Lab Technician

Job Summary

The Part-Time Laboratory Technician supports the daily operation of a molecular neuroscience research laboratory. Success in this role is defined by reliable execution of molecular biology workflows, careful organization of reagents and plasmid stocks, and stewardship of shared lab resources. This position contributes to the Smith College research mission by enabling safe, reproducible, and efficient scientific work while fostering a respectful and collaborative laboratory environment. The technician plays a critical role in maintaining lab continuity, training compliance, and experimental readiness, allowing students and researchers to focus on discovery and learning.

Essential Functions

• Perform molecular cloning procedures (digests, ligations, transformations, screening)
• Grow bacterial cultures and prepare plasmid stocks (mini/maxi preps, QC, storage)
• Manage reagents, consumables, and plasmid inventory databases
• Maintain dishware and lab supplies (cleaning, autoclaving, organization)
• Oversee proper use and care of shared laboratory equipment
• Maintain lab records, SOP compliance, and safety standards

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Chemistry, Molecular Biology
• 0-1 years experience in research

Skills

• Cloning
• Molecular biology skills

Pay and Benefits

In addition to a competitive benefits package, pay for this role is typically between $20.71 - $25.31 hourly covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law.