This role serves as the group leader and instructor for laboratory technicians, laboratory assistants, and students in a large university-affiliated laboratory that processes whole blood, tissues, and cell cultures. The position provides professional-level technical support in a high-throughput molecular biology and clinical research environment, performing and overseeing multistage purifications, nucleic acid extractions, and related assays to support genetic and biochemical studies. The laboratory focuses on biobanking and bioprocessing, with an emphasis on accurate sample handling, rigorous quality control, and reliable data management to support cutting-edge research and testing.

• Function as the group leader and primary instructor for laboratory technicians, laboratory assistants, and students, providing day-to-day guidance, training, and oversight in a large university laboratory and teaching program.
• Provide professional-level laboratory technical support using scientific research and clinical methods, ensuring that all procedures follow established protocols and quality standards.
• Perform and oversee multistage purifications, nucleic acid extractions, and other molecular biology assays and tests to support genetic and biochemical studies.
• Process whole blood, tissues, and cell cultures, including preparation of tissues, chemicals, nucleic acids, and other biological materials for testing.
• Propagate non-animal specimens and cell cultures, following aseptic techniques and laboratory safety procedures.
• Perform basic molecular biology assays, including DNA and RNA isolation, electrophoresis, quality control measurements, PCR, and related techniques.
• Operate and work with robotic systems for high-throughput analysis, ensuring accurate setup, execution, and monitoring of automated workflows.
• Log and enter sample identity data and sample processing data into computer systems, maintaining accurate and complete records for all specimens and procedures.
• Inventory, store, and track extracted samples in -80&degree;C freezer storage systems, ensuring proper labeling, organization, and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Retrieve and prepare stored samples for distribution to investigators, and create and maintain computer logs of all sample transfers.
• Perform quality control and quality assurance checks on samples as they are processed, including investigating and resolving sample discrepancy problems.
• Use techniques such as Southern analysis and PCR to confirm sample identity or conduct pedigree analysis to verify genetic relationships when needed.
• Perform routine and advanced equipment maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance of laboratory instruments and robotic systems.
• Prepare reagents and solutions according to established protocols, and assist with maintaining adequate supplies and materials for laboratory operations.
• Cross-train in cell culture activities to support broader laboratory needs and ensure operational flexibility.
• Order laboratory supplies and consumables as needed, and interface with service personnel for instrumentation, including reviewing and signing off on service work performed.
• Contribute as an author to progress reports and scientific manuscripts by providing accurate data, methodological details, and technical insights.
• Respond promptly to equipment alarms, such as -80&degree;C freezer failures, by notifying the supervisor, developing and executing a relocation plan for freezer inventory, and initiating arrangements for equipment repair.
• Record and maintain data in both computerized and non-computerized formats, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and compliance with laboratory policies.
• Operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory equipment safely and effectively, adhering to all occupational health and safety requirements.
• Participate in required occupational health and safety programs and follow all relevant biosafety and chemical safety procedures.
• Work autonomously and under time pressure to meet testing and project deadlines while maintaining high accuracy and quality standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline is required.
• Bachelor of Science in a biological science, or Bachelor of Arts in a biological science, or equivalent degree meeting defined science and mathematics coursework requirements.
• If the degree does not clearly indicate a biological science major, the ability to provide an official transcript is required.
• For Bachelor of Arts degrees, completion of at least 32 hours of s