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Temporary Laboratory Technician

University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, United States


Temporary Laboratory Technician

This position supports a university-based marine genomics lab focused on whole‑genome sequencing and de novo genome assembly of marine organisms. The Laboratory Technician serves as a core contributor to research aimed at understanding the ecology, evolution, and adaptation of ocean species through large‑scale genomic analysis. The role requires fluency in both molecular wet lab techniques and bioinformatics; executing high‑quality library preparation and sequencing workflows at the bench while also supporting the computational pipelines that process and interpret raw sequence data.

Responsibilities

Performs DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, library preparation, and sample QC for whole‑genome sequencing projects

Runs and evaluates de novo genome assembly pipelines, including assembly quality assessment and annotation support

Analyzes genomic datasets using bioinformatics tools such as sequence aligners, variant callers, and genome comparison software

Manages day‑to‑day lab operations including supply ordering, equipment maintenance, and safety compliance

Maintains detailed lab notebooks and contributes to data documentation, reporting, and manuscript preparation

Troubleshoots experimental and computational issues and proposes protocol improvements

Assists in onboarding and training of junior lab members and research assistants

Collaborates with the PI to advance ongoing marine genomics projects

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

M.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Marine Science, or a closely related field

Demonstrated experience with molecular biology wet‑lab techniques, particularly nucleic acid extraction and sequencing library preparation

Proficiency with bioinformatics tools and/or scripting languages (e.g., Python, R, bash, standard genomics pipelines)

Familiarity with genome assembly tools and/or large‐scale sequencing data (short‑read and/or long‑read platforms)

Experience with laboratory management responsibilities including inventory, equipment logs, and safety protocols

Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Prior experience in a genomics or marine biology research environment

Experience with HPC or cloud computing environments for large‑scale genomic data analysis

Familiarity with non‑model organism genomics or environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches

EEO Statement
UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Salary: $30/hr

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