Laboratory Technician Senior

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring program

Staff development funding

Tuition credit for graduate studies

Professional development opportunities

Exceptional Benefits

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Laboratory Technician Senior to join the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Department of Entomology. This position supports a research program focused on the molecular analysis of hormone action, insecticide resistance, and RNA interference in insects and ticks.

The successful candidate will conduct laboratory experiments, manage research activities, support laboratory operations, and contribute to publications and presentations

Qualifications

• BS in Biology or Entomology required; MS preferred.
• Experience with laboratory research and data handling.
• Knowledge of molecular biology and laboratory safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing laboratory research activities under a project director.
• Conduct molecular analyses and RNA interference studies in insects and ticks.
• Rear arthropods and perform nucleic acid and protein analysis.
• Collect, analyze, and present research data for publications.

Skills

Planning

Organization

Time management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Statistical analysis

Graphics software

Molecular biology

Laboratory safety

Team collaboration

Education

BS in Biology or Entomology

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Shift Monday – Friday; 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Job Title Laboratory Technician Senior
Requisition Number RE55876
Department Name 81080:ENTOMOLOGY
Work Location Lexington, KY
Grade Level 40
Salary Range $15.61-24.99/hour
Type of Position Staff
Position Time Status Full-Time
Required Education BS
Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience 1 yr
Required License/Registration/Certification None
Physical Requirements Standing for long periods of time; Lifting objects up to 25 lbs.
Shift Monday – Friday; 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Job Summary

Advance Research on Insect and Tick Biology Through Molecular Science

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Laboratory Technician Senior to join the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Department of Entomology. This position supports a research program focused on the molecular analysis of hormone action, insecticide resistance, and RNA interference in insects and ticks. The successful candidate will conduct laboratory experiments, manage research activities, support laboratory operations, and contribute to publications and presentations that advance understanding of disease vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in managing laboratory research activities under the direction of the project director.
• Conduct experiments involving molecular analysis of hormone action, insecticide resistance, and RNA interference in insects and ticks.
• Rear insects, feed ticks, and perform isolation and analysis of nucleic acids and proteins using techniques including gel electrophoresis.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and prepare research data for scientific presentations and publications.
• Manage laboratory supplies, maintain inventory of chemicals and materials, and support efficient laboratory operations.
• Oversee laboratory safety practices and train students on laboratory safety procedures.
• Participate in professional development activities and support organizational improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong planning, organization, and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of laboratory hygiene, safety practices, and research methods.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with statistical analysis and graphics software.
• Knowledge of biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment and support student training.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1 year of related experience

What’s In It For You

• Opportunity to contribute to research focused on the biology, endocrinology, and management of disease vectors, including mosquitoes and ticks.
• Access to a formal mentoring program that supports professional growth and career development.
• Eligibility for staff development funding to support continued learning and skill enhancement.
• Opportunities for professional development, including tuition credit for graduate studies.
• Recognition programs that celebrate employee contributions and achievements.
• Join a collaborative college community committed to excellence, learning, communication, flexibility, competence, and respect.
• UK’s Exceptional Benefits

Why Now?

Research on insect and tick biology plays a critical role in advancing strategies for managing disease vectors and addressing challenges related to insecticide resistance. This position provides essential support for ongoing laboratory investigations that generate scientific knowledge and contribute to the research mission of the Department of Entomology.

As research activities continue to expand in molecular and physiological studies of insects and ticks, this role will help ensure high-quality laboratory operations, reliable data collection, student training, and continued progress toward scientific publications and research outcomes.

Potential candidates should include a current copy of their CV and information for three references that may be contacted within the required cover letter as part of their application.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Data collection, rearing and collecting of arthropods and plants, organization of laboratory, ordering of supplies, supervision of undergraduate student workers and coordination of graduate student research projects. Knowledge of experimental design and statistical analysis, scientific writing, editing and proof reading, knowledge of molecular biology.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Preferred Education/Experience

BS in Biology or Entomology required, preferred MS in Entomology with emphasis on physiology; one to two years of experience in molecular methods or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Drivers license preferred.

Deadline to Apply

10/05/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.