Cell Culture Technician

Cell Culture Technician I

Location:

Durham, NC. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM EST. The role requires flexibility, including participation in a rotating on-call schedule (weekdays, weekends, and holidays) and overtime.

Salary: $43,000 – $69,000 per year (base). Additional benefits include:

• Performance‑related bonus.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) matching plan.
• Life insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Paid time off (PTO).

• Support the production team in manufacturing primary cell products derived from human and animal tissues for research.
• Perform isolation of primary human and animal cells from tissues such as lung, kidney, bone, and blood.
• Execute core cell culture techniques including screening, feeding, passaging, harvesting, and cryopreservation.
• Coordinate daily laboratory operations to ensure efficient, organized workflows aligned with production goals.
• Maintain lab readiness by managing schedules, ensuring equipment functionality, and monitoring inventory of materials and supplies.
• Prepare media and production materials, ensuring final products are packaged and labeled according to specifications.
• Review batch records and maintain accurate, compliant documentation, including cell‑specific logs.
• Participate in a rotating on‑call schedule (evenings, weekends, holidays) to support critical production activities.
• Assist with training, mentoring, and knowledge sharing to support team effectiveness.
• Adhere strictly to SOPs, safety guidelines, and quality standards in all aspects of work.

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or related field with 2+ years of hands‑on laboratory and cell culture/biology experience (or equivalent education/experience).
• Laboratory experience in controlled environments, following established protocols and safety procedures.
• Technical expertise in aseptic technique and cell culture, including use of pipettes, microscopes, biological safety cabinets, and centrifuges.
• Experience working with animal models, including comfort handling rodents.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, or support the development of team members.
• Strong understanding of SOP compliance and maintaining high‑quality, reproducible results.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills, managing multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with clear and accurate documentation practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with database systems.
• Self‑motivated, strong sense of ownership, accountability, and proactive problem‑solving approach.

• Laboratory environment with required protective equipment (gown, booties, hair net, gloves, mask, safety glasses).
• Heavy lifting up to 50 lbs., confined space, repetitive motion, excessive noise (HEPA filter, hoods).
• Exposure to chemical hazards (acids, bases, Trypan Blue, DMSO, formalin, PMA SQ, other SQ).
• Flexible schedule, on‑call rotation including weekends, weekdays/night, and holidays.

Lonza offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.