Lab Technician

Lab Technician

Position for a laboratory technician in the Szymanski group. Responsible for providing research support and completing projects focused on BSL‑2 pathogens such as Campylobacter jejuni and Streptococcus mutans, supervising undergraduate students, and providing administrative support.

High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience.

BS in any life science discipline (Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Biochemistry) with preference for Microbiology. BSL‑2 laboratory experience and willingness to work with animal models. Ability to work in a team, excellent time‑management and organizational skills.

• Research Support and Independent Laboratory Projects (50%).
• Laboratory Operations, Administration, and Regulatory Compliance (40%).
• Undergraduate Student Training, Guidance, and Work Coordination (10%).

Detailed duties:

• Independently prepare, culture, maintain, and monitor bacterial strains following BSL‑2 practices.
• Perform specialized procedures: bacterial culturing, media preparation, aseptic technique, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, protein isolation, microscopy, spectrophotometry, and other experimental techniques.
• Assist graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty with experimental design, protocol implementation, and project execution.
• Plan and conduct research projects with minimal supervision, coordinate timelines, schedule equipment, and prioritize workloads.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data using laboratory software, spreadsheets, databases, and statistical tools.
• Prepare summaries, technical reports, figures, and documentation for grant reports, meetings, publications, and presentations.
• Evaluate experimental outcomes and determine when modifications to protocols are required.
• Troubleshoot procedures, equipment malfunctions, culture contamination, inconsistent results, and protocol deviations.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and electronic records in compliance with regulations.
• Maintain operational readiness of lab facilities, instrumentation, and equipment.
• Monitor inventory levels, determine replenishment needs, and coordinate procurement.
• Prepare purchase requests and maintain order records.
• Calibrate, maintain, inspect, and service equipment.
• Establish organized systems for sample tracking, chemical inventories, and records.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, chemical safety, hazardous waste, and research recordkeeping.
• Conduct inspections, identify safety concerns, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage biological waste disposal and ensure BSL‑2 containment.
• Coordinate lab organization, workspace optimization, storage, and equipment placement.
• Assist with preparation for audits, inspections, and compliance assessments.
• Train undergraduate students on safety practices, protocols, and documentation.
• Demonstrate techniques, ensure students follow protocols, and provide feedback.
• Assign and coordinate routine tasks and data collection activities.
• Monitor student work quality and provide feedback for improvement.
• Assist students with troubleshooting and understanding methodologies.
• Serve as a resource for lab processes and technical procedures.
• Evaluate student readiness for independent work and recommend additional training.
• Promote a safe, organized, and collaborative environment.

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations are encouraged to contact HR.

Name:
Kristie Huff
Phone: 706‑5426‑256
Email: kghuff