Principal Laboratory Technician

Rutgers University; New Brunswick; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established academic health center is seeking a Principal Laboratory Technician to join a dynamic research environment focused on HIV infection studies. This role involves conducting essential laboratory experiments, data analysis, and maintaining complex laboratory equipment. You will engage in various scientific assays, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and collaborate with a team dedicated to advancing human health. If you are passionate about scientific research and eager to make a difference in the field of health sciences, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with 1+ years of lab experience in relevant fields.
• Expertise in scientific assays and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experimentation and data analysis in an active research lab.
• Conduct immunological assays and maintain biospecimen repository.

Skills

RNA/DNA extraction

qPCR

Protein preparation

Western blot analysis

ELISA

Strong communication skills

Education

Associate degree in biology or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

Job Category: Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)

Department: Institute for Translational Medicine and Science

Overview

New Jersey’s academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and collaborating university-wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research.

Posting Summary: Rutgers, The State of New Jersey is seeking a Principal Laboratory Technician for Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science (RITMS) within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

Join the Burdo Laboratory at Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science (RITMS) at Rutgers University, New Brunswick as a Principal Laboratory Technician. The technician will work in an active research laboratory setting with new, state-of-the-art facilities to study HIV infection in the central and peripheral nervous systems and heart in human and animal models. Responsibilities include performing laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and literary research as required; following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols in the lab; operating and maintaining moderately complex laboratory equipment; documenting, compiling, and analyzing experimental data. Weekly progress on projects and data analysis are reported directly to the PI.

Key Responsibilities

• Cell Culture work: media preparation, isolation, and purification of cells from human and animal tissue and blood samples, quality control testing, transfections, and maintenance of cell lines.
• Immunological assays: processing samples and conducting fluorescent, confocal, or EM staining, immunohistochemistry & immunocytochemistry staining, RNAScope and DNAScope, ELISAs, and flow cytometry/FACS. Preparing tissue blocks and cutting paraffin sections for immunohistochemistry.
• Molecular Biology work: RNA/DNA isolation & purification, PCR and qPCR, immunoprecipitations, and western blots.
• Generates and analyzes data for peer-reviewed publications and grant applications.
• Maintains biospecimen repository of clinical samples (plasma, serum, CSF, cells, etc.) and from various studies. Shipping and receiving of biological specimens as needed.
• Assist in operation and maintenance of moderately complex laboratory equipment. Regularly checking equipment for malfunctions and performing minor repairs. Responsible for scheduling and coordination of equipment repairs, recertifications, and preventive maintenance visits.

Position Status

Full Time, Day Shift. This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree with 1+ years of lab experience.
• Applicants should have a degree in one of the following fields: biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, immunology, molecular biology, virology, or another related field.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in performing basic scientific assays including RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, protein preparation & western blot analysis, and ELISAs are essential.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HIV, virology, or immunology is preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Occasional lifting 25-50 lbs., intermittently sitting/standing/stooping, typically sitting at a desk or table. Must be able to work at a computer for an extended period and must be able to operate specialized laboratory/scientific equipment.
• Biosafety Level 2 and 2+ laboratory environment working with human and animal fluids and tissue. Requires laboratory safety training. Caustic and toxic chemicals. Handle controlled substances such as pharmaceutical, radiological, or hazardous materials.

Special Conditions

• Position is contingent upon funding.

Posting Details

Posting Number: 25ST0054

Posting Open Date: 01/09/2025

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application (optional)
• List of Professional References (contact Info) (optional)