Laboratory/Technical Assistant

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, and dental

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Life insurance

Employee discount programs

Job summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a temporary Laboratory/Technical Assistant for the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The Laboratory/Technical Assistant will conduct field and laboratory research under the direct supervision of senior personnel for a biodiversity and invasive species research group.

The responsibilities include processing samples, performing qPCR, maintaining records, ensuring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ecology or related field.
• Driver's license may be required.
• Experience in lab/field research preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive, store, extract samples, mix reagents, and analyze samples using qPCR under lab manager.
• Assist with field and laboratory eDNA experiments, including preparation, equipment setup, and cleanup while minimizing contamination.
• Maintain paper documentation, enter data into a database, QA/QC data, and provide summary reports to senior personnel.
• Maintain clean, safe working environment and inventory laboratory supplies and reagents.

Skills

qPCR

field research

lab protocols

data QA/QC

Education

Bachelors in ecology

Tools

DNA extraction

qPCR

PCR equipment

Job description

Position Details

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 temporary Laboratory/Technical Assistant for the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The Laboratory/Technical Assistant will conduct field and laboratory research under the direct supervision of senior personnel for a biodiversity and invasive species research group. The research will focus on the detection of invasive and rare species through the development of novel environmental DNA (eDNA) collection methodologies and assays.

• Receives, stores, and extracts samples, mix reagents, and analyze samples using qPCR in a scientifically rigorous fashion under the direction of the lab manager.
• Assists with field and laboratory eDNA experiments, including preparation, equipment setup, and cleanup while minimizing contamination under the direction of the research staff.
• Maintains all paper documentation in an organized fashion, enters relevant data into an electronic database, QA/QC data, and provides summary reports to senior personnel at regular intervals.
• Assists in maintaining a clean and safe working environment and inventories laboratory supplies and reagents at regular intervals.

FLSA

Nonexempt

Salary Details

$52,000

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

40 hours per week

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 ecology, natural resource management, environmental science, wildlife biology, molecular biology, forestry 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.

Certifications/Licenses

• A valid driver's license would be required for this position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of ecology and genetics, as well as the basic application and use of related concepts, theories, and terminology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven skill in laboratory and field-based research.
• Experience with DNA extractions and qPCR technology.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Activities will be conducted in both laboratory and field settings and will include eDNA field surveys, DNA extractions, PCR and qPCR analysis, DNA sequencing, and laboratory eDNA experiments.
• The position will require travel outside of New Jersey.
• This position will require access to a reliable vehicle or other dependable means of transportation.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, late evenings, and weekends, as needed.

Special Conditions

• Safe Driving Record.

Posting Details

• Posting Open Date: 09/23/2026
• Posting Close Date: 10/01/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
• Home Location Campus: Cook (RU-New Brunswick)
• City: New Brunswick
• State: NJ

Pre-employment Screening

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