Rutgers University

Recruitment/Posting Title Principal Laboratory Technician

Job Category Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)

Department Institute for Translational Medicine and Science

Overview

New Jersey’s academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research.

Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers.

Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state—at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark’s University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates.

Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State of New Jersey is seeking a Principal Laboratory Technician for Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science (RITMS) within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

The Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science (RITMS) was founded in January 2016 and is directed by the Vice-Chancellor for clinical and translational science. RITMS bridges the gap between basic and clinical research, with a focus on developing safer, more effective therapeutics. It offers research cores, educational programs, and research initiatives designed to support training and research, particularly in advancing proof-of-concept studies from cellular and animal models to human trials.

Join the Burdo Laboratory at Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science (RITMS) at Rutgers University, New Brunswick as a Principal Laboratory Technician. The technician will work in an active research laboratory setting with new, state of the art facilities to study HIV infection in the central and peripheral nervous systems and heart in human and animal models. Primarily the technician will perform experiments to study the role of the monocyte/macrophage in the disease process using immunologic, molecular and virologic techniques. The technician will report directly to the PI but work closely with Research Teaching Specialist I. Responsibilities include performing laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and literary research as required; following of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols in the lab; operating and maintaining moderately complex laboratory equipment; documenting, compiling and analyzing experimental data. Weekly progress on projects and data analysis are reported directly to the PI.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Cell Culture work: media preparation, isolation, and purification of cells from human and animal tissue and blood samples, quality control testing, transfections, and maintenance of cell lines.
• Immunological assays: processing samples and conducting fluorescent, confocal, or EM staining, immunohistochemistry & immunocytochemistry staining, RNAScope and DNAScope, ELISAs, and flow cytometry/FACS. Preparing tissue blocks and cutting paraffin sections for immunohistochemistry.
• Molecular Biology work: RNA/DNA isolation & purification, PCR and qPCR, immunoprecipitations, and western blots.
• Generates and analyzes data for peer-reviewed publications and grant applications.
• Maintains biospecimen repository of clinical samples (plasma, serum, CSF, cells, etc) and from various studies. Shipping and receiving of biological specimens as needed.
• Assist in operation and maintenance of moderately complex laboratory equipment. Regularly checking equipment for malfunctions and performing minor repairs. Responsible for scheduling and coordination of equipment repairs, recertifications, and preventive maintenance visits.

FLSA Nonexempt

Grade 147

Salary Details A maximum of $43,492 is budgeted for this position.

Minimum Salary 21.940

Mid Range Salary 22.440

Maximum Salary 23.110

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discounts programs

For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.

Position Status Full Time

Working Hours (per week)

Standard Hours 40.00

Daily Work Shift Day

Work Arrangement

This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description Teamsters 97

Payroll Designation PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility PERS

Minimum Education and Experience

• Associate degree with 1+ years of lab experience.
• Applicants should have a degree in one of the following fields: biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, immunology, molecular biology, virology, or another related field.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in performing basic scientific assays including RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, protein preparation & western blot analysis, and ELISAs are essential.
• Additional training provided as needed.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HIV, virology, or immunology is preferred.

Equipment Utilized

• Tissue culture hoods and incubators, centrifuges, electrophoresis apparatus for proteins and nucleic acids, electroporator, flow cytometry, thermal cyclers, light, confocal, and fluorescent microscopes, histopathology processor, embedding center, microtome and cryostat, ELISA plate washer, ELISA plate reader, ddPCR, qPCR, and other equipment as needed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Occasional lifting 25-50 lbs., intermittently sitting/standing/stooping, typically sitting at a desk or table. Must be able to work at a computer for an extended period and must be able to operate specialized laboratory/scientific equipment.
• Biosafety Level 2 and 2+ laboratory environment working with human and animal fluids and tissue. Requires laboratory safety training. Caustic and toxic chemicals. Handle controlled substances such as pharmaceutical, radiological, or hazardous materials.

Special Conditions

• Position is contingent upon funding.

Posting Number 25ST0054

Posting Open Date 01/09/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)

Home Location Campus Downtown New Brunswick

City New Brunswick

State NJ

Location Details

Read Full Description