Laboratory Specialist - NGS

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Laboratory Specialist - NGS Job Description

The Laboratory Specialist – NGS provides professional-level technical support in a large university laboratory and teaching environment, serving as a group leader and instructor for laboratory technicians, assistants, and students. This role focuses on molecular biology and clinical laboratory methods, including multistage purifications, nucleic acid extractions, and preparation of biological specimens for genetic studies and high-complexity testing. The specialist ensures accurate sample processing, quality control, and data recording while contributing to research progress reports and manuscripts and supporting biobanking and bioprocessing activities in a high-throughput testing facility.

• Lead and instruct laboratory technicians, laboratory assistants, and students in a large university laboratory and teaching program, providing day-to-day guidance and technical direction.
• Provide professional-level laboratory technical support using established scientific research and clinical laboratory methods and techniques.
• Perform and oversee multistage purifications, nucleic acid extractions, and other assays and tests on whole blood, tissues, and cell cultures for genetic and clinical studies.
• Propagate non-animal specimens and cell cultures and prepare tissues, chemicals, nucleic acids, and other biological materials for testing.
• Process biological samples by performing basic molecular biology assays, including DNA and RNA isolation, electrophoresis, quality control measurements, PCR, and related techniques.
• Work with several robotic systems to support high-throughput analysis and testing workflows.
• Log and enter sample identity data and sample processing information into computer systems, ensuring accurate and complete records.
• Inventory, store, and track extracted samples in -80&degree;C freezer storage systems and maintain organized biobanking records.
• Retrieve and prepare stored samples for distribution to investigators and create and maintain computer logs documenting sample transfers.
• Perform quality control and quality assurance checks throughout sample processing and investigate sample discrepancies using techniques such as Southern analysis, PCR, or pedigree analysis to confirm sample identity and genetic relationships.
• Conduct routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, and coordinate reagent and solution preparation to support ongoing laboratory operations.
• Assist with maintaining adequate supplies and materials, including monitoring inventory and replenishing laboratory stock as needed.
• Cross-train in cell culture activities to support broader laboratory needs.
• Order supplies and interface with service personnel for instrumentation, including reviewing and signing off on service work performed.
• Serve as a contributing author on progress reports and manuscripts related to laboratory research and testing activities.
• Respond promptly to equipment alarms, such as -80&degree;C freezer failures, by notifying supervisors, developing and executing relocation plans for freezer inventory, and initiating arrangements for equipment repair.
• Operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory equipment in accordance with safety and quality standards.
• Record and maintain data in both computerized and non-computerized formats, ensuring accuracy and compliance with laboratory documentation requirements.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, investigators, and support staff regarding sample status, test results, and laboratory operations.
• Participate in required occupational health and safety programs and adhere to all laboratory safety protocols.
• Lift and move laboratory materials and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds as needed to support daily operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, preferably a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in a biological science.
• For a Bachelor of Arts in a biological science, completion of at least 32 hours of science coursework, including 16 hours of chemistry, 16 hours of biology, and 3 hours of mathematics.
• Credential equivalency evaluation from NACES or AICE for degrees obtained outside of the United States.
• At least three months of documented laboratory training in each specialty in which high-complexity testing is performed, or willingness to complete a three-month training period prior to sign-off if such training is not already documented.
• Academic laboratory experience with courses and labs related to biology or other scientific disciplines.
• Hands-on pipetting experience (manual or automated, single or multichannel) in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with DNA extraction and handling of biological samples for laboratory testing.
• Ability to perform basic molecular biology assays, including DNA/RNA isolation, electrophoresis, and quality control measurements.
• Working knowledge of MS Office applications, especially Excel, and familiarity with database systems for data entry and tracking.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage time effectively, and perform under pressure in a high-throughput testing environment.
• Capability to lift and move up to 30 pounds in the laboratory.
• Ability to operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory equipment safely and effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to record and maintain data in both computerized and non-computerized formats.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, investigators, and students.
• Commitment to participating in occupational health and safety programs and following laboratory safety procedures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology preferred; other science degrees are also suitable.
• Preferred experience in DNA and biochemical extraction, blood cell separation, tissue culture, and preparation of laboratory reagents.
• Experience handling biohazardous materials in accordance with safety guidelines.
• PCR experience, including PCR-based DNA analysis and related molecular techniques.
• Familiarity with chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and broader biological sciences.
• Experience with liquid handling systems, including automated pipetting platforms.
• Background in biobanking and bioprocessing workflows is advantageous.
• Ability to contribute to progress reports and manuscripts as a co-author.
• Experience working in high-throughput testing environments, particularly those supporting large-scale clinical or research studies.
• Strong problem-solving skills for investigating sample discrepancies and resolving technical issues with equipment and assays.

This role is based in a biobanking and bioprocessing laboratory that supports high-throughput genetic and clinical testing, including next-generation sequencing workflows and saliva testing. The environment includes sophisticated molecular biology instrumentation, robotic systems for automated analysis, -80&degree;C freezer storage for sample preservation, and standard equipment for DNA/RNA isolation, electrophoresis, PCR, and cell culture. The regular work schedule is Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., following an initial training period of approximately one month on a Monday through Friday schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The laboratory operates under structured occupational health and safety programs, with established protocols for handling biohazardous materials, maintaining equipment, and responding to alarms. Team members work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven setting that contributes to addressing public health challenges. Dress is typical laboratory attire appropriate for a clinical and research environment, including adherence to required personal protective equipment and safety guidelines.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Piscataway, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Piscataway,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

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The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.