Lab Technician

Job Description

Job Title:
Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician works in a laboratory, supporting both high-throughput and low-throughput sample processing. This role focuses on receiving and inspecting biological samples, performing initial quality checks, executing DNA extractions from a variety of plant and animal specimens, and preparing DNA-ready plates for downstream testing. The Lab Technician regularly uses automated laboratory equipment and a laboratory information management system (LIMS) to ensure accurate tracking and efficient processing of samples.

Responsibilities

• Receive and inspect incoming samples to confirm they meet minimum submission requirements
• Perform initial quality checks on all specimens and document findings to maintain high standards of sample quality and consistency.
• Carry out DNA extractions from a range of biological samples
• Upload, track, and manage sample information in the LIMS system to ensure accurate documentation and traceability throughout the workflow.
• Set up and operate pipettes, liquid handlers, extraction instruments, incubators, and other automated laboratory systems as part of the extraction process.
• Incubate samples for approximately 8 hours according to protocol, monitoring conditions and adjusting as needed to maintain sample quality.
• Transfer samples through automated extraction instruments, monitoring transitions between systems and instrument runs that typically last 15–20 minutes.
• Process DNA extractions into 96-well plates, with the ability to handle up to eight 96-well plates simultaneously in a production environment.
• Generate DNA-ready plates for downstream testing, ensuring proper labeling, organization, and readiness for subsequent analytical workflows.
• Follow quality control procedures and document control practices to maintain accurate records of all laboratory activities and results.
• Adhere to laboratory safety guidelines and standard operating procedures
• Collaborate with laboratory team members to meet throughput goals and support occasional weekend or overtime work when necessary to keep production on schedule.

Essential Skills

• Experience performing quality control checks on biological samples, including assessment of tissue quantity, buffer volume, and sample integrity.
• Hands-on experience with DNA extraction workflows in a laboratory setting, preferably in a high-throughput environment.
• Comfort working with biologic samples
• Proficiency using pipettes, with preference for higher-volume workflows, and familiarity with liquid handlers, extraction instruments, incubators, and automated laboratory systems.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in sample handling, labeling, and documentation within a LIMS system.
• Understanding of quality control, genetics, genomics, and basic biology concepts relevant to DNA extraction and sample processing.
• Associate’s degree plus 1 or more years of industry experience in a high-throughput laboratory testing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Genomics, or a related field

Work Environment

This role is based in a production-oriented laboratory. The work involves frequent use of pipettes, liquid handlers, extraction instruments, incubators, and other automated laboratory systems. Standard hours are approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with some flexibility, and access to the building is not permitted before 6:00 a.m. Weekend work is optional and only rarely required when the lab is running behind schedule, and overtime may occasionally be needed.

Attire typically aligns with standard laboratory expectations, including appropriate lab clothing and personal protective equipment as required by safety protocols

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middleton, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Emp