Senior Lab Technician

Senior Lab Technician

Job Description

This Lab Technician role focuses on processing canine blood specimens to support innovative research aimed at curing cancer in dogs. You handle incoming samples, perform aseptic lab work, and complete detailed documentation while collaborating with a small team and working independently. The position is available at both associate and Senior technician levels, depending on experience.

Responsibilities

+ Receive and pick up incoming specimen packages from carriers and ensure they are handled and logged correctly.

+ Process canine blood samples over a four to five hour period using established laboratory protocols and aseptic techniques.

+ Perform all in-hood laboratory work, including sample handling, preparation, and transfer to appropriate containers or plates.

+ Complete approximately one hour of documentation per sample run, accurately recording procedures, observations, and results.

+ Carry out preparatory activities between processing tasks, such as labeling, organizing materials, and setting up equipment.

+ Load samples onto plates and other laboratory instruments following standard operating procedures and quality control guidelines.

+ Sterilize and maintain laboratory tools, equipment, and work areas to uphold aseptic processing and safety standards.

+ Apply quality control practices throughout the workflow to ensure sample integrity and reliable test outcomes.

+ Use pipetting techniques with precision for sample measurement, transfer, and preparation.

+ Collaborate with a team of lab technicians, sharing information and coordinating workflows while also working independently on assigned tasks.

+ Support USDA Animal Health-related work when applicable, following relevant procedures and guidelines.

+ Assist with cell culturing and T-cell culture activities as needed, adhering to aseptic and quality standards.

+ Perform occasional weekend sample checks once or twice per month, ensuring samples are monitored and handled appropriately.

Essential Skills

+ 0-3 years of laboratory experience for the Senior technician level or 3+ years of laboratory experience for the associate level.

+ At least 1 year of hands-on experience with quality control in a laboratory setting.

+ At least 1 year of experience performing aseptic technique and aseptic processing.

+ At least 1 year of experience with accurate pipetting in a lab environment.

+ Ability to work with biological specimens, specifically canine blood, following safety and handling protocols.

+ Strong attention to detail for documentation, sample tracking, and adherence to standard operating procedures.

+ Capability to work both collaboratively within a small lab team and independently on assigned tasks.

+ Openness to varied educational backgrounds, with no specific degree requirement.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+

Experience with USDA procedures or related work is a plus but not required.

+

Experience with cell culturing is desirable.

+ T-cell culture experience is considered an added advantage.

+ Familiarity with laboratory hoods and sterile work environments.

+ Interest in animal health and research focused on treating cancer in dogs.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory environment focused on canine blood specimen processing and related research. You work Monday through Friday on a day shift from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an additional requirement to perform sample checks during weekends once or twice a month. The role is part of a team of approximately three to four lab technicians, with regular interaction and shared responsibilities, while also offering substantial independent work.

Daily activities involve working in a lab hood, handling biological samples, using pipettes and plates, and maintaining sterile conditions through consistent aseptic technique and equipment sterilization. The environment emphasizes quality control, accurate documentation, and collaborative support of research efforts aimed at improving health outcomes for dogs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lenexa, KS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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…