Laboratory Technician - Nakamua Lab

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title Laboratory Technician - Nakamua Lab Job Category AFSCME 1761 (COLT) Department Human Genetics Inst of NJ Overview

The Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey (HGINJ) has embarked on a major initiative to encourage, foster, and support research in the life sciences within Rutgers University and the greater New Jersey community. As a part of this initiative, further research will be emphasized in five major core programs. Based on the strengths and expertise of the life sciences faculty, these programs include: Brain Disorders, Cancer Genomics, Computational Genetics, Reproductive Genetics, and Stem Cells. Each program is headed by a leading expert in the area of concentration.

The mission of the Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey (HGINJ) is to operate a world-renowned institute of excellence in human and medical genetics, to collaborate with and enhance research and training programs in the life sciences of Rutgers, and to facilitate scientific relationships with the private sector. HGINJ is comprised of prominent research scientists with specialties encompassing a broad range of topics. Areas of concentration currently include the following core programs: Brain Disorders, Cancer Genomics, Computational Genetics, Reproductive Genetics, and Stem Cells.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Laboratory Technician in the Nakamua Lab for the Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey. The successful candidate will be involved in experiments of molecular and developmental biology of fish, lab management, and coordinating research efforts in the lab.

The Nakamura team reveals evolutionary and developmental mechanisms of the fish-to-tetrapod transition combining functional genomics, developmental biology, and comparative anatomy (See our website also; ).

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Performs standard and repetitive physical, chemical, and biological tests on materials, substances, and/or living subjects.
• Propagates non-animal specimens, assist with small animal breeding programs, and perform standardized and repetitive small animal procedures.
• Handles routine and repetitive conduct of any of the commonly used research procedures required to determine such things as species of bacteria, composition of substances, mineral or chemical content of substances, physical characteristics of substances, behavior of living subjects, etc.
• Collects and completes basic preparation of samples and specimens.
• Prepares plantings (sow seeds, grow plants).
• Feeds prescribed maintenance diet to experimental animals in accordance with established procedures and schedules.
• Adds nutritive supplements as prescribed.
• Prepares all types of media, substances, solutions, and reagents involving such processes as weighing materials, compounding mixtures, titrating, etc.
• Prepares materials for all types of tests including physical, chemical, or electrical.
• Performs non-complex tests, examines materials, on occasion alters substances within defined parameters to correct deviations, and keeps accurate records of data gathered from assays, tests, or other experimentations.
• Notifies supervisor of deviations from testing methods.
• Performs a variety of technical measurements, such as weighing animals, using analytical balances, spectrophotometers, and colorimeters.
• Observes and evaluate animals for normative behavior or signs of disease or illness.
• Delivers specimens, materials, and equipment to and from facilities.
• Requisitions, distributes, cleans, cares for, and maintains laboratory items, such as equipment, supplies, chemicals, specimens, drawings, charts, slides, and models.
• Determines if food should be accepted from vendor.
• Cleans materials, tools, equipment, laboratory area, small animals, and cages.
• Adjusts, calibrates, replaces broken parts, and generally keeps a variety of laboratory equipment in good repair.
• Disposes of laboratory waste in accordance with established sanitary and safety procedures.
• Works with hazardous materials associated with animal husbandry and sanitation and/or experimental procedures (carcinogens, chemicals, infectious agents, etc.).
• Guides or instruct other laboratory employees/users in the completion of the above duties.
• Performs related duties as required.

Position Status Full Time Hours Per Week Daily Work Shift Day Work Arrangement FLSA Nonexempt Grade 13 Position Salary Annual Minimum Salary 37854.130 Annual Mid Range Salary 44405.870 Annual Maximum Salary 51234.840 Standard Hours 35.00 Union Description AFSCME - Local 1761 COLT Payroll Designation PeopleSoft Benefits

Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to .

Seniority Unit Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month Position Pension Eligibility PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• A high school/vocational school education or equivalent with coursework completed in the relevant science area(s) and one year of research study experience. An equivalent amount of college-level study in an appropriate science curriculum may be substituted for the experience.

Certifications/Licenses

• Use of personal vehicle in order to travel for business demands; a valid driver's license would be required for this position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The successful candidate will have experiences in fish maintenace and general techniques of molecular and developmental biology including DNA/RNA manipulation, gene expression staining, and animal genotyping. Passion for fishkeeping, comparative anatomy, or computational analysis will be a plus, but is not strictly required.
• The candidate most importantly should have an ability to follow research protocols with significant attention to details, demonstrate a willingness to learn new experiments, and have strong organizational and record keeping skills.
• A practical understanding and a working knowledge of basic scientific techniques, and the ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to record and maintain data in computerized and non-computerized formats.
• Must be able to communicate effectively.
• Will be required to participate in required occupational health and safety programs.
• May require a valid driver?s license, two years driving experience, and successful completion of the Rutgers? Defensive Driving Course.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fish maintenance or embryology, but not required.

Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regular workweek may include evening and/or weekend work.

Special Conditions

• Clean Driving Record.

Posting Details

Posting Number 25ST1157 Posting Open Date 05/22/2025 Special Instructions to Applicants

• Message to AFSCME Local 1761 (COLT) members ONLY: To apply, an application or resume must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 05/30/2025. Although AFSCME Local 1761 (COLT) members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.

Regional Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Rutgers University - New Brunswick City Piscataway State NJ Location Details

• Nakamua Lab.

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address:

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Are you currently a member of AFSCME 1761 (COLT)?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have a high school/vocational school education or equivalent with coursework completed in the relevant science area(s) and one year of research study experience (an equivalent amount of college-level study in an appropriate science curriculum may be substituted for the experience)?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application