Job Description

Responsibilities:

Structured Laboratory Work (50%)

Perform DNA/RNA extractions, library preparation, PCR-based assays, and other molecular workflows.
Apply aseptic technique and BSL-2 safety practices consistently.
Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and workflow documentation.
Data Management and Documentation (25%)

Organize and maintain experimental data in reproducible, well-structured formats.
Support compliance, sample tracking, and quality-control documentation.
Summarize experimental findings for internal reporting.
Collaborative Research Support (15%)

Work closely with the lab manager, PI, and team members to implement experiments and analyze preliminary results.
Assist trainees with sample handling, molecular workflows, or documentation practices as appropriate.
Contribute to lab meetings, protocol discussions, and troubleshooting.
Professional Development and Other Duties (10%)

Learn and apply sequencing and multi-omics techniques with supervision.
Support lab organization and operations (inventory, ordering, compliance, freezer maintenance).
Engage in manuscript and grant preparation activities when opportunities arise.
Essential Employees

The successful candidate will be designated as an Essential Employee. Essential Employees are expected to report to campus during a University State of Emergency (reduced operations or campus closure) unless specifically directed by the Department not to report or if directed by civil emergency or medical authorities not to report for health and safety reasons. As an Essential Employee, you must report to campus even if the closure is less than 3 days.

Qualifications
All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a biomedical science field (e.g., Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Animal Science), or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on laboratory experience totaling at least four years.
Demonstrated ability to follow structured protocols and maintain meticulous experimental documentation.
Demonstrated experience with PCR, DNA extraction, and other core molecular biology techniques.
Familiarity with BSL-2 laboratory safety practices, aseptic technique, and sample handling.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to function as part of a collaborative team.
Curiosity, self-motivation, and adaptability in a dynamic research environment.
Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with next-generation sequencing (especially nucleic acid prep for Oxford Nanopore).
Experience with tissue processing and/or mammalian cell culture.
Familiarity with microbial phylogeny or interest in developing such skills.
Exposure to data analysis, report writing, or data organization using R or Python.
Experience troubleshooting protocols or improving workflow efficiency—aligned with the candidate’s freezer reorganization and protocol refinement experience.
Knowledge of risk-mitigation strategies for handling human specimens in a BSL-2 setting.
Prior experience with human subjects research training (CITI, HIPAA) or willingness to complete required modules.