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Position Title:Laboratory Technician I

Job Group:Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:• One year of related laboratory experience, or Any combination of related experience and/or related undergraduate courses in physical or natural sciences that is equivalent to one year of full-time employment.

Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field

Experience working in a biological sciences research lab (academic or industry).

Familiarity with growing plants, handling of seeds, and plant materials.

Demonstrated experience following standard operating procedures.

Experience with basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting, solution preparation, and using microscopes.

Job Description:

The Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology (GDCB) at Iowa State University is seeking applicants for a Laboratory Technician I. This position will support research activities by performing a variety of technical duties, including growing plants in growth chambers, collecting seeds, preparing materials for experiments, conducting experiments under supervision, and collecting data.

The ideal candidate will be able to perform technical tasks under direct supervision while also working independently within a collaborative research environment. This role involves manual dexterity to handle small seeds and pipette volumes as small as 1 μL. The technician will perform molecular and cellular techniques using microscopes and other laboratory instruments to conduct basic quantitative and qualitative analyses.

If you are someone who loves science and is curious about how living systems work at the cellular and molecular level, this role offers a unique and exciting opportunity to contribute to exciting research with work that has broad applications across many organisms and biological systems. You'll receive hands-on training in cellular and molecular biology techniques that can be applied in numerous scientific fields, making it a great launchpad for future career advancement. The role is particularly well-suited for individuals who are thoughtful, detail-oriented, and enjoy focused, independent work in a quiet space—while still having the opportunity to collaborate with a supportive research team.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts routine tests on plants, yeast, and bacteria, including adding reagents and monitoring and documenting growth and cellular responses.

• Prepares simple chemical solutions for media, reagents, and drugs according to established instructions or procedures.

• Performs routine cleaning and preventative maintenance in a small laboratory area and for laboratory equipment therein.

• Receives and properly distributes, incoming mail, freight, laboratory supplies, biological specimens, or environmental samples, and directs and performs the packing and mailing of outgoing freight, specimens, and reports.

• Assembles and dismantles experimental equipment according to set standards.

• May assist in building more complex equipment.

• Maintains supplies and equipment for small laboratory area and reports of lacking stocks.

• Assists with this function in large laboratory areas.

• Performs data entry to label and process laboratory specimens.

• Investigates and resolves minor laboratory questions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of care and use of laboratory equipment.

• Knowledge of principles of sanitation, health hazards, and the necessary precautionary measures.

• Knowledge of standard cleaning techniques and equipment and supplies required.

• Knowledge of keyboarding and computer data entry skills.

• Ability to use proper bending and lifting techniques.

• Ability to communicate effectively with others.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare reports.

• Ability to work with computerized inventory control systems.

• Ability to use and care for tools in maintenance and repair work.

• Ability to prepare chemical solutions according to instructions.

About Department:

The Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology (GDCB) focuses primarily on biological function at the cellular and subcellular level, using molecular, genetic, computational and biochemical approaches to understanding biological function. GDCB is dedicated to biological discovery and excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, with research and teaching missions encompassing fundamental cellular and subcellular processes, including genome dynamics, cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, cellular response to environmental and developmental signals, and molecular mechanisms of development.

This is a one-year, fixed-term position with the possibility of extension for an additional year.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:June 30, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:06

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date: May 30, 2025

Posting Close Date:June 9, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R17109

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email [email protected] .

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.