Laboratory Research Specialist (Seasonal)

Rutgers University; Piscataway Township (NJ); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, and dental

Paid vacation and holidays

Competitive retirement benefits

Educational benefits for employees and

Life insurance

Employee discount programs

Job summary

Rutgers University is seeking a seasonal Laboratory Research Specialist in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. The role involves imaging C. elegans samples using confocal microscopy, performing quantitative image analysis, and handling samples from ISS-flown and ground control experiments.

The incumbent will produce data summaries and communicate findings to the NASA team. The position is on-site, full-time equivalent, with a 40-hour work week, and is designated as a temporary

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus five years of relevant lab experience.
• Experience with C. elegans confocal imaging.
• Knowledge of C. elegans gut, neuronal anatomy, and microbiome biology.
• Expertise in statistical analysis of fluorescent images.

Responsibilities

• Performs imaging of C. elegans samples using confocal microscopy and conduct quantitative and comparative image analysis.
• Handles and stores samples from ISS-flown and ground control experiments, processes images, compares with imaging software, and conducts statistical analyses.
• Produces data summaries and communicates with NASA team on results.

Skills

C. elegans imaging

Confocal microscopy

Image quantification

Statistical analysis

Sample handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 5 years experience

Tools

Imaging software

Job description

Laboratory Research Specialist (Seasonal)

Recruitment/Posting Title

Laboratory Research Specialist (Seasonal)

Posting Number

26TM0356

Department

DLS Molecular Biology & Bioche

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 temporary Laboratory Research Specialist for the department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry within the School of Arts and Sciences.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Performs imaging of C. elegans samples using confocal microscopy and conduct quantitative and comparative image analysis.
• Handles and stores samples from ISS -flown and ground control experiments, processes images, compares with imaging software, and conducts statistical analyses.
• Produces data summaries and communicates with NASA team on results.

FLSA

Nonexempt

Salary Details

Salary Details $50.00 per hour

Offer Information

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.

Benefits

• 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

Up to 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 - Hourly

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of five years experience, or an equivalent combination of education/experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience with C. elegans confocal imaging and quantification of fluorescent image signals.
• Experience with processing of frozen and fixed C. elegans samples.
• Knowledge of C. elegans gut, neuronal anatomy, and microbiome biology.
• Expertise in statistical analysis of fluorescent images.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in related field.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Special Conditions

Posting Open Date

10/01/2026

Posting Close Date

10/09/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus

Home Location Campus

Busch (RU-New Brunswick)

City

Piscataway

State

NJ

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

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of five years experience, or an equivalent combination of education or experience?
• Yes
• No

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents

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: Non-Discrimination-Statement.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation with regard to your access to and/or your participation in the application and selection processes (for example, the online application process or interviews), please call 848-932-3973 or e-mail us.

Rutgers University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact us at 732.745.7378 or via email at [e-mail].

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