Laboratory Technician - WVU Cancer Institute

West Virginia University; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37.5-hour work week

13 paid holidays

24 annual leave days

18 sick days per year

Health insurance

401(a) retirement match

Wellness programs

Job summary

West Virginia University’s Cancer Institute is seeking a Laboratory Technician – Biochemistry to support basic and translational research through processing, analysis, and documentation of specimens. The role involves cell culture, sample preparation, and managing animal colony activities with strict adherence to protocols and regulations.

The ideal candidate holds a biology-related bachelor’s degree and up to six months of lab experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• 0-6 months of experience in research or laboratory-based work.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• All qualifications must be met by time of employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory procedures including buffer preparation, cell culture work, specimen processing, centrifugation, aliquoting, pipetting, labeling, cell counting, and sample preparation.
• Conduct research animal (mice) colony management, health assessment, and procedures including blood collection and tissue collection.
• Process, document, store, and organize research specimens per standard procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records using electronic databases and tracking systems.
• Coordinate research activities with clinical and other research teams.
• Monitor inventory and maintain laboratory materials and equipment; schedule repairs as needed.
• Ensure compliance with safety, QA, regulatory, and institutional guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized lab and be ready for inspections.
• Participate in trainings and mentor other lab personnel.

Skills

Biochemical techniques

Laboratory safety

Data entry and records

Organization and detail oriented

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological/Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field

Tools

Laboratory information systems

Electronic records systems

Job description

The Cancer Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Laboratory Technician.

About the Opportunity

The WVU Cancer Institute is seeking a Laboratory Technician - Biochemistry to support basic and translational research activities through the processing, analysis, documentation, storage, and inventory of research specimens. This position performs biochemical and laboratory procedures in accordance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, and institutional standards. The successful candidate will work independently in a fast-paced research environment and contribute to the integrity and quality of laboratory operations.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Perform laboratory procedures including buffer preparation, cell culture work, specimen processing, centrifugation, aliquoting, pipetting, labeling, cell counting, and sample preparation.
• Perform research animal (mice) colony management, health assessment, and research procedures including blood collection, injection of drugs or cells, tissue collection, and analysis.
• Process, document, store, and organize research specimens according to laboratory standard procedures, protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records using electronic databases and tracking systems.
• Coordinate research-related activities with clinical and other research teams.
• Monitor laboratory inventory, prepare study materials, and maintain laboratory equipment in operational state; schedule repairs as needed.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality assurance, regulatory, and institutional guidelines.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and inspection-ready laboratory environment.
• Participate in required trainings as needed
• Participate in training other lab personnel in mastered procedures and protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological or Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• 0-6 months of experience in the following:
  • Research or laboratory-based work experience
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic biological processes, basic biochemical laboratory techniques, and aseptic procedures.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications and laboratory data systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in Biological or Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field preferred
• One to two years of laboratory or research-related experience.
• Experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, or clinical research, and laboratory operations.
• Familiarity with laboratory information systems, electronic records, and specimen tracking and inventory systems.
• Animal work certification is preferred.

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.