Wet Lab Technician

Society for Conservation Biology; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization seeks a Wet Lab Technician to support biosocial science projects involving human-generated compounds. This role encompasses laboratory research, data collection from human subjects, and maintenance of lab operations, contributing significantly to ongoing studies on social behavior and health. Ideal candidates will have a B.S. in a relevant field and experience in biological settings.

Qualifications

• Two years of related work experience.
• B.S. in a related field required.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conducts laboratory experiments and analyzes data.
• Coordinates research activities in the wet lab.
• Maintains inventory of biological specimens.

Skills

Data collection

Technical procedures

Research design

Lab safety protocols

Biochemical analysis

Education

B.S. in chemistry, biology, or related field

Tools

GC/MS techniques

Lab inventory software

Job description

Essential Duties

1. Researches and collects data through complex laboratory/scientific experiments, techniques, and procedures; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for research projects. Interprets, synthesizes, and analyzes data using scientific or statistical techniques. 2. Modifies and plans research experiments, procedures, tests, or survey instruments. Assists in research design. Writes and edits material for publication and presentation. Reports on status of research activities. 3. Oversees and instructs research and support staff on technical procedures, equipment operation, and laboratory maintenance. Schedules and coordinates research activities. Sets up, operates, and maintains laboratory equipment and apparatus. Modifies equipment according to experimental specifications. 4. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. May monitor hazardous work areas and laboratory safety. Prepares related reports. May prepare financial information and monitor budgets. 5. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities.

Required Education and Experience

Two years of related work experience in the same job family and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Position Focus:

The Human Nature Lab (HNL) seeks a Wet Lab Technician experienced in research support to play a key role in our biosocial science projects. A major new focus of our research involves the role of olfaction in the organization of social life, where we examine human-generated organic compounds for their relevance to interpersonal behavior. Other ongoing and planned projects involve social aspects of the gut microbiome, genetics and social behavior, and health as it relates to these and other topics. Collection, extraction, and analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds via skin sampling, air sampling, and the use of GC/MS will constitute a significant part of the focus of this position.

The Wet Lab Technician supports basic science research efforts by performing defined technical tasks in the laboratory, utilizing standard biology, chemistry, and physics equipment and apparatus. The position will be responsible for cataloguing our biological specimens and maintaining appropriate records, shipping and receiving of specimens, preparing specimens for processing, and supporting extraction or other techniques related to the biochemical analysis of the lab's specimens.

The Wet Lab Technician will also support the collection of social and biological research data and specimens by working on experimental settings and apparatus related to our research with human subjects. This may include recruitment of research participants, execution of study protocols, collection of survey data and biological specimens, and preparation and organization of data and specimens.

In addition to these project-specific tasks, the Wet Lab Technician will be the primary coordinator of basic activities in the wet lab, including ordering supplies and equipment, coordinating waste removal, performing and coordinating equipment maintenance, and working with the research team to ensure compliance with EHS and other safety protocols. The technician may also coordinate wet lab activities with the HNL's broader set of social science projects, liaise with external labs for sample transfers and processing, conduct library research, and prepare reports related to research results and lab inventories.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

B.S. in chemistry, biology, or related field. Two or more years of experience in a biological or biomedical setting involving human subjects. Proficiency with lab inventory software such as FreezerPro. Background in applied chemistry, including GC/MS techniques and/or chemical decontamination. Fluency in Spanish and/or interest in foreign travel a plus.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.