Part-Time Laboratory Technician

St. John's University; Hempfield Township (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

St. John's University in New York is seeking a part-time laboratory technician to support an NIH R16‑funded research program in the Department of Biological Sciences. You will perform Western blotting and related molecular biology experiments, generating high-quality, reproducible data.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, hands-on Western blotting experience, and meticulous recordkeeping. Work is approximately 20 hours per week with scheduling during standard business hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with laboratory experience.
• Hands-on Western blotting experience required.
• Ability to generate reproducible data and follow protocols.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform Western blotting including sample prep, SDS-PAGE, transfer, and imaging.
• Maintain detailed records of samples, conditions, and results.
• Cultivate mammalian cells and prepare lysates for analysis.
• Assist with related molecular biology experiments for NIH project.
• Follow standardized Western blot procedures to improve reproducibility.
• Communicate progress and troubleshoot with the PI and team.

Skills

Western blotting

Mammalian cell culture

Laboratory techniques

Pipetting

Documentation

Safety procedures

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

LI-COR Odyssey

Image Studio

Job description

St. John's, established in 1870, has two New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University's outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John's University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John's is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.

Job Summary

This part‑time laboratory technician position supports an NIH R16‑funded research program in the Department of Biological Sciences. The primary responsibility of this position is to perform Western blotting and related cell and molecular biology experiments and to generate high-quality, reproducible experimental data.

Job Responsibilities

• Independently perform Western blotting experiments, including protein sample preparation, SDS‑PAGE, membrane transfer, blocking, primary and secondary antibody incubation, washing, imaging, and quantitative analysis.
• Optimize and troubleshoot Western blotting conditions to obtain reproducible, publication-quality data.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, including sample information, experimental conditions, raw images, and quantitative results.
• Perform mammalian cell culture and prepare cell lysates for biochemical analysis.
• Assist with routine molecular and cellular biology experiments related to the NIH‑funded research project.
• Establish and follow standardized Western blotting procedures to improve experimental reproducibility within the laboratory.
• Assist faculty and students with Western blotting techniques and troubleshooting as needed.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, and stocks required for Western blotting and related experiments.
• Maintain and appropriately use laboratory equipment related to protein analysis and cell culture.
• Follow University laboratory safety, biosafety, and research compliance requirements.
• Communicate experimental progress, technical problems, and results clearly with the Principal Investigator and other research team members.

Competencies, Education, Experience

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant hands‑on laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience performing Western blotting independently.
• Demonstrated ability to follow experimental protocols accurately and generate reproducible laboratory results.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific field.
• Previous research experience in an academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or biomedical research laboratory.
• Substantial hands‑on experience with Western blotting and protein analysis.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and related molecular or cellular biology techniques.

Required Qualifications And Skills

• Western blotting proficiency: Demonstrated hands‑on experience performing Western blotting independently and producing consistent, high-quality results.
• Western blot troubleshooting: Ability to identify and correct common problems involving sample preparation, electrophoresis, protein transfer, antibody conditions, background, signal intensity, and imaging.
• Experimental reproducibility: Ability to follow standardized procedures carefully and reproduce experimental results across independent experiments.
• Laboratory technique: Strong pipetting, solution preparation, sample handling, and general laboratory skills.
• Experimental documentation: Ability to maintain accurate and organized laboratory records and appropriately document raw experimental data.
• Attention to detail: High level of accuracy in sample preparation, reagent preparation, experimental execution, and recordkeeping.
• Problem solving: Ability to recognize technical problems and independently identify reasonable troubleshooting approaches.
• Communication and teamwork: Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers.
• Safety awareness: Understanding of and adherence to laboratory safety and biosafety procedures.

Preferred Qualifications And Skills

• Experience performing Western blotting in a biomedical research laboratory, particularly where Western blot data were used for research presentations, manuscripts, or publications.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture.
• Experience preparing protein lysates and performing protein quantification assays.
• Experience with fluorescence‑based Western blot imaging and quantitative analysis.
• Experience with LI‑COR Odyssey or similar fluorescence imaging systems.
• Familiarity with Image Studio or other software used for Western blot quantification.
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, transfection, or cell‑based assays.
• Experience training or assisting other laboratory personnel with Western blotting techniques.

Supervisory Responsibility

Not applicable. The position may provide technical guidance and hands‑on assistance to students performing Western blotting and related laboratory procedures but does not have formal supervisory responsibility.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Ability to complete mandatory University laboratory safety and compliance training.
• Ability to work independently after appropriate orientation to laboratory‑specific procedures.
• Commitment to accurate recordkeeping, research integrity, and reproducible experimental practices.
• Willingness to participate in a standardized technical skills assessment as part of the selection process, if necessary.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change as needed to meet the requirements of the NIH‑funded research program and St. John's University.

Supplemental Information

Work Environment

This position operates in a biomedical research laboratory within the Department of Biological Sciences. The technician will routinely use laboratory equipment including micropipettes, centrifuges, electrophoresis and protein‑transfer systems, fluorescence imaging equipment, biosafety cabinets, incubators, microscopes, balances, and computers.

The work involves handling mammalian cell cultures, biological samples, antibodies, chemicals, and common laboratory reagents in accordance with institutional safety and biosafety requirements.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, move within the laboratory, and use hands for precise laboratory procedures such as pipetting and sample handling.

The employee may occasionally be required to lift or move laboratory supplies or equipment weighing up to 20 lbs. Close vision and the ability to distinguish and evaluate experimental samples and images are required.

Environmental Conditions

The Work Environment May Involve Routine Exposure To

• Common laboratory chemicals, reagents, odors, or vapors.
• Biological samples and mammalian cell cultures.
• Laboratory equipment including centrifuges, electrophoresis systems, transfer equipment, imaging systems, incubators, and biosafety cabinets.
• Sharps and other routine laboratory hazards.

Appropriate personal protective equipment, safety training, and laboratory‑specific training will be provided. The employee must comply with St. John's University and applicable federal laboratory safety and biosafety requirements.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a part‑time position contingent upon the availability of NIH R16 grant funding. The anticipated workload is approximately 20 hours per week, with scheduling arranged during standard business hours Monday through Friday.

Some flexibility in scheduling may be necessary because certain experimental procedures, including Western blotting and cell culture, may require work to be performed at specific times.

Travel

Not applicable.

• Important Note- St. John's is NOT an E-Verify Employer

St. John's offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. St. John's University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and