Thank you for your interest in the Lab Tech role. We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

If you applied earlier, you should be hearing back from us by the end of December.

Laboratory Technician Job Description

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.

  • This is a 75% time (30hrs/week) position; 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 (full-time equivalent), commensurate with experience.

  • Start date will be in January 2026.

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered.

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