Temporary Lab Technician- BCC PostBacc Program

UofL; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nail Laboratory at University of Louisville is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support research on how cadmium exposure affects DNA damage signaling, repair, and carcinogenesis. The role involves establishing and maintaining lab operations, safety compliance, equipment upkeep, data collection, and collaboration across researchers.

This temporary position runs from 11/09/2026 to 11/07/2028. Ideal candidates will have a science degree, strong organization, and comfort training others in lab

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of laboratory safety and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in budgeting and financial management.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with safetystandards and research protocols.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and assist with molecular and cellular biology experiments related to DNA damage, DNA repair, and environmental carcinogenesis.
• Perform laboratory techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, protein isolation, PCR, Western blotting, and cell-based assays.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), laboratoryrecords, and sample inventories.
• Manage laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment, including ordering,maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Assist with laboratory budgets, purchasing, and resource management.
• Train and support high school, undergraduate, and graduate researchers inlaboratory techniques, equipment use, and safety procedures.
• Coordinate sample preparation and submission to institutional core facilities andcollaborators.
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data, maintaining accurate andreproducible research records.
• Apply engineering and quantitative approaches to improve experimental design,data collection, and laboratory workflows, and research efficiency.

Skills

Budgeting

Lab safety knowledge

Documentation

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Toxicology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related

Job description

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a scientific discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of laboratory safety and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in budgeting and financial management.

Position Description

The BCC PostBacc Program supports laboratory technicians in preparing for PhD studies through the development of research and professional skills essential for competitive graduate school applications. The program also serves as a pipeline for recruiting highly trained candidates into the University of Louisville's PhD programs.

This is a temporary position with an expected start date of 11/09/2026 through 11/07/2028.

The Nail Laboratory seeks a highly motivated, organized, and detail-orientated Laboratory Technician to support research investigating the molecular mechanisms by which environmental heavy metal exposure promotes carcinogenesis. The laboratory currently focuses on understanding how exposure to cadmium disrupts DNA damage response signaling, DNA repair pathways, and cellular processes involved in breast epithelial cell malignant transformation. Research approaches incorporate molecular and cellular biology, environmental toxicology, cancer biology, and molecular genetics.

The successful candidate will play an integral role in establishing and maintaining laboratory operations while actively participating in research projects. Responsibilities will include laboratory organization and management, experimental preparation and execution, equipment maintenance, inventory management, safety compliance, data collection, and technical support for laboratory personnel.

This position offers opportunities to develop technical expertise, contribute to scientific publications, collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers, and participate in an expanding research program.

Essential Duties

• Coordinate daily laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with safetystandards and research protocols.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and assist with molecular and cellular biology experiments related to DNA damage, DNA repair, and environmental carcinogenesis.
• Perform laboratory techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, protein isolation,PCR, Western blotting, and cell-based assays.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), laboratoryrecords, and sample inventories.
• Manage laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment, including ordering,maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Assist with laboratory budgets, purchasing, and resource management.
• Train and support high school, undergraduate, and graduate researchers inlaboratory techniques, equipment use, and safety procedures.
• Coordinate sample preparation and submission to institutional core facilities andcollaborators.
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data, maintaining accurate andreproducible research records.
• Apply engineering and quantitative approaches to improve experimental design,data collection, and laboratory workflows, and research efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Toxicology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience or foundational knowledge in molecular and cellular biology techniques; willingness to learn and perform mammalian cell culture and biochemical assays.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with scientific data analysis software preferred.
• Previous experience with laboratory equipment, experimental troubleshooting, or process optimization preferred.

Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Louisville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University strives to provide equal employment opportunity on the basis of merit and without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or pregnancy. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Act of 1974, the University prohibits job discrimination of individuals with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, qualified special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans. The University acknowledges its obligations to ensure affirmative steps are taken to ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of the University that no employee or appl