Laboratory Tech III

Job Location: 220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States, 14620

Opening Worker Subtype: Regular | Time Type: Part time | Scheduled Weekly Hours: 25

Compensation Range: $19.04 - $26.63 per hour

Responsibilities

• Support the collection, processing, and analysis of Lake Ontario water samples to identify and enumerate microplastic particles.
• Prepare for and conduct monthly water-sampling activities at the Charlotte Beach pier, collecting samples from both the east and west sides using plastic-free collection containers and reagents, following established sampling plans and contamination-control procedures.
• Generate and maintain plastic-free collection containers and reagents; clean glassware and related materials; label, transport, and document samples accurately; maintain complete collection records and chain-of-custody information.
• Process and analyze water samples to identify and enumerate microplastic particles through nanomembrane filtration, Nile red staining, imaging, and image analysis using tools such as ImageJ.
• Calculate, verify, record, and organize results; apply quality-control measures; identify contamination or anomalous findings; troubleshoot and repeat analyses as needed.
• Contribute to collaborative research aimed at improving microplastic detection and analysis, including refining Nile red staining and imaging protocols, documenting procedural changes, and validating revised methods.
• Collaborate with colleagues at RIT and the University of Rochester air-sampling group to develop, train, test, and improve AI-driven algorithms for particle recognition and enumeration, including preparing annotated datasets and reviewing algorithm outputs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and contamination-controlled laboratory work area; perform routine preventive maintenance and operational checks on equipment; monitor supplies and reagents; report malfunctions or safety concerns.
• Communicate research progress through weekly laboratory and one-on-one meetings with the PI, providing organized data updates, discussing methods and results, and responding to feedback.
• Actively participate in monthly LOMP All-Hands, Particles Protocol, and Journal Club meetings, sharing findings, reviewing scientific literature, and coordinating activities with collaborators.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent and 5 years of relevant experience required.
• Associate's degree preferred; Bachelor's degree strongly preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Computational expertise and ability to work independently and problem-solve.
• Willingness to learn new things and develop protocols.