Part-Time Temporary Research Laboratory Technician

The Department of Internal Medicine Research Division seeks a Part-Time Temporary Research Laboratory Technician. The Part-Time Temporary Research Laboratory Technician will support ongoing research activities in the Nanomedicine Laboratory at ETSU, focusing on nanoparticle engineering, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations, targeted drug delivery, and molecular biology. The technician will assist with laboratory experiments, cell culture, molecular and biochemical assays, nanoparticle preparation and characterization, data collection, and routine laboratory maintenance. The position requires hands-on laboratory experience, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with research team members.

This is a temporary part-time position, with a maximum of 29 hours per week. This position offers flexible scheduling based on laboratory needs and experimental activities. The hourly rate is $15.50 per hour, and is contingent upon external funding. 

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Perform mammalian cell culture, including cell maintenance, passaging, counting, and cryopreservation.
• Conduct molecular biology experiments, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and gel electrophoresis.
• Perform biochemical assays, including ELISA, Western blotting, and protein quantification.
• Conduct fluorescence microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, and cellular imaging.
• Assist with flow cytometry, cell staining, and cellular uptake analysis.
• Perform cell viability, cytotoxicity, transfection, and gene expression assays.
• Assist with nanoparticle synthesis, LNP formulation, and physicochemical characterization.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, biological samples, and experimental materials.
• Collect, analyze, and document experimental data and maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, manage supplies and inventory, and follow laboratory safety protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field 
• Ability to independently perform laboratory experiments and accurately document results
• Previous hands-on experience in a molecular biology, cell biology, or biomedical research laboratory (preferred)
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, PCR/qPCR, fluorescence microscopy, ELISA, and other molecular and cellular techniques. (preferred) 
• Experience with nanoparticle preparation, characterization, and drug delivery systems (preferred)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Molecular Biology: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, and gene expression analysis.
• Cell Culture: Mammalian cell culture, aseptic techniques, cell seeding, passaging, and cryopreservation.
• Microscopy: Fluorescence microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, and image analysis.
• Biochemical Assays: ELISA, Western blotting, protein extraction, and quantification.
• Flow Cytometry: Cell staining, sample preparation, and data analysis.
• Cell-Based Assays: Cell viability, cytotoxicity, transfection, and cellular uptake assays.
• Nanoparticle Techniques: Basic knowledge of nanoparticle synthesis, LNP formulation, DLS, and zeta potential measurements.
• Data Analysis: Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism, ImageJ, and experimental data interpretation.
• General Skills: Laboratory safety, experimental documentation, troubleshooting, organization, and teamwork.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Hourly Rate- $15.50 per hour/no more than 29 hours per week
• No benefits

Application Instructions:

• Non-exempt positions must be posted for a minimum of five (5) calendar days. The closing for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
• This position is contingent on a satisfactory background check.
• This position is contingent upon external funding.
• Please attach the following documents: Cover Letter and Resume

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

University Overview 

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer Statement:

The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.