Lab Technician II

University of Denver•Quinte West, ON

1d•$24 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Nichols Lab at the University of Denver is seeking a Research Laboratory Technician II to support externally funded research on cell adhesion, innate immunity, and host–microbe interactions in the freshwater sponge Ephydatia muelleri. This position requires a technician with demonstrated research experience, strong technical independence, and the ability to support multiple active projects in an emerging experimental model system. The Research Laboratory Technician II will independently perform molecular biology, microbiology, protein biochemistry, imaging, and cell-biological experiments; contribute to troubleshooting and optimization of new protocols; support BSL-2 pathogen work with Legionella pneumophila; assist with data analysis and documentation; help manage lab operations; and train or coordinate undergraduate researchers working in the lab. The preferred candidate will hold a bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field and have prior research experience with basic molecular biology and/or biochemistry techniques. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment with the possibility of annual renewal based on performance and continued funding. The start date is flexible.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.
Demonstrated laboratory research experience equivalent to approximately two years, which may include undergraduate research, internships, technician experience, or other hands-on research appointments.
Demonstrated experience with molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, cell biology, or related laboratory techniques.
Demonstrated ability to conduct laboratory research with a high degree of independence.
Experience with molecular biology and/or biochemistry techniques such as PCR, cloning, recombinant protein expression, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, protein purification, or microbial culture.
Ability to troubleshoot protocols and contribute to development of new experimental approaches.
Ability to train, coordinate, or mentor undergraduate researchers.
Strong organizational skills, including inventory management, reagent preparation, ordering, and maintenance of accurate laboratory records.
Familiarity with data analysis, image analysis, statistical software, spreadsheets, or computational tools.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Commitment to laboratory safety, including BSL-2 biosafety compliance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification.
Experience with molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, RT-qPCR, microscopy, cell culture, microbial culture, or quantitative image analysis.
Experience training or mentoring students in a laboratory setting.
Experience with data analysis or figure preparation using Python, R, Excel, ImageJ/Fiji, or related tools.
Interest in evolutionary biology, cell biology, innate immunity, host–microbe interactions, or microbial symbiosis.

Responsibilities

Independently perform experiments involving molecular cloning, PCR, recombinant protein expression/purification, microbial culture, microscopy, and sponge husbandry.
Troubleshoot and optimize protocols for Ephydatia muelleri, an emerging experimental model system.
Coordinate and support multiple externally funded projects in cell biology, innate immunity, and host–microbe interactions.
Handle BSL-2 pathogen work involving Legionella pneumophila in compliance with institutional biosafety protocols.
Train undergraduate researchers in basic lab techniques, experimental workflows, safety practices, and record keeping.
Help oversee student experimental work and ensure protocols are followed reproducibly.
Maintain laboratory organization, including inventory, ordering, reagent preparation, shared equipment maintenance, and documentation.
Contribute to data analysis, figure preparation, and organization of results for lab meetings, reports, manuscripts, and grant-supported projects.