Principal Laboratory Technician

Rutgers University

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Mar 24, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Principal Laboratory Technician
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research Support (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	Institute for Translational Medicine and Science
Overview	The Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science ( RITMS) was founded in January 2016 and is directed by the Vice-Chancellor for clinical and translational science, Dr. Reynold Panettieri. RITMS plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between basic and clinical research, which focuses on developing safer and more effective therapeutics. Through cutting-edge research facilities, comprehensive educational programs, and pioneering research initiatives, RITMS is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and applying it to real-world medical challenges. The Institute excels in progressing proof-of-concept studies from cellular and animal models to human trials, ensuring that groundbreaking discoveries reach clinical applications. Recognized for its innovative clinical and research programs, RITMS leads the way in translating scientific advancements into new treatments, particularly for patients with rare diseases such as lymphangioleiomyomatosis, Castleman disease, and Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome. Moreover, RITMS places a strong emphasis on education and training, offering undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scholars invaluable hands-on experience in both research and clinical environments. The institute promotes an interdisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration across multiple departments, including Medicine, Pediatrics, Radiology, Surgery, Pharmacology, and Emergency Medicine.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Principal Laboratory Technician within the Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science ( RITMS). The Principal Laboratory Technician will perform a broad range of experiments related to evaluating cellular responses generated by glucocorticoids and cAMP-elevating agents, encompassing cell and molecular biology, tissue culture and animal work techniques. Primary responsibilities will include culturing different lung cell types (both primary cells and cell lines), performing human and murine Precision Cut Lung Slice ( PCLS) experiments, performing immunological assays (immunofluorescent staining, ELISA, western blots, immunoprecipitations, and flow cytometry/ FACS), and molecular biology techniques ( PCR & real time- PCR techniques, DNA and mRNA sample preparation, plasmid DNA preparation, DNA subcloning, and siRNA/shRNA transfections). Additional responsibilities will include maintaining equipment, keeping accurate records and notes, ordering lab supplies; working knowledge of MS Office to keep inventories of experimental reagents and equipment, data analysis, general lab duties, and assisting preparing publication and grant submissions. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Cell Culture work: media preparation, quality control testing, and daily maintenance of human airway muscle cell lines and human fibroblast cell lines. Performing immunological assays (immunofluorescent staining, ELISA, western blots, immunoprecipitations, and flow cytometry/FACS). Performing molecular biology techniques (PCR & real time-PCR techniques, DNA and mRNA sample preparation, plasmid DNA preparation, DNA subcloning and siRNA/shRNA transfections). Assist in the management of corporate and academic collaborations/projects. Responsibilities include assisting experiment design, performance, analysis and interpretation, presentation of experiment results by teleconference to our collaborators and preparation of interim and final reports. Responsible for scheduling, management, and coordination of equipment upgrades, repairs, recertifications, and preventive maintenance visits.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement
FLSA	Nonexempt
Grade	147
Position Salary
Annual Minimum Salary	41184.00
Annual Mid Range Salary	42224.00
Annual Maximum Salary	43492.80
Standard Hours	40.00
Union Description	Teamsters 97
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Associate's degree plus one (1) year of prior laboratory experience is required, a Bachelor's degree is preferred for this position in one of the following fields: biology, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or another related field.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Ability to perform basic scientific assays including RNA/DNA extraction, and protein preparation, PCR & real time-PCR, western blot analysis, ELISA are essential. Familiarity with basic concepts of cell, cell-cell signaling, and molecular biology are required. A background in cell and molecular biology, and tissue culture is a prerequisite for this position. Additional training will be provided as needed. Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently, and as part of a team are required. Must be computer literate with proficiency and working knowledge of database and reporting tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Preferred Qualifications	Candidates with pulmonary research experience are desirable. Experience in one of the following fields: biology, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or another related field preferred. Bachelor's degree is preferred for this position in one of the following fields: biology, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or another related field.
Equipment Utilized	Tissue culture hoods and incubators, centrifuges, electrophoresis apparatus for proteins and nucleic acids, electroporator, Nanodrop, electroporator, gentleMACS Octo Dissociator, flow cytometry, multimode plate reader, thermal cyclers, nanodrop, light, confocal, and fluorescent microscopes, histopathology processor, embedding center, microtome, cryostat, vibratome, ELISA plate washer, ELISA plate reader, ddPCR, qPCR, and other equipment as needed.
Physical Demands and Work Environment	PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Occasional lifting 25-50 lbs., intermittently sitting/standing/stooping, typically sitting at a desk or table. Must be able to work at a computer for an extended period and must be able to operate specialized laboratory/scientific equipment. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Biosafety Level 2 and 2+ laboratory environment working with human and animal fluids and tissue. Requires laboratory safety training. Caustic and toxic chemicals. Handle controlled substances such as pharmaceutical, radiological, or hazardous materials.
Special Conditions	Position is contingent upon grant funding.

Posting Details

Posting Number	25ST0620
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus	Downtown New Brunswick
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

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: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement