PT Laboratory Technician, Limited Term

Chapman University; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Part time

Job summary

The Lab Technician position at Chapman University’s School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, is a part-time, non-exempt role reporting to the PI. It is a limited-term assignment with potential renewal based on funding.

The successful candidate will work in vivo with mouse models, perform molecular analyses, and generate reports for the PI and team. Applicants should have lab experience in molecular biology, rodent work, and cell culture, plus strong data collection and writing skills.

Qualifications

• Proven laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with rodents, genotyping, and cell culture.
• Strong data collection, analysis, and reporting skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Perform mouse handling, genotyping, and sample collection.
• Conduct in vivo experiments in mouse models.
• Prepare histology samples and perform microscopy.
• Carry out PCR, Western blot, and molecular assays.
• Maintain cell lines and assist with workflow optimization.
• Ensure safety and proper chemical handling.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genotyping

Cell culture

Data analysis

Lab techniques

Report writing

Autonomous work

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in biology/biochemistry

Tools

PCR

Western blot

Histology

Confocal microscopy

Job description

Overview

Position Title: PT Laboratory Technician, Limited Term

Position Type: Limited-Term

Job Number: SA85024

Full or Part Time: part-time 0-19 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification: Non-Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range: $20.00 per hour

Pay Range Information: Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Job Description Summary

The Lab Technician is a non-exempt, part-time staff position that reports to the Principal Investigator (PI)/Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Rinker Campus. This assignment is limited-term and may be considered for renewal based on available funding. The PI is looking for a research technician with experience in molecular biology, cell culture, and laboratory mouse work, to participate in an NIH-funded project. The successful candidate will conduct in vivo experiments in mouse models, analyze mouse tissue at a molecular level, and present data. The candidate will need to be methodical when carrying out duties and generate reports to submit to the laboratory PI. The job is on-site at Chapman University School of Pharmacy, in Irvine, California. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Responsibilities

• Perform mouse handling, tattooing, tail sampling, and genotyping.
• Determine mouse body temperature (rectal thermometry).
• Mouse blood collection, mouse behavior analysis, mouse organ dissection, thyroidectomy and mouse brain sectioning.
• Perform laboratory experiments in line with standard testing procedures.
• Perform histology sample preparation and confocal microscopy.
• Perform PCR, Western blot, and other techniques of molecular biology as needed.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines. Perform bacterial transformation and plasmid purification.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and procedures using established protocols, and assist with troubleshooting technical issues under the guidance provided by the PI.
• Assist with refining and optimizing laboratory procedures and workflows based on experimental observations and outcomes.
• Compile, organize, and summarize experimental data for review and discussion with the PI and research team.
• Help with lab supplies ordering and with lab maintenance.
• Set up, operate, clean, sterilize, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Procure, receive, label, and/or maintain chemicals or laboratory supplies.
• Ensure that safety guidelines are always adhered to in the laboratory.
• Organize and store all chemical substances, fluids, and compressed gases according to safety instructions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience working in a laboratory.
• Proven practical experience with techniques of molecular biology.
• Proven experience working with rodents and genotyping rodents.
• Working experience with cell lines and/or primary culture.
• Proficient in research methods, testing, and data collection, analysis, evaluation, report writing, independent discretion, and judgment. Comfortable handling potentially dangerous substances (flammable liquids, biohazards, etc.).
• Ability to work autonomously and in a timely manner to meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in Western blot, transfection, transformation.
• Experience in histology, confocal microscopy, mouse behavior analysis, mouse body temperature (rectal thermometry).

Special Instructions to Applicants

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.