Lab Assistant — Bioengineering Support (Flexible Work)

The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota; Austin (MN); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hormel Institute in Austin, MN, seeks a Laboratory Technician to support the Aslanidi Lab's gene therapy and vaccine research. You will perform essential lab maintenance, prepare materials, manage inventory, and help ensure safety and compliance across facilities.

The role offers flexible work options with on-site, partial remote, or fully remote arrangements where feasible, based in Minnesota and involving occasional on-site activities.

Responsibilities

• 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, ethanol burners.
• Ensure laboratory spaces remain organized and compliant with safety and operational standards.
• Prepare buffers, media, and standard laboratory solutions following established protocols.
• Assist with preparation of bacterial agar plates, bacterial grow medium and other routine materials needed for experiments.
• Maintain consistency and accuracy in preparation processes.
• 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.
• 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.

Job description

The Hormel Institute in Austin, MN, seeks a Laboratory Technician to support the Aslanidi Lab's gene therapy and vaccine research. You will perform essential lab maintenance, prepare materials, manage inventory, and help ensure safety and compliance across facilities.

The role offers flexible work options with on-site, partial remote, or fully remote arrangements where feasible, based in Minnesota and involving occasional on-site activities.