Lab Technician Student Worker: Tick-Borne Disease Research

East Stroudsburg University; East Stroudsburg (Monroe County); Hybrid; USD 14,000 - 19,000; Part time

Job summary

Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute is seeking a Laboratory Technician Student Worker to support RNA/DNA work, perform extractions, and assist with qPCR testing. The role includes data handling, equipment calibration, and field-related tick collection tasks.

Candidates should be ESU biology students with GPA 3.0+, capable of independent work, and willing to work evenings or weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Understanding of DNA extraction and PCR is preferred.
• Self-motivated, organized, independent, and eager to learn a breadth of techniques.
• Evening and/or weekend work may be required.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem solving, verbal and written skills.
• Works well in small and large groups.
• Current ESU student pursuing a bachelor's or graduate degree in biological sciences with GPA 3.0+.

Responsibilities

• Adherence to laboratory safety procedures and Standards of Practice are essential.
• Clean and calibrate scientific equipment.
• Assist Laboratory Technicians with tests using DNA extractions, PCR and gel electrophoresis.
• Inputting data into computer programs and interpreting results.
• Analyzing and interpreting data.
• Identifying and testing ticks for various tick-borne pathogens.

Skills

DNA extraction

PCR

Data entry

Lab safety

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Time management

Attention to detail

English writing

Education

ESU student in Biological sciences

GPA 3.0+

Tools

qPCR

Job description

Laboratory Technician Student Worker

The Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute is seeking studentworkers in our vector borne disease laboratory, testing ticks submitted to thelaboratory for disease agents, traveling to field sites to collect ticks andidentification of ticks. This is a unique opportunity to support research onvector borne disease. The candidate will perform a variety of functions in supportof the research group. Primary duties will involve projects that are focused onthe evaluation of RNA/DNA, handling, identifying, and storing samples and assistingwith qPCR sample testing. The student work will also be responsible forcleaning and calibrating equipment, measuring compounds and preparing solutionsfor use.

Responsibilities

• Adherence to laboratory safety procedures and Standards of Practice are essential.
  
• Clean and calibrate scientific equipment.
  
• Assist Laboratory Technicians with carrying out tests using scientific techniques, such as DNA extractions, polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis.
  
• Inputting data into computer programs..
  
• Analyzing and interpreting data.
  
• Identifying and testing ticks for various tick-borne pathogens.

Required Skills

• Understanding of DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is preferred.
  
• Successful candidates will be self-motivated, organized, independent, and eager to learn a breadth of techniques.
  
• Occasional evening and/or weekend work will be required.
  
• Must have excellent critical thinking, problem solving, verbal and written skills, deductive reasoning and highly perceptive and detail-oriented.
  
• Successful candidate must work well in small and large groups.
• Current ESU studentpursuing a bachelors or graduate degree in biological sciences, or related degree, with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Hours: 20 hours a week

Pay: $12.00 per hour

Employment Eligibility & University Commitment

Must be at least 18 years old and be able to read and write English. Employment with ESU is contingent on the selected candidate passing a thorough background check that includes: FBI fingerprinting, PA Child Abuse, and employment. We are proud ESU is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on President Long's 10-point plan, click here: https://www.esu.edu/president/10-action-plan.cfm