Temp/Casual Lab Assistant

About the role

The Aslanidi Lab research is focused on bioengineering and the application of Adeno-Associated virus (AAV) vectors for gene therapy and vaccine development. The research addresses several important drawbacks in AAV-based gene therapy such as vector efficiency, pre-existing and therapy-activated immunogenicity, scaled-up vector production, and assessment of efficacy in large pre-clinical animal models. The goal is to advance gene therapy treatment for patients with genetic diseases and cancers.

The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Maintenance & Equipment Support – 50%
  • Clean, sanitize, and maintain laboratory bench space and equipment including glassware, aspiration bottles, water baths, and CO₂ incubators.
  • Manage biohazard waste through proper autoclaving procedures.
  • Maintain and replace CO₂ tanks and ensure equipment is functioning properly.
  • Maintain and refill 70% ethanol spray bottles and ethanol burners.
  • Ensure laboratory spaces remain organized and compliant with safety and operational standards.
• Preparation of Materials & Solutions – 20%
  • Prepare buffers, media, and standard laboratory solutions following established protocols.
  • Assist with preparation of bacterial agar plates, bacterial growth medium, and other routine materials needed for experiments.
  • Maintain consistency and accuracy in preparation processes.
• Inventory & Supply Management – 20%
  • Monitor inventory levels of lab supplies and materials.
  • Place and track supply orders, ensuring timely replenishment.
  • Verify receipt and organize storage of incoming materials.
  • Maintain inventory of plasmid DNA and viral stocks.
• Safety & Compliance Support – 10%
  • Follow all applicable laboratory safety procedures and guidelines.
  • Support compliance efforts by maintaining clean and properly functioning workspaces.
  • Participate in required safety trainings and adhere to institutional protocols.

Work Location

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorse a flexible work approach. This position is designated as Flexible Work Profile One, primarily office/lab-based, with occasional and inconsistent remote work. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota. Some on-site work may be required even for positions designated as fully remote. Management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangements at any time.