Senior Research Lab Technician – Johnson Lab

Hiring Department

Life Sciences Center

About Us:
The Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri is a dynamic hub where groundbreaking research meets real-world impact. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, our state-of-the-art facility brings together experts in diverse fields—engineers, cancer biologists, plant scientists, and IT specialists—all working towards a common goal: to save lives, reduce costs, and enhance everyday life for Missourians and people around the globe.

Our Mission:
We are committed to transforming scientific discoveries into actionable solutions. Our innovative research not only addresses pressing challenges in human and animal health, the environment, and agriculture, but it also translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of individuals everywhere. We also strive to share our findings with the public, ensuring that our discoveries resonate far beyond the lab in a language anyone can understand through our blog, Decoding Science , events for the public, social media and more.

Why Join Us?
At the Bond Life Sciences Center, you’ll be part of a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference. Our collaborative environment not only supports innovative research but also ensures that our discoveries lead to tangible benefits for society. Work in an award-winning facility designed for creativity and impact and contribute to a mission that truly changes lives.

Join us in our quest to advance science and improve lives, one discovery at a time!

Job Description

The Marc Johnson Lab leads a cutting-edge research program exploring the complex interactions between viruses and their host organisms. The Johnson lab focuses on uncovering how viruses subvert host systems, specifically investigating the mechanisms by which viral components are transported to the correct cellular locations for assembly. By advancing our understanding of these processes, the lab aims to identify novel targets for antiviral drug development, contributing to transformative breakthroughs in virology and therapeutic innovation.

We have an immediate need to fill a Senior Research/Lab Technician in a virology and microbiology lab. The Individual will oversee the Wastewater Surveillance Project while creating a daily schedule of samples. This requires knowledge of extracting viral RNA from environmental samples and running/maintaining the instruments used in extractions. Other duties involve lab chores, organizing lab materials, cell culture and viral neutralization assays. Techniques also utilize basic PCR, cloning, and possibly flow cytometry. This role interacts heavily with undergraduates.

This position will work a strict onsite, Tuesday-Saturday work schedule.

Successful candidates will be persuasive communicators with exceptional organizational and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills: leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to the university values.

Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.

Help us make a difference and grow your career at the same time.

Shift

Tuesday through Saturday 8AM - 5PM

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

Good at organizing people and workflow; cell culture and RNA extractions

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $16.00 - $21.00 per hour
Grade: GGS 006
University Title: Senior Research/Lab Technician
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Cover letter & Resume/CV

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits .

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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