Laboratory/Tech Assistant

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Vacation & leave benefits

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University is seeking a Laboratory/Tech Assistant for the Department of Animal Sciences in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. This temporary, part-time role supports research focused on retinoids in cellular communication, working on-site in New Brunswick, NJ.

Responsibilities include maintaining lung cell cultures, performing qRT-PCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescent assays, and assisting with lab records and procurement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, or related discipline.
• Knowledge of safety and lab procedures to ensure safe operation.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and computer literacy skills (Word/Excel/PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Maintain and work with cultures of mouse and human lung cells and perform analyses (morphology, qRT-PCR, protein detection).
• Execute protocols for culturing primary lung cells and lung-derived cell lines as monocultures and co-cultures.
• Handle molecular characterization of cell interactions using established in vitro cultures.
• Order supplies, organize lab records, and maintain equipment in consultation with PI and admin.

Skills

Safety procedures

Organizational skills

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in biochemistry/cell & molecular biology

Tools

qRT-PCR

Immunoblot

Immunofluorescence

Job description

Position Details

Recruitment/Posting Title: Laboratory/Tech Assistant

Posting Number: 26TM0319

Department: Animal Science

Overview

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics.

In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Laboratory/Tech Assistant for the Department of Animal Sciences within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS). This is a temporary part-time position in the laboratory of Igor Shmarakov, Ph.D. The Laboratory/Tech Assistant will provide assistance to a project aimed at exploring the role of retinoids in cellular communication.

Duties

• Maintains and utilizes cultures of mouse and human lung cells, lung tissue and cell morphological and functional analyses, qRT-PCR analysis of gene expression, and immunoblot and immunofluorescent detection of protein expression.
• Executes protocols and procedures for culturing mouse and human primary lung cells and lung-derived cell lines as monocultures and co-cultures (organoids).
• Handles molecular characterization (cell morphology, gene expression, biological outcomes) of cell interactions using established in vitro cultures.
• Orders supplies, organizes lab records, and maintains equipment, in consultation with Principal Investigator and department administration.

FLSA

Nonexempt

Salary

$25 - $30 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

Part Time

Working Hours

Up to 19.5 hours per week

Work Arrangement

This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment

Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, cell and molecular 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

• Knowledge of safety and lab procedures to ensure smooth laboratory operation and in accordance with all safety requirements to ensure the safety of lab members.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal skills, and computer literacy, including proficiency in Word, Excel and Power Point.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bookkeeping aptitude is desirable.

Posting Details

Posting Open Date: 09/09/2026

Posting Close Date: 09/17/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Cook (RU-New Brunswick)

City: New Brunswick

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