Insect Rearing Lab Technician - DNA & PCR

University of California, Riverside; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 27,565 - 29,618; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Riverside is looking for a lab technician to assist in maintaining glassy-winged sharpshooter colonies. Responsibilities include caring for insects, growing plants, and aiding in DNA extraction.

This full-time position demands attention to detail and experience with plant cultivation and insect dissections. Ideal candidates will be working under close supervision while ensuring accurate recordkeeping and lab maintenance.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of insect rearing and dissections.
• Experience with plant cultivation.
• Familiarity with PCR machines.

Responsibilities

• Care for and feed glassy‑winged sharpshooter insects.
• Grow multiple species of plants.
• Maintain greenhouse environment.
• Assist with DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing.
• Dissect adult sharpshooter insects.
• Document colony health in electronic and paper notebooks.
• Maintain and clean lab and support spaces.

Skills

Knowledge of insect rearing and dissections

Experience with plant cultivation

Familiarity with PCR machines

Attention to detail and recordkeeping

Job description

University of California, Riverside is looking for a lab technician to assist in maintaining glassy-winged sharpshooter colonies. Responsibilities include caring for insects, growing plants, and aiding in DNA extraction.

This full-time position demands attention to detail and experience with plant cultivation and insect dissections. Ideal candidates will be working under close supervision while ensuring accurate recordkeeping and lab maintenance.