Laboratory Technician

Texas A&M University System; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The Laboratory Technician role at Texas A&M AgriLife Research in College Station, TX, supports honey bee microbiome research by preparing materials, assisting with experiments, and documenting procedures. This position involves careful lab work, basic microbiology tasks, and outdoor apiary activities.

Requirements include an associate degree and at least one year of lab experience, with preferred beekeeping experience and a willingness to work outdoors and in a team setting.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of related lab work experience.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established laboratory protocols.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Willingness to work with honey bees and perform outdoor work when required.

Responsibilities

• Assist researchers with honey bee microbiome experiments and related laboratory tasks.
• Prepare materials, buffers, media, and other supplies for experiments and record procedures.
• Follow established protocols and accurately document procedures and results.
• Assist with basic microbiology and molecular biology procedures as needed.
• Autoclave laboratory materials and help with cleaning and sterilization of reusable supplies.
• Maintain laboratory spaces and equipment and ensure commonly used materials are stocked.

Skills

Lab experience

Beekeeping

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree

Job description

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Agency: Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department: Entomology

Proposed Minimum Salary: $15.85 hourly

Job Location: College Station, Texas

Job Type: Staff

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Job Summary

The Laboratory Technician, under general supervision, prepares and maintains laboratory equipment.

Job Responsibilities

Experimental Support

• Assist researchers with laboratory and field experiments related to the honey bee microbiome and bee health.
• Prepare materials and supplies needed for experiments.
• Follow established experimental protocols and accurately document procedures and results.
• Assist with basic microbiology and molecular biology procedures as needed.

Laboratory Support and Maintenance

• Support laboratory members with routine laboratory tasks.
• Prepare buffers, media, and other materials for microbiology and molecular biology experiments.
• Autoclave laboratory materials and assist with cleaning and sterilization of reusable laboratory supplies.
• Clean, organize, and maintain laboratory workspaces and shared equipment.
• Help ensure that commonly used laboratory materials are stocked and readily available.

Apiary Maintenance

• Assist with the maintenance and management of a small research apiary of fewer than 10 honey bee colonies.
• Conduct routine hive inspections and help monitor colony health.
• Assist with collection of bees, brood, and other materials required for research experiments.
• Maintain accurate records of hive inspections and colony conditions.

Laboratory Organization, Inventory, and Purchasing

• Monitor laboratory inventory and identify supplies that need to be reordered.
• Assist with purchasing laboratory and research supplies.
• Maintain organized records of purchases, orders, and laboratory inventory.
• Receive and organize incoming laboratory supplies.
• Assist with orientation and training of new laboratory members in routine laboratory procedures and organization.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of related lab work experience.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience working in a research or academic laboratory.
• Experience with basic microbiology or molecular biology techniques.
• Experience preparing laboratory solutions, media, or materials.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and standard laboratory procedures.
• Previous beekeeping or apiary experience.
• Experience with inventory management, purchasing, or laboratory organization.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established laboratory protocols.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Attention to detail and commitment to laboratory safety.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a research team.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory, field, and beekeeping techniques.
• Ability to perform routine physical tasks associated with laboratory and apiary work, including lifting and moving boxes, laboratory supplies, and beekeeping equipment.
• Willingness to work with honey bees and perform outdoor work when required.

Important Notice Regarding H1‑B Sponsorship

Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H‑1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H‑1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employmen