Laboratory Technician - Nakamua Lab Rutgers University

Position Summary:

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Laboratory Technician in the Nakamua Lab for the Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey. The successful candidate will be involved in experiments of molecular and developmental biology of fish, lab management, and coordinating research efforts in the lab.

The Nakamura team reveals evolutionary and developmental mechanisms of the fish-to-tetrapod transition combining functional genomics, developmental biology, and comparative anatomy (See our website also;

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Performs standard and repetitive physical, chemical, and biological tests on materials, substances, and/or living subjects.
• Propagates non-animal specimens, assist with small animal breeding programs, and perform standardized and repetitive small animal procedures.
• Handles routine and repetitive conduct of any of the commonly used research procedures required to determine such things as species of bacteria, composition of substances, mineral or chemical content of substances, physical characteristics of substances, behavior of living subjects, etc.
• Collects and completes basic preparation of samples and specimens.
• Prepares plantings (sow seeds, grow plants).
• Feeds prescribed maintenance diet to experimental animals in accordance with established procedures and schedules.
• Adds nutritive supplements as prescribed.
• Prepares all types of media, substances, solutions, and reagents involving such processes as weighing materials, compounding mixtures, titrating, etc.
• Prepares materials for all types of tests including physical, chemical, or electrical.
• Performs non-complex tests, examines materials, on occasion alters substances within defined parameters to correct deviations, and keeps accurate records of data gathered from assays, tests, or other experimentations.
• Notifies supervisor of deviations from testing methods.
• Performs a variety of technical measurements, such as weighing animals, using analytical balances, spectrophotometers, and colorimeters.
• Observes and evaluate animals for normative behavior or signs of disease or illness.
• Delivers specimens, materials, and equipment to and from facilities.
• Requisitions, distributes, cleans, cares for, and maintains laboratory items, such as equipment, supplies, chemicals, specimens, drawings, charts, slides, and models.
• Determines if food should be accepted from vendor.
• Cleans materials, tools, equipment, laboratory area, small animals, and cages.
• Adjusts, calibrates, replaces broken parts, and generally keeps a variety of laboratory equipment in good repair.
• Disposes of laboratory waste in accordance with established sanitary and safety procedures.
• Works with hazardous materials associated with animal husbandry and sanitation and/or experimental procedures (carcinogens, chemicals, infectious agents, etc.).
• Guides or instruct other laboratory employees/users in the completion of the above duties.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• A high school/vocational school education or equivalent with coursework completed in the relevant science area(s) and one year of research study experience. An equivalent amount of college-level study in an appropriate science curriculum may be substituted for the experience.

City: Piscataway

State: NJ

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Regular workweek may include evening and/or weekend work.

Special Conditions:

• Clean Driving Record.

Posting Number: 25ST1157