Laboratory Technologist II

Mississippi State University; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a Laboratory Technologist II in Miami, Florida, to support molecular assays for fisheries monitoring. Responsibilities include developing qPCR assays, extracting environmental DNA, and maintaining lab records. Candidates should hold a B.S. in related fields and have experience with qPCR protocols. The role offers opportunities for collaboration, learning, and potential fieldwork. Join a team dedicated to innovative research in environmental sciences.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing qPCR or digital PCR assays.
• Expected to routinely meet with supervisor and laboratory users.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize new qPCR assays.
• Extract DNA from environmental samples.
• Perform PCR and qPCR on eDNA samples.
• Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook.

Skills

Molecular biology experience

qPCR protocol development

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

B.S. degree in marine sciences, biology, bioengineering or related field

Master’s degree (M.S.) in marine sciences, biology, bioengineering or related field

Job description

Apply now Job no: 510553
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 191001 - Northern Gulf Institute
Location: Miami, FL
Categories: Professional
Position Open Date: Apr 30 2026

Position Function

The Northern Gulf Institute at Mississippi State University is hiring a Laboratory Technologist II to support the development and application of molecular assays to support fisheries and biodiversity monitoring. This position is based at NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) in Miami, Florida. This lab technician position will primarily involve molecular biology laboratory work, but will also provide opportunities for bioinformatics computational work. Experience with molecular biology laboratory techniques and developing quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays is expected, but ample learning opportunities for growth and development will be provided. The successful applicant will work in a highly collaborative environment, assisting in the transition of advanced 'omics technologies from the lab to large-scale fisheries and ecological surveys.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize new qPCR assays.
• Extract DNA from environmental samples.
• Perform PCR and qPCR on environmental DNA samples.
• Prepare and submit DNA samples for sequencing.
• Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook documenting all lab work.
• Assist in training personnel on optimized protocols and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. degree in the marine sciences, biology, bioengineering, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing qPCR or digital PCR assays, including primer design and validation.
• Expected to routinely meet with supervisor, advisors and laboratory users (NOAA and Cooperative Institute scientists, as well as interns).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree (M.S.) in the marine sciences, biology, bioengineering, or related field.
• Experience developing PCR protocols for DNA metabarcoding and library preparation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Significant molecular biology experience including developing qPCR protocols for eDNA quantification.
• Ability to work effectively within a team of federal scientists and academic contractors.
• Attention to detail regarding laboratory QA/QC and the maintenance of comprehensive electronic and physical records.
• Strong organizational and communications skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Occasional and/or light lifting required. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., but none to the point of being disagreeable. May involve minor safety hazards where likely result would be cuts, bruises, etc. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, ability to distinguish colors. Routine deadlines, usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressure from persons other than immediate supervisor. May occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and could have opportunities to participate in fieldwork that could require movement across uneven environmental terrain such as beach sand, shallow waters, or work aboard small boats or research vessels.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325‑5839.

Accommodation Statement

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail] . If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325‑3713 or [e-mail] . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Advertised: Apr 30 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: