Temporary Research Technician

As the Temporary Research Technician, you will need to think creatively and be comfortable conducting advanced scientific experimentation to evaluate various environmental and biological sample types. You will be an active member of the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute team and will work closely with the Director to skillfully perform test procedures in search of pathogens from specimens. You will thrive in this role if you like combining your biology or veterinary background and professional laboratory experience all while utilizing various apparatuses to execute DNA/RNA procedures or polymerase chain reactions. To be successful in this role the applicant must be eager to learn a breadth of techniques, strong critical thinking and communication skills.

Your normal hours will be Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, but you may have to flex your schedule to work evenings or weekends from time to time based on the needs of the business to be a true Temporary Research Technician. This role requires up to 10% travel. When our team shows up for work, they are energized and motivated to succeed all while being the most crucial piece to keeping the ESU operations humming.

What Will I Do At ESU? (AKA Essential Duties)

• Maintaining successful completion of proficiency testing in aseptic techniques, DNA/RNA extractions, and PCR.

• Performs laboratory testing using scientific techniques, such as DNA/RNA extractions, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the presence, or absence of bacterial, protozoa, fungi, viruses, or other pathogenic microorganisms.

• Performs laboratory testing using scientific techniques such as genotyping, and genetic sequencing to evaluate genotypes, strain, and haplotype differences of pathogens or wildlife populations.

• Maintains data using electronic recording and documentation of sample processing based on approved standards of practice.

• Conducts required quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure reagents, media, apparatus, and processes meet required performance standards.

• Assists with generating scientific protocols to be used in research conducted within the laboratory and assist Research Assistant with projects on tick-borne illnesses or population genetics.

• Identify various ticks to species and life stages and ability to use dichotomous keys to identify unknown specimens.

• Maintains, cleans, and calibrates all scientific equipment based on manufacturers and laboratory standards of practice.

• Updates and maintains current standards of practice and inventory logs and processes.

What We''re Looking For (AKA Qualifications)

• Associates degree in Veterinary Laboratory Technology (VLT) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) and one (1) year of technical laboratory experience in a biomedical research or development, clinical pathology or diagnostic laboratory.

Or

• Two years of college which includes six (6) credits in biology, three (3) credits in chemistry, and three (3) credits in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, histology or biostatistics and one (1) year of technical laboratory experience in a biomedical research or development, clinical pathology or diagnostic laboratory.

Or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training which included one (1) year of technical laboratory experience in a biomedical research or development, clinical pathology or diagnostic laboratory, and six (6) college credits in biology, three (3) college credits in chemistry, and three (3) college credits in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, histology or biostatistics.

• One year of experience work in a research laboratory or one-year technical laboratory experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

• A Bachelor's degree of Science in Microbiology, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field with a minimum of 20 credit hours in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry preferred.

• Minimum of 1-year experience working in a molecular, biotechnology or similar laboratory preferred.

• One-year experience with sample handling, DNA extractions, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is preferred.

• One-year experience identifying ticks and knowledge on ticks and tick-borne diseases in Pennsylvania is preferred.

• Strong communication skills to efficiently with lead laboratory staff on experimentations and laboratory processes.

• Able to read, write, and comprehend English; able to follow verbal instructions.

• Experience with Word, Excel, Teams required.

What We Offer

• Outstanding benefits package including benefits such as medical from date of hire, retirement contributions, employee wellness program, and paid leave
• Salary: $1,795.50 biweekly
• Living by the Warrior Code:
• Accountable for One''s Actions
• Committed to Self-Growth
• Willing to Sacrifice for the Greater Good
• Positive, Honest, and Loyal
• Respectful of the Environment and Community
• Dedicated to Empowering Others

"Employment Eligibility & University Commitment"

Must be at least 18 years old and be able to read and write English. Employment with ESU is contingent on the selected candidate passing a thorough background check that includes: FBI fingerprinting, PA Child Abuse, and employment. We are proud ESU is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on President Long''s 10-point plan, click here: https://www.esu.edu/president/10-action-plan.cfm