Laboratory Technician - PFAS Bioanalysis and Molecular Biology

University of Rhode Island; Kingston (RI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rhode Island is seeking a Laboratory Technician – PFAS Bioanalysis and Molecular Biology on its Kingston, RI campus. You will support PFAS measurement in biological specimens using LC-MS/MS, perform molecular biology tasks, and assist with mouse studies as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

A bachelor’s degree in biomedical or related sciences is required, with preferred experience in analytical chemistry, PCR/genotyping, and handling laboratory animals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, biology, toxicology, molecular biology, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Process and prepare serum, plasma, and tissue specimens for quantitative PFAS analysis by LC-MS/MS.
• Perform routine molecular biology procedures, including DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and PCR-based genotyping of mouse colonies.
• Assist with maintenance of genetically modified mouse colonies, including animal identification, record keeping, breeding records, and genotyping.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, biology, toxicology, molecular biology, or closely related field

Tools

LC-MS/MS

Job description

80 Lower College Road, Kingston, RI 02881

Laboratory Technician – PFAS Bioanalysis and Molecular Biology

Job Description Summary

About URI: The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State’s flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.

The Laboratory Technician will provide technical support for research focused on the measurement of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biological specimens and laboratory studies investigating mechanisms of PFAS disposition and toxicity. The technician will process serum, plasma, and tissue samples for quantitative analysis by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), perform routine molecular biology procedures, and assist with mouse studies. This position is appropriate for an individual with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biological sciences, or a related discipline and provides opportunities to develop expertise in analytical chemistry, molecular biology, toxicology, and experimental animal research.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Process and prepare serum, plasma, and tissue specimens for quantitative PFAS analysis by LC-MS/MS, including tissue weighing, homogenization, centrifugation, aliquoting, extraction, and protein precipitation.
• Prepare calibration standards, quality-control samples, isotope-labeled internal standards, buffers, solvents, and other analytical reagents.
• Conduct PFAS extractions using established procedures and assist with LC-MS/MS operation, routine maintenance, data processing, and quality-control assessment under the supervision of senior laboratory personnel.
• Perform general molecular biology procedures, including DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and PCR‑based genotyping of mouse colonies.
• Prepare PCR master mixes, primers, buffers, agarose gels, and other reagents and maintain appropriate documentation of genotyping results.
• Assist with maintenance of genetically modified mouse colonies, including animal identification, record keeping, breeding records, and coordination of genotyping.
• Perform basic mouse handling and restraint and assist trained research personnel with procedures such as weighing animals, dosing, blood collection, necropsy, and collection of tissues and biological specimens in accordance with approved IACUC protocols.
• Process, label, aliquot, store, and maintain inventories of biological specimens generated from animal studies.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, electronic records, sample inventories, freezer inventories, and experimental documentation.
• Participate in laboratory quality‑assurance/quality‑control activities and follow procedures designed to minimize background PFAS contamination.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies and support routine laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, solution preparation, equipment cleaning, and organization of laboratory workspaces.
• Follow institutional environmental health and safety, biosafety, chemical hygiene, animal welfare, and research compliance requirements.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, biology, toxicology, molecular biology, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Previous laboratory experience with biological samples, PCR /genotyping, analytical chemistry, chromatography, mass spectrometry, or laboratory animals is preferred.
2. Demonstrate strong organizational and record‑keeping skills and attention to detail.
3. Proficiency with basic laboratory calculations, ability to follow written protocols, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

EEO Statement

URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state’s public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts. All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.

Environmental Conditions

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS : This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

The position is full-time, calendar year, limited to 07/31/2027 with anticipated renewal.

Posting Number

SF02248

Job Title

Laboratory Technician – PFAS Bioanalysis and Molecular Biology

Position Number

PS# 00008229

FTE

1.00

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Position Type

Professional Staff

Union

PTAA - Professional/Tech/Admin Assoc

Pay Grade Range Salary Hiring Range

$55,000 - $60,000

Status

Calendar Year, Full-time, Limited

Campus Location

Kingston

Grant Funded

No

Posting Date

11/05/2026

Closing Date

11/16/2026