Job Description

Overview
The newly established Skeletal Mechanobiology Lab in the Veterinary and Clinical Life Sciences Department at Utah State University, under the direction of Dr. Bettina Willie, is seeking a highly motivated lab technician to join our team.



Our research lab uses multidisciplinary approaches, including state-of-the-art high resolution imaging technologies, to study the causes, detection, and treatment of skeletal fragility, especially in rare diseases. We are particularly interested in understanding mechanisms of bone adaptation and regeneration to mechanical stimuli to develop strategies to inhibit bone loss and enhance bone healing. Our research uses primarily in vivo animal models, currently mainly mice, rabbits, and chickens. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to do more than just benchwork. Every day will look a little different, and initiative and adaptability will be highly valued.



The lab technician will perform research, manage laboratory operations, including ordering and budgeting, and provide students with training and guidance to perform their research.



This position requires exceptional attention to detail, integrity, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with sound judgment about when to troubleshoot independently and when to seek guidance. The ideal candidate has a background in biology, bioengineering, molecular biology or related field. The candidate values variety, precision, and teamwork while contributing to research that improves the lives of animals and humans.



U.S. Work Authorization is required. This job is not eligible for H1B sponsorship. Review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled. Job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.



This position will be hired as either a Lab Technician I, II, or III dependent upon duties assigned and qualifications. See the Responsibilities and Qualifications sections.




0.75 FTE is guaranteed; the remaining 0.25 FTE is contingent upon funding.

1.0 FTE has been secured through July 31, 2029.

Responsibilities
Lab Technician I:

Sets up laboratory equipment and provides all necessary supplies.
Maintains supply inventory.
Cleans lab and equipment.
Maintains lab equipment.
Maintains lab records.
Manages calibration and operation of equipment.
Maintains quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Lab Technician II:

Sets up laboratory equipment and provides all necessary supplies.
Maintains supply inventory.
Cleans lab and equipment.
May provide lab safety guidelines to lab students.
Maintains lab records.
Manages calibration and operation of equipment.
Maintains equipment.
Ensures that specimens are organized and stored for maximum preservation. Prepares and collects specimens as directed.
Executes experiment plans and directives per instructions.
Maintains quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Lab technician III:

Directs laboratory operations including establishing and maintaining schedules, maintaining lab reagents, and overseeing
lab organization.
Sets up laboratory equipment and provides all necessary supplies.
Executes experiment plans and directives per instructions.
May analyze data and assist with preparing data for publication as directed.
May support and assist with research activities of students and postdocs.
Maintains supply inventory including ordering supplies as needed.
Maintains lab records.
Provides lab safety guidelines to lab students. May oversee students during lab time.
Ensures that laboratory spaces are clean, organized and safe.
Coordinates the repair/maintenance of the lab with outside personnel as needed.
Ensures that specimens are organized and stored for maximum preservation. Prepares and collects specimens as directed.
Maintains quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
Cleans laboratory and equipment.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

This position will be hired as either a Lab Technician I, II, or III dependent upon duties assigned and qualifications. For:
Lab technician I: Six months’ experience in a laboratory is required.
Lab technician II: Two years of experience; or an associate degree/vocational training; or equivalent combination of education plus experience is required.
Lab technician III: Four years of experience; or an associate degree plus two years of experience; or a bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination of education plus experience is required.
For All Levels:
Comfort and willingness to handle live and deceased animals under supervision and with appropriate training.
Ability to follow written instructions and laboratory protocols and to maintain records.
Willingness to learn and use office and data tools, including spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and basic statistical software.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks.
Team-oriented mindset with clear verbal and written communication.
Eagerness to learn new skills and techniques.
Reliable, professional, and able to work collegially with a diverse group of collaborators.
Proactive in managing tasks while exercising good judgment on when to seek guidance or approval.
Preferred Qualifications:

Degree or knowledge in biology, bioengineering, material science, molecular biology, or related field.
Two or more years of research experience
Experience handling animals in a laboratory setting.
Ability to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot molecular biology and/or imaging processing protocols.
Proficiency in a programming language such as Python, MATLAB, and/or R for data organization and analysis
Experience with organizing, cleaning, and manipulating large data sets and preparing summaries of the data.
Experience contributing to manuscripts or technical reports
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to follow verbal or written instructions.
Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
Skilled in providing guidance and instruction in laboratory protocols and in the safe use of laboratory equipment.
Knowledge of experimental procedures, protocols, and preparation techniques within area of specialty.
Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
Ability to set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain standard laboratory and test equipment.
Knowledge of the cleaning specifications of various laboratory and/or medical equipment, fixtures, utensils, and related materials.
Ability to maintain detailed records.
Computer skills including spreadsheet and word-processing programs.


Disclaimer:

This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.

Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application