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Position Title:Lab Tech 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:Experience working in a plant science or related research laboratory, including maintaining Arabidopsis, maize, and soybean in growth chambers; performing routine PCR; assisting with Arabidopsis transformation procedures; and helping evaluate plant growth responses to various treatments.

Experience extracting nucleic acids, including RNA and DNA, and preparing samples for downstream molecular analyses.

Familiarity with developing, updating, or following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), laboratory protocols, and in-house safety training materials.

Experience making genetic crosses in crop species such as maize or soybean.

Experience supporting laboratory operations through ordering and maintaining inventory of supplies, reagents, and administrative materials.

Job Description:

The Department of Agronomy is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Lab Technician I to join Dr. Walter Suza’s research group. This position is ideal for individuals interested in plant science, molecular biology, and supporting innovative research in controlled lab environments.

As a key member of the lab, you will contribute to experiments focused on plant growth and stress responses, support daily lab functions, and help maintain a safe and efficient research environment. You will work closely with faculty, graduate students, and other lab personnel, gaining hands-on experience in experimental setup, data collection, and laboratory operations.

This position requires a strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a team. Prior lab experience is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

+ Conduct plant growth experiments under controlled conditions to evaluate responses to environmental stressors.

+ Use basic laboratory equipment to perform measurements and assist in sample preparation for molecular analysis.

+ Record experimental observations and maintain comprehensive lab notes and digital records.

+ Enter and perform preliminary data analysis using software such as Excel, R, or Python.

+ Assist in preparing technical reports and visual data summaries.

+ Track and maintain laboratory safety compliance, including training coordination and safety documentation management.

+ Maintain and service basic lab equipment; coordinate routine cleaning of lab spaces and growth chambers.

+ Monitor lab functionality and manage repair or maintenance requests as needed.

+ Maintain laboratory inventory, including ordering supplies and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

+ Coordinate transportation of materials and equipment between lab, growth chambers, and field sites.

+ Support communication among lab members, vendors, and university staff to ensure efficient lab operations.

+ Assist with outreach, grant-related activities, or other duties as assigned.

+ Participate in lab meetings and foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment.

This is a full-time, on-site position offering an excellent opportunity to develop research skills and support groundbreaking agricultural research. Iowa State University offers a competitive benefits package and encourages professional growth.

If you're passionate about plant science and thrive in a research-driven environment, we encourage you to apply.

This is a fixed term position with an anticipated end date of November 1, 2026. Renewal of the term is subject to funding availability.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:November 1, 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: November 19, 2025

Posting Close Date:November 29, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R18137

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) 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/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 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 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.