Laboratory Technician III

Comparative And Translational Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory Technician

The newly established Comparative and Translational Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory in the Department of Veterinary Clinical and Life Sciences at Utah State University, led by Dr. Stephanie Martinez, is seeking a meticulous, reliable, and collaborative Lab Technician III to support a broad range of translational research activities. The technician will play a key role in operating and maintaining the laboratory's liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system, performing in vitro metabolism and pharmacology assays and molecular biology techniques, supporting daily laboratory operations, and processing, organizing, and documenting laboratory samples and biological samples from veterinary species.

The successful applicant will receive training in laboratory procedures, instrumentation, software, and compliance practices that are new to them, and will be expected to perform assigned procedures independently after training.

This position requires exceptional attention to detail, integrity, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with sound judgment about when to troubleshoot independently and when to seek guidance.

The ideal candidate has a background in analytical chemistry and molecular biology and values variety, precision, and teamwork while contributing to research that improves the safety and efficacy of therapeutics across veterinary species.

This is a 0.75 FTE benefited position with additional funding secured to increase the position from 0.75 to 1.0 FTE through August 31,2030.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. U.S. Work Authorization is required for the duration of employment. For full consideration please submit your complete application (cover letter, resume/CV, and three references) by October 5, 2026.

Job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision sample preparation and operate, maintain, and document analytical LC-MS/MS workflows for the quantification of drugs and metabolites in biological matrices using validated bioanalytical methods. Assist with method development and validation activities as directed.
• Conduct molecular biology, biochemical, and in vitro drug metabolism and pharmacology assays, including DNA/RNA extractions, PCR-based techniques, immunoblotting, cell culture, microsome preparation and incubations, and plate-based assays.
• Support workflows for biological samples collected from veterinary species, including receiving, transporting, processing, labeling, aliquoting, storing, tracking, and documenting samples in accordance with SOPs, biosafety requirements, and study protocols. Depending on training, experience, and study needs, the technician may also assist with sample collection procedures under approved protocols.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including inventory tracking and ordering, equipment maintenance coordination, safety documentation, sample and reagent organization, and maintaining a clean, organized, and shared laboratory environment.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, instrument logs, SOPs, quality-control records, and other study-related documentation in accordance with laboratory expectations and study requirements, and GLP-aligned practices when applicable.
• Train and support collaborating faculty, graduate students, veterinary students, and undergraduate researchers in laboratory safety, equipment use, and standard techniques after appropriate training and competency development.
• Record, organize, summarize, and prepare laboratory data, including LC-MS/MS quantification results, molecular assay results, immunoblot images, and plate-based assay outputs, to support data interpretation, reporting, and downstream analysis.
• Attend lab meetings and contribute to discussions, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.
• Perform additional laboratory, research, or administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in a science-related field and two years of related laboratory technician experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that includes at least one year of laboratory technician experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working as a lab or research technician at Utah State University.
• Experience with chromatography and/or mass spectrometry workflows.
• Experience with molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell culture.
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, toxicology, food science, biology, or a related field, with at least two years of laboratory technician experience.
• Experience contributing to protocol development, SOP revision, method validation, laboratory documentation, or workflow improvement.
• Experience with veterinary, agricultural, laboratory animal, wildlife, or other animal-related biological sample collection workflows.
• Experience with GLP-aligned documentation, quality assurance practices, sample chain-of-custody procedures, LIMS, or other laboratory data management systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to follow verbal and written instructions, including the ability to execute complex laboratory protocols as written.
• Exceptional attention to detail and precision in laboratory work.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety and biosafety practices applicable to BSL-2 environments.
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain meticulous laboratory notebooks and accurate digital records.
• Ability to work effectively in a shared laboratory environment with multiple research groups.
• Professionalism, reliability, integrity, and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work independently once trained, with sound judgment regarding when to troubleshoot independently and when to seek guidance or approval.
• Comfort and willingness to handle biological samples, including samples from veterinary species.
• Proficient computer skills, including use of spreadsheet and word-processing programs.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
• Contact Information for 3 Professional References to be typed at the beginning of the application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

$45,333 annually plus excellent benefits

ADA

This position requires moderate physical activity, including the handling of average weight objects up to 25 pounds and/or standing, sitting, or walking more than four hours per day. Employees are exposed to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. The work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. This position requires repetitive hand motions and reaching overhead.

College/Department Highlights

The Lab Technician III will be joining the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) during an exciting period of growth and investment in veterinary education and research. In 2022, the State of Utah approved the creation of a full four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at USU, and in fall 2025 the CVM admitted its inaugural class following approval by its accrediting agency, the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. As the College expands, it is making an investment in research programs, laboratory infrastructure, and shared scientific resources that support basic, translational, and clinical research.

In summer 2026, the CVM moved into a newly constructed, state-of-the-art Veterinary Medicine Education Building that includes new research laboratories and shared core facilities designed to support collaborative, interdisciplinary research.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged