Lab Assistant

JOB SUMMARY:

Help improve and extend apparatus to automate fruit fly handling and quantify behavior to advance the scientific goals of the Institute of Human Genetics. Use data science skills to analyze data and help ensure efficient utilization of Linux based HPC resources. Other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

• 50% - Essential - Customizing an automated fruit fly sorting and climbing assay system developed as part of undergraduate Electrical and Computer Engineering capstone project. This will include modifications needed to answer specific scientific questions, running experiments to demonstrate proof of principle, exporting data, troubleshooting, and noting potential areas for improvement in future iterations.
• 30% - Essential - Data science and related activities on a Linux-based HPC cluster. Projects will be based on configuration and setup of non-production servers for the purpose of running benchmarking, observability, and visualization tools to provide insight into efficient use of resources. Undertake data analysis tasks as necessary.
• 20% - Essential - Document all activities necessary to allow others to repeat experiments, make necessary modifications of the instrument, and benefit from the insights gained. This includes updates to user/service manuals, software, circuit diagrams, and CAD files. Use version control for all software and configuration information.

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 - Bachelor's Degree - Electrical, Electronic or Computer Engineering

Work Experience 1+ years with construction and fabrication using 3D printing, basic electronics, and technical troubleshooting. Use of Linux and running codes on HPC computing clusters. Demonstrated experience with engineering design including CAD and 3D printing, mechatronics, and computer vision. Experience using Linux and HPC cluster environments, including benchmarking and optimizing codes.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.

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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 30% - Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
• 20% - Walk or move about
• 20% - Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc
• 30% - Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself

WORKING CONDITIONS:

No Work Conditions

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours: 37.5

Approximate dates of this temporary assignment: June 2026-August 2026

This assignment requires onsite work in the facility located in Greenwood, SC