Laboratory/Technical Assistant (Casual)

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, is seeking a Laboratory/Technical Assistant (Casual) to support the Waksman Student Scholars Program (WSSP). The role involves guiding high school students through molecular biology experiments, analyzing DNA sequences, and preparing data for publication.

The position is part-time, 19.5 hours per week, with pay between $20 and $30 per hour. A hybrid work arrangement may be available, with training and pre-employment checks as part of the process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience with pipetting, molar solutions, gels, and keeping lab records.
• Prior training in molecular biology or genetics lab settings.

Responsibilities

• Review student DNA clone analyses and give feedback in person or online.
• Perform BLAST analyses and searches of bioinformatic databases.
• Analyze unknown sequences and compare data with database results.
• Organize and submit sequences for publication in NCBI databases.

Skills

Pipetting

Molar solutions

Agarose gels

Protein gels

Genetic crosses

Lab records

Molecular biology training

Bioinformatics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Agarose gel electrophoresis

PCR

Microcentrifuges

BLAST

Protein translator programs

PubMed

PDB

Jmol

DNA sequence chromatogram viewers

Job description

Position Details

Recruitment/Posting Title: Laboratory/Technical Assistant (Casual)

Posting Number: 26TM0307

Department: Waksman Institute of Microbiol

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/Technical Assistant for the Waksman Student Scholars Program within the Waksman Institute. This role will support operation of the Waksman Students Scholars Program (WSSP), a year-round high school science outreach program. High school students in the WSSP isolate plasmid DNA clones generated from a species of plants and investigate the genes using molecular biology techniques in the laboratory and analysis of DNA sequences using online bioinformatics programs. The individual will report directly to the WSSP Program Directors.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Reviews the student's analysis of DNA clones and provides feedback and guidance both in person during the summer programs at Waksman Institute and on-line during the academic year.
• Performs BLAST analyses and searches of the bioinformatic databases on the students' DNA sequences.
• Analyzes 1000 "unknown" sequences, reviews the quality of the sequence data and perform searches of the bioinformatic databases to compare with the students' answers.
• Organizes and submits "unknown" DNA sequences analyzed by high school students for publication on the NCBI DNA databases.

FLSA: Nonexempt

Salary Details: $20 - $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: 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: Part Time

Working Hours: 19.5 hours per week

Work Arrangement: Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.

Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment: Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology or a related subfield (e.g., Genetics, Biochemistry, Neurobiology), 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:

• Abilities such as pipetting, creating molar solutions, running agarose and protein gels, planning genetic crosses of model organisms, and keeping laboratory records.
• Prior training in a molecular biology or genetics lab setting through course work or internship.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in basic molecular biology (pipetting, setting up bacterial cultures, setting up PCR and restriction digest, pouring and running agarose gels) and bioinformatics (analysis of DNA waveforms, BLAST, literature searches.

Equipment Utilized: Agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR, microcentrifuges. Software: DNA sequence chromatogram viewers, BLAST, protein translator programs, PubMed, PDB, Jmol.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Laboratory setting.
• Standing at a bench or walking around reviewing student's work for 10% of the time.

Special Conditions: The position will require training in the Protection of Minors and a background check to be able to work with minors.

Posting Details

Posting Open Date: 08/17/2026

Posting Close Date: 09/17/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Rutgers University - 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.