, and a gap in time between an event and its consequences. The lab brings new perspectives and technologies to understand how the brain overcomes these types of challenges. The lab is also very interested in the ramifications of learning in a complex and high dimensional environment on the emergence of individual differences, including the origin of stress-related maladaptive states. More information on the lab can be found on the website https://wittenlab.org/

In this role, you will be fully responsible for managing the lab's mouse colony while also supporting the functions of the lab in other aspects, including: maintaining lab supplies, upkeeping lab equipment, helping prepare for regulatory inspections and performing brain histology.

What we provide:

• A supportive lab environment focused on both the welfare of our people and the quality of our science.
• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration.
• Opportunities to attend talks and participate in a world-class neuroscience environment.
• Opportunities to participate in research projects.

What you'll do:

• Manage the lab's mouse colony, including maintaining the colony database, putting together new breeding cages, weaning animals, harvesting tissue for genotyping, transferring mice to lab members, and efficiently implementing the overall breeding strategy.
• Communicating effectively with lab members to determine mouse colony needs, and using that information to develop and implement an effective breeding strategy.
• Perform inventory of lab supplies; order laboratory supplies and stock laboratory areas as required.
• Assist with laboratory equipment maintenance.
• Prepare standard lab solutions and/or media as needed.
• Prepare brain tissue for histology.
• Help manage adherence to institutional biosafety and animal care and use standards, including preparing the lab for inspections.
• Attend lab meetings and planning sessions.

What You Bring:

• A bachelor's degree in biology or related field.
• Previous hands-on experience working with rodents in a laboratory environment.
• Preferably have relevant experience with rodent husbandry, breeding, colony management, genetics and genotyping procedures.
• Preferably have experience with mouse colony management software such as Softmouse.
• Have experience with molecular, histological, and/or biochemistry techniques.
• Strong initiative, self-motivation, and capacity for problem solving.
• Meticulous attention to detail with emphasis on keeping records of experiments and results.
• Comfortable with handling live mice.
• Strong time management.
• Ability to use good judgment in managing deadlines and responding to inquiries.

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.

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-LL1

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
$21.63 (minimum) - $27.07 (midpoint) - $35.17 (maximum)

Pay Type:
Hourly

HHMI'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

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Client-provided location(s): Princeton, NJ

Job ID: HHMI-R-4261

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-04-03T19:37:18