Laboratory Technician Job Description
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here.
If you don’t have a Gmail account, you can email your resume and cover letter to: admin@genspace.org
About the Role
The Laboratory Technician plays a key role in ensuring Genspace meets its mission effectively and with thrifty use of resources. They are responsible for lab/office operations and supporting all Genspace STEAM training program activities. This person should have exceptional organizational skills and an interest in designing, implementing, and improving systems to support programming for a multi-dimensional organization.
The Lab Technician reports to the Lab Manager and will work closely with all other Genspace staff.
Responsibilities
Lab and Office Management
Support daily lab operations and stewardship at the community lab facility—including keeping the lab and office clean and organized, ordering, inventorying, stocking, and disposing of materials
Ensure laboratory policies and procedures are followed by all lab users
With Lab Manager ensure that the lab facility is functioning in a safe and ethical manner, and is compliant with local, state and federal regulations
Supervise interns, and oversee work of volunteers in the lab
Order, inventory, and stock needed office and lab supplies
Occasionally correspond with external vendors, and manage any contract services
With Lab Manager, coordinate office equipment and lab instrumentation repairs and upgrades including contracting with and managing the work of external vendors; specifying, installing and operating new instrumentation; and monitoring, maintaining, and fixing lab equipment as needed
Develop, write and/or implement SOPs for general lab use as needed
Help maintain the Lab Operations google drive folder
Manage the issuing and returning of fobs to members and other users of the lab
General Program Support
Provide safety training and lab orientation for new members, instructors, teaching assistants, regular volunteers, youth, program participants, and other personnel
Mentor members and all users of the lab; serve as a resource for the Genspace community
Prepare materials and order lab supplies for all programs (including membership, classes and workshops and youth and adult workforce development programs)
Provide setup for events
Other responsibilities may include:
Supporting and occasionally mentoring participants in adult workforce development and youth research internship programs
Supporting data management practices for tracking program metrics and spending
Occasionally teaching workshops to various audiences including membership, adult learners, and youth programs
Participating in the broader Community Biology field - share ideas and stories and listen in to what’s happening at other labs
Responding to phone calls and email inquiries as needed
Uploading photos into Google photo drive
Other position details
This is a 2yr, limited-term position ending on December 31, 2027 that is subject to renewal depending on funding availability.
Part-time 30 hrs/week; some evening/weekend hours required.
The Lab Technician is expected to work onsite to oversee use of the lab by members, participants, and vendors.
Salary range is $60,000-$70,000/year, commensurate with experience.
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s required in molecular biology or related field; and/or 3 years of related experience preferred
Broad-based understanding of biological science principles and the types of research and design that happen in a community biology lab
Meticulous attention to detail, noticing everything from errant punctuation to unruly spreadsheet formatting and inconsistent contract clauses. (You don’t have to be superhuman, but this job does require a lot of attention to detail.)
Ability to write and develop standard operating procedures, policies, and other documentation for organizational efficiency
Thorough written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment with persons of various educational, social and cultural backgrounds in a demanding, dynamic and stressful environment
Strong analytical and organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within time constraints and to work with shifting priorities and schedules
Works effectively as part of a team with good interpersonal skills
Computational/data skills, especially database and spreadsheet applications
Ability to lift and carry 25lbs for short distances
Must be able to work occasional weekends and evenings
Preferred:
Lab technician experience
Knowledgeable in recognition, evaluation, and control of biologically or chemically hazardous materials, including handling, identification, properties, storage and disposal