Biology Research Technician (Part-Time)

$60,507 - $60,507/Yr

Oak Ridge Associated Universities - Durham, NC

Part-time - Entry Level

Durham, NC

Educational Services

About the position

The Biology Research Technician position is a part-time role within the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Research Triangle Park, NC. This role supports high-quality research aimed at improving the scientific basis for decisions on national environmental issues. The technician will assist in studies focused on the fate and transport of microbial and environmental DNA in freshwater and coastal environments, contributing to the understanding of contaminants and their impacts on ecological systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist with studies to determine microbial and environmental DNA fate and transport and their impact on freshwater and marine coastal environments.
• Conduct routine molecular laboratory tasks including nucleic acids extraction/purification/characterization from various sample matrices.
• Perform PCR (including qPCR and possibly ddPCR) analysis of DNA from both metazoan and microbial communities.
• Conduct microbial and general water quality analyses including quantification of microbial contaminants, nutrients, and other physicochemical parameters.
• Assist with field sampling at local research sites.
• Support and maintain laboratory instrumentation, data collection, and general laboratory maintenance and management.

Requirements

• Proficiency with basic molecular laboratory techniques, especially nucleic acid extraction and characterization.
• Excellent oral, written, and electronic communication skills.
• Experience with common computer operation and software usage (e.g., Microsoft Office Professional Suite, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint).

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with qPCR, including preparation of standard curves, testing of primer/probe sets and standardization of assays.

Benefits

• Hourly wage of $29.09 for hours worked.
• Training provided by EPA staff.