Part-Time Laboratory Technician

St. John's University•Queens Campus, NY

21h•Onsite

About The Position

This part-time laboratory technician position supports an NIH R16-funded research program in the Department of Biological Sciences. The primary responsibility of this position is to perform Western blotting and related cell and molecular biology experiments and to generate high-quality, reproducible experimental data. The ideal candidate will have substantial hands-on experience with Western blotting and should be able to perform the technique independently, including sample preparation, SDS-PAGE, protein transfer, antibody incubation, imaging, data analysis, and troubleshooting. Experience with mammalian cell culture and other molecular and cellular biology techniques is also desirable. The technician will work closely with faculty and students and may assist in establishing standardized laboratory procedures and training laboratory members in Western blotting and related techniques. This position has no supervisory or leadership responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant hands-on laboratory experience.
Demonstrated hands-on experience performing Western blotting independently.
Demonstrated ability to follow experimental protocols accurately and generate reproducible laboratory results.
Western blotting proficiency: Demonstrated hands-on experience performing Western blotting independently and producing consistent, high-quality results.
Western blot troubleshooting: Ability to identify and correct common problems involving sample preparation, electrophoresis, protein transfer, antibody conditions, background, signal intensity, and imaging.
Experimental reproducibility: Ability to follow standardized procedures carefully and reproduce experimental results across independent experiments.
Laboratory technique: Strong pipetting, solution preparation, sample handling, and general laboratory skills.
Experimental documentation: Ability to maintain accurate and organized laboratory records and appropriately document raw experimental data.
Attention to detail: High level of accuracy in sample preparation, reagent preparation, experimental execution, and recordkeeping.
Problem solving: Ability to recognize technical problems and independently identify reasonable troubleshooting approaches.
Communication and teamwork: Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers.
Safety awareness: Understanding of and adherence to laboratory safety and biosafety procedures.
Ability to complete mandatory University laboratory safety and compliance training.
Ability to work independently after appropriate orientation to laboratory-specific procedures.
Commitment to accurate recordkeeping, research integrity, and reproducible experimental practices.
Willingness to participate in a standardized technical skills assessment as part of the selection process, if necessary.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific field.
Previous research experience in an academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or biomedical research laboratory.
Substantial hands-on experience with Western blotting and protein analysis.
Experience with mammalian cell culture and related molecular or cellular biology techniques.
Experience performing Western blotting in a biomedical research laboratory, particularly where Western blot data were used for research presentations, manuscripts, or publications.
Experience with mammalian cell culture.
Experience preparing protein lysates and performing protein quantification assays.
Experience with fluorescence-based Western blot imaging and quantitative analysis.
Experience with LI-COR Odyssey or similar fluorescence imaging systems.
Familiarity with Image Studio or other software used for Western blot quantification.
Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, transfection, or cell-based assays.
Experience training or assisting other laboratory personnel with Western blotting techniques.

Responsibilities

Independently perform Western blotting experiments, including protein sample preparation, SDS-PAGE, membrane transfer, blocking, primary and secondary antibody incubation, washing, imaging, and quantitative analysis.
Optimize and troubleshoot Western blotting conditions to obtain reproducible, publication-quality data.
Maintain detailed experimental records, including sample information, experimental conditions, raw images, and quantitative results.
Perform mammalian cell culture and prepare cell lysates for biochemical analysis.
Assist with routine molecular and cellular biology experiments related to the NIH-funded research project.
Establish and follow standardized Western blotting procedures to improve experimental reproducibility within the laboratory.
Assist faculty and students with Western blotting techniques and troubleshooting as needed.
Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, and stocks required for Western blotting and related experiments.
Maintain and appropriately use laboratory equipment related to protein analysis and cell culture.
Follow University laboratory safety, biosafety, and research compliance requirements.
Communicate experimental progress, technical problems, and results clearly with the Principal Investigator and other research team members.