"Research Senior Technician"

Research Senior Technician

The Fang Laboratory at The Ohio State University is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Senior Technician to support projects investigating the molecular genetics of fungal and oomycete pathogens. The successful candidate will collect and process samples, conduct basic molecular fungal biology and genetics experiments, and assist in the design and implementation of standard laboratory research projects. The role will also include preliminary statistical analysis and assistance with research reports and scientific manuscripts. This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment focused on advancing molecular fungal genetics and plant pathology research.

Position Duties and Effort Distribution

The Research Technician will contribute to the Fang Laboratorys projects through a combination of experimental work, lab operations, and team collaboration.

The approximate distribution of duties is as follows (total = 100%):

• 60% Experimental Design and Execution: Collects and processes samples; maintains fungal/oomycete cultures; conducts basic experiments including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT-qPCR, molecular cloning, and other standard assays. Maintains accurate laboratory records and ensures data quality and reproducibility.
• 15% Data Analysis and Reporting: Assists in the design and implementation of standard lab research projects. Performs preliminary statistical analysis and prepares figures, summaries, and documentation in support of broader research efforts. Assists with preparing research reports and scientific manuscripts.
• 20% Laboratory Management and Maintenance: Supports day-to-day laboratory operations including ordering supplies, inventory management, equipment upkeep, and maintaining laboratory safety documentation. Provides assistance and training to students and less experienced colleagues on standard protocols and best practices.
• 5% Collaboration and Communication: Communicates progress and routine issues to the PI and lab members; anticipates, recognizes, and resolves routine issues with guidance as needed; escalates unusual issues when appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience required.
• Broad knowledge of standard laboratory processes and tools (through on-the-job training, certification, and/or degree).
• Experience with basic molecular biology or microbiology techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA handling, PCR/RT-qPCR, cloning, sterile technique, culture maintenance).
• Ability to perform routine work independently with general instruction for new activities or special projects; evaluates and selects solutions using established procedures and precedent.
• Ability to anticipate, recognize, and solve routine issues; provides solutions to less frequent issues with guidance; escalates as needed.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear written/verbal communication.
• Proficiency with standard computer tools (e.g., Excel/Word/PowerPoint) and willingness to learn new systems.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with culturing microbes (particularly fungi and/or oomycetes), and/or conducting plantpathogen interaction assays.
• Familiarity with basic data visualization and preliminary statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with tools such as Geneious (or related molecular analysis software).

This is a term position with initial funding for two years. Renewal may be possible based on satisfactory performance and the continued availability of funding. The position offers opportunities for professional growth in molecular genetics, fungal biology, plant pathology, and functional genomics research.

This job profile is a Research Technician 3 (T3 level) on the career roadmap.

The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, units available budget, and the candidates qualifications

Posted: 13-Jan-26

Type: Full-time

Categories: Research Support - Laboratory/Non-Laboratory, Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: R143248