Laboratory Technician II

Harvey Mudd College•Cleveland, OH

1d•$23 - $25•Hybrid

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician II position is a grant funded position with expected funding from August 24, 2026 – August 23, 2029 (some flexibility possible here). This position is contingent upon a 2 month initial review, yearly performance reviews, and continued and sufficient grant funding. This position provides technical lab support to faculty and students in a molecular parasitology research laboratory by performing a variety of routine and moderately complex laboratory and research-related responsibilities. The Laboratory Technician II works independently, reporting directly to the project PI. Molecular biology experiments include, but are not limited to, flow cytometry analysis, PCR, cloning, CUT&RUN (similar to ChIP-seq), parasite genetic modification, parasite cultivation, and preparation of libraries for high-throughput sequencing. The Schulz Tryp lab at Harvey Mudd College is interested in how organisms adapt to different environments. Our study system is the African trypanosome parasite, which cycles between a tsetse fly vector and a mammalian host. In humans and animals, the parasite causes a fatal disease called African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). The disease causes a large human and economic burden for people living in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease is endemic. In order to adapt itself from living in the bloodstream to living in the fly, the parasite must change the transcript levels of thousands of genes in the genome. We want to know more about the molecular mechanisms behind these changes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field by May 2026.
One to two years of experience with modern molecular biological instrumentation and laboratory techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, Sanger and Illumina sequencing)
Familiarity with command-line computational analyses highly desirable.
Ability to work independently and cooperatively.
Proficiency with computer software, preferably python, R, and shell scripting.
Good manual dexterity.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to use modern laboratory equipment in the general area of molecular biology.
Ability to communicate, in English, with faculty members and students who are well versed in various scientific fields, primarily biology and bioinformatics.
Knowledge of and ability in PCR, gel electrophoresis, and other routine molecular biology techniques.
Knowledge of appropriate/applicable safety standards.

Nice To Haves

A combination of undergraduate coursework and related experience may be considered.
Knowledge of and ability in running and programming command-line pipelines in unix and python preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts experiments using current methods in molecular biology; assists PI in developing and evaluating methods, procedures and techniques used in experiments.
Prepares chemical reagents and solutions.
Ensures the safe storage of biological and chemical materials.
Sterilizes equipment, plasticware, and chemical reagents.
Monitors inventories of expendable supplies (e.g., chemicals, reagents, plasticware, glassware) and advises PI or staff of reordering needs.
May be responsible for ordering materials in consultation with PI and other staff.
Assists PI with supervising and training research students in lab methods and procedures.
Responsible for data entry, retrieval, and analysis on various Mac-type computers.
Documents experimental work in clear and detailed laboratory notebook record.
Assists in the proper collection and disposal of waste materials according to regulations and department policy.
Participates in and contributes to a safe environment by keeping current with safety regulations, checking and maintaining equipment, orienting research students to the proper use of materials and equipment, and overseeing compliance with regulations.
Performs research as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.