Virology Laboratory Technician

umd; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

The Public Health Aerobiology Laboratory at the University of Maryland, College Park seeks a Virology Laboratory Technician for a temporary hourly position to support airborne influenza research. Responsibilities include processing clinical specimens and conducting high-complexity molecular and virological assays in a BSL-2 setting.

Evening and weekend shifts are required based on study needs. Candidates should have relevant molecular biology experience and strong attention to detail to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant life sciences field.
• Proficient micropipetting and basic molecular biology workflows.
• Experience with nucleic acid extraction and RT-qPCR, digital PCR, ELISA, or related assays.
• Ability to work evenings/weekends and maintain detailed records.

Responsibilities

• Process clinical specimens for novel influenza transmission research.
• Perform high-complexity assays: RT-qPCR, digital PCR, ELISA, virus titration.
• Maintain documentation and quality records.
• Adapt workflows and contribute to team objectives.

Skills

Micropipetting

Molecular biology workflows

Nucleic acid extraction

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s in medical lab technology / biology

Associate degree + 2y CLIA high-complexity

Tools

LIMS

Electronic sample-tracking

PCR instrumentation

Job description

Job Description Summary & Additional Information

Organization's Summary Statement:

The Public Health Aerobiology Laboratory (PHAB Lab) at the University of Maryland, College Park is seeking highly motivated Virology Laboratory Technicians with relevant molecular biology or virology experience for a temporary hourly position ($30-38/h). The appointment is expected to be from October/November 2026 through March 2027, and the hourly rate will be determined based on relevant laboratory experience and qualifications. One full-time or up to two part-time or technician(s) will support novel airborne influenza virus transmission research by processing clinical specimens and performing high-complexity molecular and virological assays (e.g., RT- qPCR, digital PCR, ELISA, virus titration). This position requires proficient laboratory skills, excellent attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and the ability to integrate quickly into established workflows. Evening and weekend work is required based on study needs.

Required Application Materials:

1. Resume/CV highlighting relevant laboratory experience

2. Short cover letter describing your qualifications, interest, and availability

3. List three references familiar with your laboratory skills and experience

Best Consideration Date:

10/17/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in a BSL-2 laboratory environment with clinical samples and chemical reagents.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring manual dexterity and fine motor control.

Preferences:

• Experience working in a clinical laboratory or processing large numbers of human biological sample for research.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic sample-tracking databases.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new laboratory procedures quickly and adapt to changing operational needs.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in medical lab technology, biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, public health laboratory science, or a related field; OR an associate’s degree in medical laboratory science or a related field with at least 2 years of full-time experience in a CLIA certified high-complexity laboratory.
• Demonstrated proficiency with standard laboratory techniques, including accurate micropipetting and basic molecular biology workflows.
• Hands-on experience with nucleic acid extraction, RT-qPCR, digital PCR, ELISA, or automated extraction systems in a research lab, clinical lab, or production environment, not just in a class-associated lab.
• Ability to understand and follow detailed procedures, maintain accurate records, and work with high attention to detail.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to completing tasks with consistency and accuracy.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends.

Department

SPHL-Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Non-Regular (Fixed Term)

Salary Range

$30- $38 per hour

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground checkinformation. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Resources

• Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online