Research, Analyst

Laboratory Technician – Research

The Kreiner Lab and Carley Lab in the Department of Ecology & Evolution at The University of Chicago seek to hire a shared Laboratory Technician – Research to start in fall 2026. This is a full-time (40 h/week), in-person position with time split 50/50 across the two research groups. These two research groups are separate entities, but use overlapping methods and techniques in their research and share one large laboratory and office space.

The Kreiner and Carley labs are dynamic, collaborative environments using integrative approaches from molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and analytical chemistry to answer evolutionary and ecological questions about plants.

The Laboratory Technician will provide high-level scientific and logistical support for ongoing and new research projects in both labs. The role is primarily wet-lab focused and requires demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques, including high-molecular-weight (HMW) DNA extraction, high-throughput library preparation, PCR-based assay development, and tissue culture. Experience with long-read sequencing platforms (Oxford Nanopore, Pac Bio) is preferred. The Laboratory Technician will also assist with day-to-day lab operations, including reagent and equipment procurement, inventory management, expense tracking, and lab safety compliance.

Candidates holding a

B.Sc., M.S., or Ph.D. in biology, genetics, plant science, or a related field are encouraged to apply.

B.Sc.

-level candidates should have at least 2 years of independent wet lab experience in a relevant research setting.

• Perform traditional and high-molecular-weight (HMW) DNA extractions from plant tissue, including fresh, frozen, and herbarium/historical specimens, using CTAB-based and kit-based methods.
• Execute high-throughput library preparation workflows for short-read (Illumina) and long-read (Oxford Nanopore, Pac Bio) sequencing platforms.
• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot PCR-based assays, including amplicon sequencing workflows and genotyping protocols.
• Perform gel electrophoresis, quantification (Qubit, Bioanalyzer/Tape Station), and quality assessment of nucleic acids and libraries.
• Carry out plant transformation protocols and tissue culture work as needed.
• Assist with plant care, phenotyping, and tissue collection in greenhouse and field settings.
• Conduct dry lab work including measuring, weighing, and processing plant tissue samples.
• Manage procurement and stocking of reagents, consumables, and equipment for both labs; maintain organized inventory systems.
• Track and reconcile lab expenses; assist with purchase order submissions, vendor communications, and expense reporting.
• Coordinate usage of shared equipment across lab personnel and ensure equipment is properly maintained and serviced.
• Oversee lab safety compliance, including maintaining SDS records, coordinating required safety training, and ensuring regulatory adherence.
• Assist with data entry, sample tracking, and organization of lab records and protocols.
• Manage and organize physical collections of seeds and tissue to facilitate long-term research; assist with large-scale growouts for seed bulking/refresher generations when necessary.
• Assist with coordination between PIs, greenhouse staff, facilities staff, and growth chamber and greenhouse users to maintain adequate operations for plant growth and experimentation.
• Interact with graduate students, postdocs, and other lab personnel to support ongoing experiments and troubleshoot protocols.
• Assist with seed and tissue collection at field sites across the Midwest as needed (seasonal).
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Education:

• M.S. or…