Laboratory Technician

Agency

Department

The Estrela Lab in the department of Nutrition at Texas A&M University is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join a newly established research group. We study how microbial interactions and environmental factors shape the structure and function of microbial communities, with a focus on the human gut microbiome.
The Laboratory Technician will play a key role in organizing and supporting the lab as it grows, maintaining laboratory equipment and compliance, and assisting with experimental work. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys learning new protocols, is comfortable with lab equipment, and values a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Key responsibilities:
•      Maintain lab inventory and order supplies and parts as needed
•      Ensures lab biosafety and chemical safety compliance 
•      Assemble, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment and lab computers
•      Maintain an organized and well-documented inventory of biological samples 
•      Communicate with vendors for supplies purchases and equipment purchases and repairs
•      Provide training to new lab members
•      Assist lab members with research projects
•      Handle incoming and outgoing shipments 
•      Maintain cleanliness and organization of shared lab spaces
•      Assist in protocol development
•      Develop organizational systems for materials and workflow

•      Maintain detailed and organized records of lab activities
•      Perform other duties as assigned to ensure smooth and efficient lab functioning and support ongoing research

Required Education and Experience:

•      Associate degree in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, biophysics, or a related field

•      Minimum of 1 year experience in a research lab setting 

•      Hands-on experience with microbiological and molecular biology procedures (e.g., bacterial cul turing, bacterial isolation, DNA extraction, PCR)

Preferred Education and Experience:

•      Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, biophysics, or a related field

•      2+ years of wet-lab research experience
•      Experience working in a BSL-2 lab

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:
•      Excellent organizational skills
•      Excellent communication skills
•      Strong troubleshooting skills and comfort working with lab equipment
•      Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others

•      Ability to lift and move medium weight objects

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:

•      Strong interest in learning new protocols

•      Strong interest in supporting a collaborative lab culture

•      Familiarity with basic computing and programing 

•      Interest in microbiology and/or microbial ecology

Other information

•      Remote work is not available for this position

To apply:
Please submit the following materials:
- CV
- Brief summary of previous research experience
- Cover letter describing why you would like to join the Estrela lab and how this position fits into your future career goals

-Names and contact information for 3 references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.