Laboratory Technician

As a part of a diverse community of faculty and staff who represent many faith systems and worldviews, Marian University seeks a Laboratory Technician for a two-year, 100% grant funded position. Funds are available from May 2026 to the end of April 2028. The Laboratory Technician will promote our Catholic Franciscan mission and identity by supporting the success of NIH-funded HPV and cancer biology research projects by ensuring efficient laboratory operations, high-quality experimental data, and timely completion of research objectives.

The role impacts Principal Investigators, collaborating faculty, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory trainees through daily research support, mentorship, and technical guidance. Research productivity, manuscript preparation, grant progress, and scientific presentations are influenced by the laboratory manager's ability to coordinate experiments, maintain laboratory organization, and support project timelines.

The position also impacts institutional compliance and laboratory safety by helping ensure adherence to biosafety regulations, research protocols, and proper laboratory practices. Additionally, the role contributes to the broader scientific and medical research community by supporting studies focused on understanding HPV biology and mechanisms involved in viral persistence and cancer development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

* Actively engage the Catholic Franciscan mission and identity of Marian University by modeling the Franciscan Sponsorship Values and honoring the legacy of the founding congregation through transformative education, unity in diversity, leadership through service, integrating faith and life, and institutional policies.

* Coordinate and manage daily laboratory operations supporting HPV molecular virology and cancer biology research projects.

- 20%

* Perform and oversee molecular biology, cell culture, and biochemical experiments related to HPV E2 function, viral replication, transcription, and lysine methylation studies.

- 25%

* Maintain mammalian cell lines, prepare reagents, monitor laboratory supplies, and ensure proper storage and organization of biological samples and research materials.

- 15%

* Assist with experimental design, data collection, troubleshooting, analysis, and interpretation for NIH-funded research studies.

- 10%

* Train, supervise, and support students and research personnel in laboratory procedures, equipment operation, and safety compliance.

- 10%

* Manage laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, inventory tracking, and coordination with institutional core facilities and vendors.

- 5%

* Maintain accurate research records, laboratory notebooks, databases, and documentation required for regulatory and grant compliance.

- 5%

* Assist in the preparation of figures, reports, manuscripts, presentations, and grant-related materials for scientific dissemination.

- 5%

* Ensure compliance with institutional biosafety, chemical safety, and laboratory safety policies and procedures.

- 5%

Decision Making & Judgement:

* Independently prioritize and coordinate daily laboratory activities to ensure timely completion of research objectives and experimental workflows.

* Exercise judgment in troubleshooting molecular biology, virology, and cell culture experiments, including identifying technical issues and implementing appropriate corrective actions.

* Determine appropriate laboratory methods, reagent preparation, and experimental scheduling while balancing multiple ongoing projects and deadlines.

* Monitor laboratory inventory and independently order supplies, maintain equipment, and coordinate repairs or service when needed.

* Ensure compliance with institutional biosafety, laboratory safety, and research protocols by identifying and addressing potential safety or regulatory concerns.

* Provide training and guidance to students and laboratory personnel on research procedures, equipment operation, and proper laboratory practices.

* Maintain accurate research documentation and determine appropriate organization and management of experimental data, samples, and records.

* Communicate effectively with investigators, collaborators, core facilities, and vendors regarding project needs, experimental progress, and operational issues.

People Leadership:

* Provide day-to-day guidance, training, and oversight to graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory trainees participating in HPV molecular virology research projects.

* Coordinate laboratory workflows and delegate research tasks to ensure efficient completion of experiments, data collection, and project milestones.

* Mentor students and new laboratory personnel in proper laboratory techniques, equipment use, biosafety procedures, and research documentation practices.

* Monitor trainee progress and provide feedback on experimental performance, troubleshooting approaches, and adherence to laboratory protocols.

* Promote a collaborative, organized, and safety-focused laboratory…