Lab Assistant I

Requisition #2026-21474

Date Posted7 days ago(1/28/2026 8:29 AM)

Department: Molecular Biology

Category: Research and Laboratory

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

This position has a dual role within the department. One as glass washer and another an assistant to fly food facilities.

Candidate will perform routine non-technical laboratory tasks predominantly mechanical in nature. Person will wash and sterilize glassware, apparatus, instruments and utensils according to established methods and procedures for research laboratories. Person will keep glassware, instruments, equipment and experimental area clean, neat, and in good order. Person will perform routine maintenance on equipment.

Candidate will assist in our Drosophila facility. This includes intensive training including the use of facilities equipment, to make all products produced by the facility, and to manage the administrative task associated with the facility. Candidate will help to build up stock and be a substitute for the Fly Facilities Manager.

There are times research requires heavy periods of work load and responsibilities depending on the hiring of new faculty members or new experimental protocol development.

Responsibilities

Candidate will perform routine non-technical laboratory tasks predominantly mechanical in nature. Person will wash and sterilize glassware, apparatus, instruments and utensils according to established methods and procedures for research laboratories. Person will keep glassware, instruments, equipment and experimental area clean, neat, and in good order.

Candidate will also learn to produce Drosophila (Fly) food and plates to back up our Drosophila specialist for scheduled vacations and illness: and be able to instruct other la assistants on the process to help in coverage if needed. This includes following precise recipes, weighing and mixing materials, running a dispensing machines, steam kettle, and autoclaves, and packaging the materials and moving them to the storage area. Candidate will also check the inventory during coverage and supply a list of needed item to the facility manger for ordering.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• High school diploma
• At least one-year experience
• The successful candidate must be able to stand or walk up to two hours at one time for up to eight hours per day; to sit for less than two hours per day; to lift or carry up to ten pounds constantly (over 66% of the workday) and 25 pounds occasionally (up to 33% of the work day); to push or pull using forces up to 25 pounds occasionally (up to 33% of the work day); to repetitively use hands to simple grasping, pushing or pulling and fine manipulations; to bend, squat, reach overhead, lift overhead, or push or pull occasionally (up to 33% of the work day); to lift up to 25 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead; to possess full range of body motions and physical agility; to manipulate and handle glassware, pipettes and tips and pertinent equipment to clean, sterilize, and dry; must be dexterous in order to fill tip boxes; must be flexible and willing to cover for co -workers routinely; must be able to communicate clearly and to read, write and follow instructions. The candidate must be able to work independently and back up other glasswashers for coverage.

PREFERRED:

• Solid quantitative and computing skills
• Ability to train others
• Comfortable working with Fly food preparations and environment

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Standard Weekly Hours40.00

Eligible for OvertimeYes

Benefits EligibleYes

Probationary Period90 days

Salary Range$43,000 to $46,000