Part-Time Research Technician – Bat Ecology and Disease Research

The Plowright Lab is seeking a part-time Research Technician to support ongoing bat related research. This position involves live animal handling, wet laboratory work, and data management. The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of Raina Plowright, and will receive project-specific training upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Handling live bats and collecting biological samples (on conscious, anesthetized, and/or euthanized bats) including oral and rectal swabs, blood, and milk, with strict adherence to PPE and safety protocols
• Assisting with necropsies, vaccination, and bat husbandry as needed
• Processing and storing biological samples; performing RNA extractions and ELISAs as required
• Recording, organizing, entering, and cross-checking data in Google Sheets, Excel, or on Box and uploading records to a project-specific relational database
• Assisting with general sample organization and documentation to support experimental workflows

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife science, veterinary science, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred
• Prior experience handling live wildlife, particularly bats, and collecting biological samples strongly preferred
• Familiarity with standard wet laboratory techniques (sample processing, RNA extraction, ELISA) is preferred
• Comfortable working with spreadsheet software; experience with structured data entry preferred
• Ability to work independently and reliably in animal facilities, wet laboratory environments, and on the computer
• Must be able to complete required IACUC and institutional training upon hire

Additional Information

This is a 6 month part-time temporary position offering 19 hours per week, with a semi-flexible work schedule that will be based around running experiments and sampling timepoints. Standard working hours apply, with some possible exceptions; no irregular scheduling or heavy lifting required. All necessary safety and compliance training will be provided following hire.

The pay rate for this position is $18.00/hr. This position is not benefits eligible.

University Job Title: Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician

Job Family: Temporary Technical

Level: No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type: Hourly