Laboratory Research Assistant

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid leave

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Job summary

Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, seeks a Laboratory Research Assistant for Dr. Tina Liu’s CABM lab in New Brunswick. The role offers hands-on molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry work with direct mentorship from the PI and senior staff.

Responsibilities include maintaining lab operations, training students, and contributing to CRISPR biology research while adhering to safety and quality standards. The position is fully on-site and pays a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field required.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with molecular biology/biochemistry techniques within the last two years.
• Ability to follow protocols, record data meticulously, and maintain organized records.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; basic computer skills for data entry and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry techniques including nucleic acid work and enzymatic assays.
• Help manage laboratory operations: ordering supplies, inventory, and vendor communications.
• Prepare growth media, buffers, and reagents; label and store materials correctly.
• Maintain equipment, coordinate repairs, and ensure a clean, safe lab space.
• Keep detailed electronic lab notebook records and report progress regularly.
• Assist in training students and new staff; participate in protocol discussions.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Lab techniques

Data management

Education

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or related field

Tools

Electronic Lab Notebooks

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Details

Recruitment/Posting Title: Laboratory Research Assistant

Posting Number: 26TM0364

Department: Advanced Biotechnology & Medic

Overview

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.

For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Laboratory Research Assistant for Dr. Tina Liu's laboratory in the Center for Advanced Biotechnology & Medicine (CABM).

CABM is a multidisciplinary hub for biomedical research at Rutgers University, whose mission is to make fundamental discoveries and develop new technologies that can be translated to improve human health.

The Liu lab seeks to explore the mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas systems, and engineer their components for nucleic acid sensing, diagnostics, and other biotechnological applications. Under the guidance and direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Tina Liu, the Laboratory Research Assistant will provide experimental support to ongoing research projects while contributing to the daily operations of the laboratory. This opportunity offers a chance to learn and execute a variety of methods in molecular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology, as well as gain valuable experience in laboratory management. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape culture within a new and growing laboratory and contribute to innovative research in CRISPR biology and biotechnology. The incumbent will receive direct mentorship from the Principal Investigator and other senior lab staff, assist with training students and new staff, and collaborate within a dynamic research environment. Visit https://sites.rutgers.edu/tina-liu-lab/ for more information about our laboratory.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Performs molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry techniques, including nucleic acid extraction and purification, in vitro transcription, protein expression and purification, molecular cloning, enzymatic assays, and related methods.
• Assists with managing laboratory operations, including ordering and restocking supplies, tracking inventory levels, organizing laboratory materials, and communicating with vendors for purchasing new equipment/supplies.
• Prepares microbiological growth media, agar plates, buffers, stock solutions, competent cells, stains, and other standard reagents for lab-wide usage while ensuring proper labeling, storage, and quality.
• Performs routine maintenance, calibration, and cleaning of laboratory equipment, and coordinates with vendors for equipment repairs and/or troubleshooting.
• Keeps detailed records of experimental procedures and data using an electronic lab notebook, and presents periodic progress reports.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized lab space, including routine unpacking and storage of laboratory supplies.
• Participates in discussions with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory members regarding laboratory protocols and research procedures and recommends revisions where necessary.
• Assists with training students and new staff as directed.

FLSA: Nonexempt

Salary Details: $40,000 - $50,000

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status: Full Time

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Daily Work Shift: Day

Work Arrangement: This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment: Temporary Staff Appointment - Salaried 12 Month

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in molecular and cell biology, chemistry, genetics, bioengineering, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical biology, or a related scientific/technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and/or relevant laboratory technician or research study experience carrying out research protocols and tests, or other technical work may be substituted for the degree.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Recent hands-on laboratory experience with molecular biology and/or biochemistry techniques (within the last two years).
• Ability to accurately and consistently follow laboratory protocols to perform experimental work, collect data, properly store and organize experimental data, and maintain detailed laboratory records.
• Strong communication, collaboration/teamwork, and organizational skills are required.
• Basic computer skills are required, including the ability to use Microsoft Office and electronic laboratory notebooks for data entry, protocol organization, progress report preparation, order tracking, and maintaining inventory levels.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Past experience with molecular biology and biochemical procedures, such as protein expression and purification, DNA extraction and purification, enzymatic assays, binding assays, in vitro transcription and/or microbiological culturing techniques.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Laboratory Environment
• University safety precautions are mandatory

Special Conditions:

• Qualified applicants must meet the minimum education and experience requirements by the start date of the position. A reasonable extent of flexibility may be available regarding the anticipated position start date.

Posting Details

Posting Open Date: 10/06/2026

Posting Close Date: 11/06/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Busch (RU-New Brunswick)

City: Piscataway

State: NJ

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement