Laboratory Technician III

About the role

This position supports daily lab operations and workflows, conducts routine laboratory research (including mosquito insecticide resistance studies), maintains mosquito colonies, performs molecular biology tasks, manages and analyzes experimental data, and prepares summaries for publications.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily lab operations and workflows
• Train and supervise students, technicians, and visiting researchers
• Maintain lab equipment, space, and safety standards
• Manage inventory (supplies, chemicals) and place orders
• Oversee hazardous waste handling
• Operate state vehicle
• Coordinate shipping/receiving of samples and supplies
• Perform routine lab research (e.g., mosquito insecticide resistance studies)
• Maintain mosquito colonies (including blood-feeding using chickens)
• Conduct molecular biology tasks: DNA extraction, genomic library preparation
• Record and report experimental observations
• Manage and analyze experimental data
• Prepare graphs, tables, and summaries for publications
• Conduct literature reviews

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of related experience; or a high school diploma and six years of related experience
• Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in entomology, biology, or related field
• 1-2 years of research experience, especially related to mosquitoes
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience preparing chemical solutions and working with micropipettes
• Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis
• Ability to critically analyze procedures and results of molecular assays
• Proficiency in basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as R
• Previous experience as a laboratory technician
• Previous experience training others in the laboratory
• Available to work 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday
• Willingness to work with mosquitoes and potentially be exposed to mosquito bites daily
• Good record keeping abilities and strong organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to learn new methods/techniques and to work independently
• Willingness to conduct repetitive monotonous tasks in a timely manner, and to conduct tasks with close attention to detail and with a diligent working style

Pay

$19.58 per hour; commensurate with education and experience