Cell Culture Technician

University of Central Missouri (UCM); Warrensburg (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Central Missouri (UCM) is seeking a dedicated lab technician to support the Precision Nutrition and Molecular Center (PMNH). The role focuses on maintaining cell cultures, performing aseptic work, and supporting bio-assays and data management within GMP/SOP frameworks.

The candidate should have a biology/biotechnology background with at least two years of cell culture experience and a commitment to rigorous quality control and documentation.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biotechnology or related field.
• Two years of cell culture lab experience required.
• Experience with GLP/GMP standards preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cell Culture Maintenance: thawing, feeding, passaging, cryopreservation of mammalian or microbial cell lines.
• Aseptic Technique: maintain sterile environment to prevent contamination.
• Experimental Support: assist in bio-assays such as biocompatibility tests, mycoplasma detection, drug response assays.
• Data Management: document observations and results in electronic notebooks or databases per SOP/GMP.
• Equipment & Inventory: calibrate and maintain incubators, autoclaves, inverted microscopes; manage media/reagent stock; keep temperature logs.
• Maintains lab supplies and records; develops record-keeping systems; supports educational outreach.

Skills

Cell culture maintenance

Aseptic technique

Experimental support

Data management

Equipment & inventory

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/Biotechnology

Job description

Provides critical support for research and development by managing sterile tissue culture environments in the Precision Nutrition and Molecular Center (PMNH) at UCM. Responsible for the daily care of cell lines, executing bio-assays, and ensuring all laboratory equipment is calibrated and maintained to standard operating procedures (SOPs) or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Ensures that the laboratory has established written policies and procedures for a comprehensive quality assurance and quality control program. Maintains cell cultures as needed by PNMH faculty by procuring, propagating and banking various cell lines and making them available as needed.

60%

• Cell Culture Maintenance: Perform routine tasks including thawing, feeding, "splitting" (passaging), and cryopreservation of various mammalian or microbial cell lines.
• Aseptic Technique: Maintain a strictly sterile environment in hoods and cleanrooms to prevent contamination of sensitive cultures.
• Experimental Support: Assist in executing bio-assays such as biocompatibility tests, mycoplasma detection, and cell-based drug response assays.
• Data Management: Accurately document observations, cell counts, and experimental results in electronic notebooks or databases according to GLP/GMP standards.
• Equipment & Inventory: Calibrate and maintain specialized gear such as incubators, autoclaves, and inverted microscopes; manage stock levels for media and reagents. Keep temperature logs to ensure proper storage and growth of cells.

20%

• Maintains adequate levels of laboratory supplies.
• Develops and maintains accurate record-keeping systems. Maintains digital records of supply/equipment inventory, places purchase orders, and reconciles shipments and billing.
• Participates in PNMH Center-sponsored educational outreach activities as available.

20%

• Assists PMNH faculty with experimental design, developing and troubleshooting experimental protocols.
• Assists PMNH faculty with preparing samples for bio-assays, such as PCR and gene sequencing.
• Prepare and provide 'lab-status' reports during biweekly meetings

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biotechnology or a related field required.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of cell culture lab experience required.

Physical/Environmental Factors:

• Exposure to fumes and/or chemicals
• Lifting (weight) - 10 lbs
• Possible exposure to infectious or communicable diseases.