Genetics Research Technician

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Compensation

Compensation: $15 / hour

Hours

5 to 20 hours/week. Scheduling is flexible so long as notification is provided in advance for planning purposes.

Job Description

The Molecular Conservation Genetics Laboratory (MCGL) is looking for one or more motivated undergraduate research assistants to help with laboratory tasks. Primary duties will be assigned based on prior qualifications (see below), and opportunities to advance will be provided contingent upon demonstrated ability and performance. The ideal applicant will show common sense, critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to carefully follow protocols. Preferred qualifications include a background in algebra, organic chemistry, and/or molecular biology, as well as experience keeping a laboratory notebook.

Start date: February 23rd, 2026

End date: May 24th 2026, with the possibility of extension into the summer depending on project availability and the assistant’s qualification level at that time. Extensions will be considered only upon request; extensions will not be granted automatically.

Required Qualifications

Students applying for this position must pass a Criminal Background Check.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include a background in algebra, organic chemistry, and/or molecular biology, as well as experience keeping a laboratory notebook.

Example qualification levels:

Introductory: no prior chemical laboratory experience, successful completion of one year of introductory biology or chemistry. Example tasks: creation of genetic sampling kits, data entry, organization and maintenance of museum archive, database management, and preparation of tissue samples for DNA extraction

Intermediate: experience working in a chemical laboratory, or successful completion of one or more post-introductory-level courses with a laboratory component that required keeping of a laboratory notebook. Example tasks: chelex-based DNA extractions, running agarose electrophoresis gels, assessing DNA concentrations via fluorometric assays

Advanced: experience using standard chemical equipment such as pipettes, graduated cylinders, and/or centrifuges, successful completion of one or more courses in organic chemistry and/or molecular biology (or equivalent). Example tasks: preparing extracted DNA for Illumina sequencing via genotyping-by-thousands (GT-seq) methods, conducting quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, designing and conducting experiments to troubleshoot new assays

Supplement Application Requirements

Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter (one page maximum). References are preferred.

Contact Information

For questions, contact Amy Springer at aspringe@uwsp.edu

Key Job Responsibilities:

Special Notes:

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.stevenspointarea.com.

Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or hr@uwsp.edu.

The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.