Laboratory Technician III

Utah State University•Logan, UT

44d•Onsite

About The Position

The Comparative and Translational Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory in the Department of Veterinary Clinical and Life Sciences at Utah State University is seeking a meticulous, reliable, and collaborative Lab Technician III to support a broad range of translational research activities. The technician will play a key role in operating and maintaining the laboratory’s liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system, performing in vitro metabolism and pharmacology assays and molecular biology techniques, supporting daily laboratory operations, and processing, organizing, and documenting laboratory samples and biological samples from veterinary species. The successful applicant will receive training in laboratory procedures, instrumentation, software, and compliance practices that are new to them, and will be expected to perform assigned procedures independently after training. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, integrity, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with sound judgment about when to troubleshoot independently and when to seek guidance. The ideal candidate has a background in analytical chemistry and molecular biology and values variety, precision, and teamwork while contributing to research that improves the safety and efficacy of therapeutics across veterinary species. This is a 0.75 FTE benefited position with additional funding secured to increase the position from 0.75 to 1.0 FTE through August 31,2030. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. U.S. Work Authorization is required for the duration of employment.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in a science-related field and two years of related laboratory technician experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that includes at least one year of laboratory technician experience.
Demonstrated ability to follow verbal and written instructions, including the ability to execute complex laboratory protocols as written.
Exceptional attention to detail and precision in laboratory work.
Knowledge of basic laboratory safety and biosafety practices applicable to BSL-2 environments.
Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
Ability to maintain meticulous laboratory notebooks and accurate digital records.
Ability to work effectively in a shared laboratory environment with multiple research groups.
Professionalism, reliability, integrity, and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
Ability to work independently once trained, with sound judgment regarding when to troubleshoot independently and when to seek guidance or approval.
Comfort and willingness to handle biological samples, including samples from veterinary species.
Proficient computer skills, including use of spreadsheet and word-processing programs.
U.S. Work Authorization is required for the duration of employment.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working as a lab or research technician at Utah State University.
Experience with chromatography and/or mass spectrometry workflows.
Experience with molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell culture.
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, toxicology, food science, biology, or a related field, with at least two years of laboratory technician experience.
Experience contributing to protocol development, SOP revision, method validation, laboratory documentation, or workflow improvement.
Experience with veterinary, agricultural, laboratory animal, wildlife, or other animal-related biological sample collection workflows.
Experience with GLP-aligned documentation, quality assurance practices, sample chain-of-custody procedures, LIMS, or other laboratory data management systems.

Responsibilities

Perform precision sample preparation and operate, maintain, and document analytical LC-MS/MS workflows for the quantification of drugs and metabolites in biological matrices using validated bioanalytical methods.
Assist with method development and validation activities as directed.
Conduct molecular biology, biochemical, and in vitro drug metabolism and pharmacology assays, including DNA/RNA extractions, PCR-based techniques, immunoblotting, cell culture, microsome preparation and incubations, and plate-based assays.
Support workflows for biological samples collected from veterinary species, including receiving, transporting, processing, labeling, aliquoting, storing, tracking, and documenting samples in accordance with SOPs, biosafety requirements, and study protocols.
Depending on training, experience, and study needs, the technician may also assist with sample collection procedures under approved protocols.
Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including inventory tracking and ordering, equipment maintenance coordination, safety documentation, sample and reagent organization, and maintaining a clean, organized, and shared laboratory environment.
Maintain accurate laboratory records, instrument logs, SOPs, quality-control records, and other study-related documentation in accordance with laboratory expectations and study requirements, and GLP-aligned practices when applicable.
Train and support collaborating faculty, graduate students, veterinary students, and undergraduate researchers in laboratory safety, equipment use, and standard techniques after appropriate training and competency development.
Record, organize, summarize, and prepare laboratory data, including LC-MS/MS quantification results, molecular assay results, immunoblot images, and plate-based assay outputs, to support data interpretation, reporting, and downstream analysis.
Attend lab meetings and contribute to discussions, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.
Perform additional laboratory, research, or administrative duties as assigned.