Laboratory Technician

Job Title:

Laboratory Technician

Agency:
Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department:
Entomology

Proposed Minimum Salary: $15.85 hourly

Job Location:

College Station, Texas

Job Type: Staff

About Texas A&M Agri Life

Texas A&M Agri Life is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M Agri Life Extension Service
• Texas A&M Agri Life Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M Agri Life brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M Agri Life is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

The Laboratory Technician, under general supervision, prepares and maintains laboratory equipment.

• Assist researchers with laboratory and field experiments related to the honey bee microbiome and bee health.
• Prepare materials and supplies needed for experiments.
• Follow established experimental protocols and accurately document procedures and results.
• Assist with basic microbiology and molecular biology procedures as needed.

• Support laboratory members with routine laboratory tasks.
• Prepare buffers, media, and other materials for microbiology and molecular biology experiments.
• Autoclave laboratory materials and assist with cleaning and sterilization of reusable laboratory supplies.
• Clean, organize, and maintain laboratory work spaces and shared equipment.
• Help ensure that commonly used laboratory materials are stocked and readily available.

• Assist with the maintenance and management of a small research apiary of fewer than 10 honey bee colonies.
• Conduct routine hive inspections and help monitor colony health.
• Assist with collection of bees, brood, and other materials required for research experiments.
• Maintain accurate records of hive inspections and colony conditions.

• Monitor laboratory inventory and identify supplies that need to be reordered.
• Assist with purchasing laboratory and research supplies.
• Maintain organized records of purchases, orders, and laboratory inventory.
• Receive and organize incoming laboratory supplies.
• Assist with orientation and training of new laboratory members in routine laboratory procedures and organization.

• Associate degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of related lab work experience.

• Previous experience working in a research or academic laboratory.
• Experience with basic microbiology or molecular biology techniques.
• Experience preparing laboratory solutions, media, or materials.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and standard laboratory procedures.
• Previous beekeeping or apiary experience.
• Experience with inventory management, purchasing, or laboratory organization.

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established laboratory protocols.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Attention to detail and commitment to laboratory safety.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a research team.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory, field, and beekeeping techniques.
• Ability to perform routine physical tasks associated with laboratory and apiary work, including lifting and moving boxes, laboratory supplies, and beekeeping equipment.
• Willingn…