Lab Technician

This role focuses on processing canine blood specimens to support research and development work aimed at advancing treatments for cancer in dogs.

About the role

You will receive and prepare samples, perform aseptic lab work, and document all procedures in a regulated laboratory environment. The position operates on a Monday through Friday day shift, working closely with a small team while also performing independent tasks.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming specimen packages from carriers such as FedEx or UPS and ensure proper intake and documentation of canine blood samples.
• Perform four to five hours of laboratory processing per sample using aseptic techniques, including work under the hood and other sterile procedures.
• Conduct an additional hour of detailed documentation for each sample, recording all steps, observations, and quality control data accurately.
• Carry out preparatory activities between processing steps, such as labeling, organizing materials, and preparing reagents and equipment.
• Load samples onto plates and other labware according to established protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Sterilize and maintain lab equipment, tools, and work areas to ensure a consistently clean and safe environment.
• Apply quality control methods throughout the processing workflow to maintain data integrity and sample reliability.
• Use precise pipetting techniques for sample handling, reagent addition, and plate preparation.
• Support aseptic processing and aseptic technique in all relevant procedures to prevent contamination of samples and cultures.
• Collaborate with a team of lab technicians and the broader lab staff, sharing information and coordinating workload while also working independently on assigned tasks.
• Assist with collection and handling of samples within the lab environment as needed.
• Perform occasional weekend sample checks once or twice a month, following established protocols and reporting any issues.
• Follow all laboratory safety guidelines, standard operating procedures, and regulatory requirements related to animal health and laboratory work.
• Contribute to ongoing efforts to improve processes, efficiency, and reliability of lab operations.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of hands-on experience in a laboratory setting performing quality control activities.
• At least 1 year of experience using aseptic technique in a lab environment.
• At least 1 year of experience with aseptic processing procedures.
• At least 1 year of experience with accurate and consistent pipetting for sample and reagent handling.
• Ability to perform multi-hour specimen processing workflows, including work under a hood.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record-keeping.
• Capability to work both collaboratively with a small team and independently on assigned tasks.
• Comfort working with animal (canine) blood specimens in a lab environment.
• Reliability in following established protocols, safety standards, and quality control measures.

Qualifications

• Experience with USDA animal health processes or regulations is a plus.
• Background in animal health or related fields is beneficial.
• Cell culture experience, particularly with T-cell culture, is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with lab environments focused on veterinary or animal health research is an advantage.
• Interest in contributing to research aimed at curing cancer in dogs.
• Ability to adapt to evolving procedures and research needs within the laboratory.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory environment focused on processing canine blood samples and supporting animal health research. The Lab Technician works as part of a team of approximately three to four other lab technicians and collaborates with a lab supervisor, while also handling independent tasks. Work primarily takes place at the lab bench and under the hood, using standard laboratory equipment for aseptic processing, pipetting, plate loading, and sterilization. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adherence to protocols, with a culture centered on scientific rigor and a shared mission to advance treatments for cancer in dogs.

Schedule

Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on a day shift, with the expectation of performing occasional weekend sample checks once or twice a month.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a Contract to Hire position based in Lenexa, KS, and is fully onsite.