Laboratory Technician III

University of Florida•Indian River, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports daily lab operations and workflows, including training and supervising students, technicians, and visiting researchers. The role involves maintaining lab equipment, space, and safety standards, managing inventory of supplies and chemicals, placing orders, and overseeing hazardous waste handling. The technician will also operate a state vehicle, coordinate shipping and receiving of samples and supplies, perform routine lab research such as mosquito insecticide resistance studies, maintain mosquito colonies (including blood-feeding using chickens), and conduct molecular biology tasks like DNA extraction and genomic library preparation. Additionally, the role requires recording and reporting experimental observations, managing and analyzing experimental data, preparing graphs, tables, and summaries for publications, and conducting literature reviews.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of related experience or a high school diploma and six years of related experience.
Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
Driver's License required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in entomology, biology, or related field
1-2 years of research experience, especially related to mosquitoes.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Experience preparing chemical solutions and working with micropipettes.
Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis
Ability to critically analyze procedures and results of molecular assays.
Proficiency in basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as R.
Previous experience as a laboratory technician.
Previous experience training others in the laboratory.
Available to work for 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday.
Willingness to work with mosquitoes and potentially be exposed to mosquito bites daily.
Good record keeping abilities and strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
Ability to learn new methods/techniques and to work independently.
Willingness to conduct repetitive monotonous tasks in a timely manner, and to conduct tasks with close attention to detail and with a diligent working style.