Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician

As a part of a diverse community of faculty and staff who represent many faith systems and worldviews, Marian University seeks a Laboratory Technician for a two-year, 100% grant funded position. Funds are available from May 2026 to the end of April 2028. The Laboratory Technician will promote our Catholic Franciscan mission and identity by supporting the success of NIH-funded HPV and cancer biology research projects by ensuring efficient laboratory operations, high-quality experimental data, and timely completion of research objectives.

The role impacts Principal Investigators, collaborating faculty, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory trainees through daily research support, mentorship, and technical guidance. Research productivity, manuscript preparation, grant progress, and scientific presentations are influenced by the laboratory manager's ability to coordinate experiments, maintain laboratory organization, and support project timelines.

The position also impacts institutional compliance and laboratory safety by helping ensure adherence to biosafety regulations, research protocols, and proper laboratory practices. Additionally, the role contributes to the broader scientific and medical research community by supporting studies focused on understanding HPV biology and mechanisms involved in viral persistence and cancer development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Actively engage the Catholic Franciscan mission and identity of Marian University by modeling the Franciscan Sponsorship Values and honoring the legacy of the founding congregation through transformative education, unity in diversity, leadership through service, integrating faith and life, and institutional policies.
• Coordinate and manage daily laboratory operations supporting HPV molecular virology and cancer biology research projects. – 20%
• Perform and oversee molecular biology, cell culture, and biochemical experiments related to HPV E2 function, viral replication, transcription, and lysine methylation studies. – 25%
• Maintain mammalian cell lines, prepare reagents, monitor laboratory supplies, and ensure proper storage and organization of biological samples and research materials. – 15%
• Assist with experimental design, data collection, troubleshooting, analysis, and interpretation for NIH-funded research studies. – 10%
• Train, supervise, and support students and research personnel in laboratory procedures, equipment operation, and safety compliance. – 10%
• Manage laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, inventory tracking, and coordination with institutional core facilities and vendors. – 5%
• Maintain accurate research records, laboratory notebooks, databases, and documentation required for regulatory and grant compliance. – 5%
• Assist in the preparation of figures, reports, manuscripts, presentations, and grant-related materials for scientific dissemination. – 5%
• Ensure compliance with institutional biosafety, chemical safety, and laboratory safety policies and procedures. – 5%

Decision Making & Judgement:

• Independently prioritize and coordinate daily laboratory activities to ensure timely completion of research objectives and experimental workflows.
• Exercise judgment in troubleshooting molecular biology, virology, and cell culture experiments, including identifying technical issues and implementing appropriate corrective actions.
• Determine appropriate laboratory methods, reagent preparation, and experimental scheduling while balancing multiple ongoing projects and deadlines.
• Monitor laboratory inventory and independently order supplies, maintain equipment, and coordinate repairs or service when needed.
• Ensure compliance with institutional biosafety, laboratory safety, and research protocols by identifying and addressing potential safety or regulatory concerns.
• Provide training and guidance to students and laboratory personnel on research procedures, equipment operation, and proper laboratory practices.
• Maintain accurate research documentation and determine appropriate organization and management of experimental data, samples, and records.
• Communicate effectively with investigators, collaborators, core facilities, and vendors regarding project needs, experimental progress, and operational issues.

People Leadership:

• Provide day-to-day guidance, training, and oversight to graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory trainees participating in HPV molecular virology research projects.
• Coordinate laboratory workflows and delegate research tasks to ensure efficient completion of experiments, data collection, and project milestones.
• Mentor students and new laboratory personnel in proper laboratory techniques, equipment use, biosafety procedures, and research documentation practices.
• Monitor trainee progress and provide feedback on experimental performance, troubleshooting approaches, and adherence to laboratory protocols.
• Promote a collaborative, organized, and safety-focused laboratory environment that supports research productivity and student development.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in onboarding new personnel and maintaining effective communication among laboratory members and collaborators.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, or related field required or currently enrolled in a graduate biomedical sciences program.
• Basic laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, cell culture, or biochemistry preferred.
• Ability to follow laboratory protocols, maintain accurate records, and work in a research environment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and assist with multiple research projects.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR, pipetting, or cell culture preferred but not required.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For consideration all applications require:

1. Cover Letter
2. Current resume or CV
3. Contact information of three professional references. The reference contact information must be entered after the application is submitted in the "My Presence" section of the applicant profile.
4. Responses to the supplementary mission & identity questions.

Please review Marian University's Mission & Identity Statement before responding to the supplementary questions on your application:

Essential Functions: Work hours necessary to perform job requirements satisfactorily on a regular basis. Manage absence from work in responsible manner to ensure service to clients, work teams, and coworkers. Comply with Marian University policies and practices and seeking clarification of them when necessary.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands to handle or feel objects, equipment, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with their hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Limitations and Disclaimer: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and States Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Marian University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.