Lab Assistant

About the Job

The Aslanidi Lab research is focused on bioengineering and the application of Adeno-Associated virus (AAV) vectors for the purpose of gene therapy and vaccine development. The research addresses several important drawbacks in AAV-based gene therapy such as vector efficiency, pre-existing and therapy-activated immunogenicity, scaled-up vector production, and assessment of efficacy in large pre-clinical animal models. The goal of our research is to ensure advancement of gene therapy treatment for patients with genetic diseases and cancers.

This position will provide laboratory technical research and support laboratory operations. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed.

Laboratory Maintenance & Equipment Support - 50%

• Clean, sanitize, and maintain laboratory bench space and equipment including glassware, aspiration bottles, water baths, and CO incubators.
• Manage biohazard waste through proper autoclaving procedures.
• Maintain and replace CO tanks and ensure equipment is functioning properly.
• Maintain and refill 70% ethanol spray battlers, ethanol burners.
• Ensure laboratory spaces remain organized and compliant with safety and operational standards.

Preparation of Materials & Solutions - 20%

• Prepare buffers, media, and standard laboratory solutions following established protocols.
• Assist with preparation of bacterial agar plates, bacterial grow medium and other routine materials needed for experiments.
• Maintain consistency and accuracy in preparation processes.

Inventory & Supply Management - 20%

• Monitor inventory levels of lab supplies and materials.
• Place and track supply orders, ensuring timely replenishment.
• Verify receipt and organize storage of incoming materials.
• Maintain inventory of plasmid DNA and viral stocks.

Safety & Compliance Support - 10%

• Follow all applicable laboratory safety procedures and guidelines.
• Support compliance efforts by maintaining clean and properly functioning work spaces.
• Participate in required safety trainings and adhere to institutional protocols.

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorse a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

Because we are a land‑grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to - in most cases - expect employees to live in Minnesota. This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile One. Flexible Work Profile One, Office/Lab-Based – is expected to work primarily on‑site in the office/lab. Occasional remote work may be allowed. The office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota.

The Hormel Institute management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications:

• High school graduation or the equivalent of some science courses and laboratory experience should provide the necessary background for work of this class.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior laboratory experience.
• Experience with Excel, Word Doc, etc.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.

• Ability to lift/push and pull up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Ability to climb step ladder without accommodation.

Pay Range: $16.00/hour – depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in…