Research Lab Technician - Dr. Wan's Lab

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The Influenza Systems Biology Laboratory at University of Missouri (MU) is seeking a Research Lab Technician to support experiments in influenza and emerging infectious diseases, combining laboratory, clinical and computational approaches.

You will assist with animal experiments in mice, ferrets, swine and avian species, manage routine lab tasks, perform serological and molecular analyses after training, and train students to achieve research goals in a BSL-2/ABSL-2 to BSL-3 setting.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or an equivalent combination of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
• Prior research experience in infectious diseases is preferred.
• Prior experience in necropsy and animal handling background is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with animal experiments using various animal models such as mice, ferrets, swine, and avian species.
• Assist with routine lab management tasks such as maintenance, inventory, and reagent preparation.
• Assist with influenza and other emerging infectious disease surveillance efforts.
• Perform necropsy on research animals following standard operating procedures.
• Conduct assays to achieve scientific objectives after training, such as serological assays (e.g., hemagglutination inhibition, ELISA, and neutralization), ELISpot, virus propagation and purification, cell culture, RNA extraction, PCR/qRT-PCR, glycan microarray analyses, Biolayer Interferometry data analysis, and western blotting.
• Train students to achieve research goals after relevant experience is obtained.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Hiring Department

Influenza Systems Biology Laboratory

Job Description

A Research Lab Technician is available at the Influenza Systems Biology Laboratory, University of Missouri (MU) (http://sysbio.missouri.edu). The Wan Lab research focuses on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, particularly influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Our research employs integrated based approaches that combine laboratory, clinical and computational methods. This position is created to support and enhance productivities on projects studying the molecular mechanisms of virus transmission, pathogenesis, and immunological responses, as well as the development of broadly protective vaccines for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

• Assist with animal experiments using various animal models such as mice, ferrets, swine, and avian species.
• Assist with routine lab management tasks such as maintenance, inventory, and reagent preparation.
• Assist with influenza and other emerging infectious disease surveillance efforts.
• Perform necropsy on research animals following standard operating procedures.
• Conduct assays to achieve scientific objectives after training, such as serological assays (e.g., hemagglutination inhibition, ELISA, and neutralization), ELISpot, virus propagation and purification, cell culture, RNA extraction, PCR/qRT-PCR, glycan microarray analyses, Biolayer Interferometry data analysis, and western blotting.
• Train students to achieve research goals after relevant experience is obtained.

Note: Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned that are project and/or discipline specific.

Physical Requirements

The Incumbent must have: 1) the ability to lift 25 pounds regularly; and 2) the ability to work while wearing lab PPE, including N95 masks.

Work Environment

The BSL-2, ABSL-2, BSL-3, or ABSL-3 laboratory environment.

Shift

Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evening/weekend work depending on experiment needs.

Minimum Qualifications

A high school diploma or an equivalent combination of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior research experience in infectious diseases is preferred.

Prior experience in necropsy and animal handling background is preferred.

Anticipated Hiring Range

• Salary Range: $16.50 to $19.00 per hour
• Grade: GGS 004
• University Title: Research/Lab Technician
• Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

• CV/Resume
• MU Application
• Evidence of prior lab procedures successfully completed

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

Want to learn more directly from people that work at the Bond Life Sciences Center? Check out our latest video highlighting the important work and experiences of our team:

https://mizzou.us/WorkatBondLSC

About Us:
The Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri is a dynamic hub where groundbreaking research meets real-world impact. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, our state-of-the‑art facility brings together experts in diverse fields-engineers, cancer biologists, plant scientists, and IT specialists-all working towards a common goal: to save lives, reduce costs, and enhance everyday life for Missourians and people around the globe.

Our Mission:
We are committed to transforming scientific discoveries into actionable solutions. Our innovative research not only addresses pressing challenges in human and animal health, the environment, and agriculture, but it also translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of individuals everywhere. We also strive to share our findings with the public, ensuring that our discoveries resonate far beyond the lab in a language anyone can understand through our blog, Decoding Science, events for the public, social media and more.

Why Join Us?
At the Bond Life Sciences Center, you'll be part of a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference. Our collaborative environment not only supports innovative research but also ensures that our discoveries lead to tangible benefits for society. Work in an award‑winning facility designed for creativity and impact and contribute to a mission that truly changes lives.

Join us in our quest to advance science and improve lives, one discovery at a time!

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.