Lab Assistant - Department of Biological Sciences

Description

WELCOME TO CLEMSON!
Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

JOB SUMMARY:

This entry-level Research Technician will support laboratory studies on the pathogenesis of animal protozoan pathogens. The position will assist the Principal Investigator and lab members with molecular, cellular, immunological, and animal model research, including experimental procedures, reagent and sample preparation, equipment maintenance, and data documentation. The incumbent will also support animal studies, routine lab operations, and regulatory compliance to help ensure accurate and timely completion of research activities.

JOB DUTIES:

25% - Essential - Perform and assist with experiments using standard molecular biology techniques to support ongoing laboratory research projects. Duties may include DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, plasmid preparation, western blotting, protein expression and purification, and related sample preparation and analysis. The incumbent will follow established protocols, maintain accurate experimental records, troubleshoot routine technical issues, and assist with data collection, interpretation, and preparation for reports or presentations.

25% - Essential - Carry out cell culture procedures and in vitro assays to support studies of host-pathogen interactions. Maintain mammalian cell lines and protozoan parasite strains using established laboratory protocols, including routine passaging, cryopreservation, recovery, and monitoring for contamination or changes in growth characteristics. Prepare cultures for experimental use, assist with infection assays and related analyses, and accurately document culture conditions, assay setup, observations, and results.

25% - Essential - Operate and maintain various preparative and analytical instruments used in laboratory research, following established protocols and safety procedures. Assist with the preparation, packaging, documentation, and shipment of reagents, biological materials, and parasite strains in compliance with institutional, biosafety, and shipping regulations. Help the Principal Investigator monitor laboratory safety practices by inspecting work areas, identifying potential safety concerns, maintaining safety records, and supporting corrective actions to ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards.

15% - Essential - Receive and unpack laboratory supplies, reagents, equipment, and other delivered items, verifying contents against packing slips and reporting any discrepancies or damaged materials. Clean, organize, and maintain laboratory work areas, storage spaces, equipment, and shared supplies to support efficient and safe daily operations. Maintain accurate inventory records by tracking supplies, reagents, consumables, and equipment, updating stock levels, noting expiration dates, and assisting with reordering as needed.

10% - Essential - Prepare tissue culture reagents, media, and supplements needed to maintain mammalian cell lines and parasite cultures. Prepare commonly used molecular biology reagents and buffers, including stock solutions, working solutions, gels, stains, and assay-specific buffers, following established laboratory protocols. Maintain accurate records of reagent preparation, labeling, storage conditions, expiration dates, and inventory to ensure consistency, quality control, and reliable experimental results.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education - A high school diploma and work experience in a related health care setting or in a clinical or research laboratory setting; or 12 semester hours of academic training in biology and/or chemistry; or registration as a Certified Laboratory Assistant by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists or an equivalent registry; or successful completion of a formal program of instruction for laboratory assistants at a hospital or academic institution.

Work Experience 0+ years

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Education - Master's Degree - Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Parasitology, Cell Biology, or Biochemistry

Work Experience 1+ years working experience in research laboratory. Previous lab research experience in molecular parasitology is highly preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Firm Job Knowledge - Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Acts as Lead - Acts as a Lead by guiding the work of others who perform essentially the same work.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

10% - Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
10% - Walk or move about
10% - Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc
10% - Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
5% - Move, transport, raise or lower

WORKING CONDITIONS:

5% - Chemical hazards
10% - Exposure to bio-hazards (i.e. blood, bodily fluids)

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Anticipated Salary Range: $30,700 - $35,000

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Normal Operations

Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

May 11, 2026 at 11:59pm EST