Position Title:

Lab Tech I

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• One year of related laboratory experience, or Any combination of related experience and/or related undergraduate courses in physical or natural sciences that is equivalent to one year of full-time employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in a plant science or related research laboratory, including maintaining Arabidopsis, maize, and soybean in growth chambers; performing routine PCR; assisting with Arabidopsis transformation procedures; and helping evaluate plant growth responses to various treatments.

Experience extracting nucleic acids, including RNA and DNA, and preparing samples for downstream molecular analyses.

Familiarity with developing, updating, or following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), laboratory protocols, and in-house safety training materials.

Experience making genetic crosses in crop species such as maize or soybean.

Experience supporting laboratory operations through ordering and maintaining inventory of supplies, reagents, and administrative materials.

Job Description:

The Department of Agronomy is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Lab Technician I to join Dr. Walter Suza’s research group. This position is ideal for individuals interested in plant science, molecular biology, and supporting innovative research in controlled lab environments.

As a key member of the lab, you will contribute to experiments focused on plant growth and stress responses, support daily lab functions, and help maintain a safe and efficient research environment. You will work closely with faculty, graduate students, and other lab personnel, gaining hands-on experience in experimental setup, data collection, and laboratory operations.

This position requires a strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a team. Prior lab experience is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct plant growth experiments under controlled conditions to evaluate responses to environmental stressors.

• Use basic laboratory equipment to perform measurements and assist in sample preparation for molecular analysis.

• Record experimental observations and maintain comprehensive lab notes and digital records.

• Enter and perform preliminary data analysis using software such as Excel, R, or Python.

• Assist in preparing technical reports and visual data summaries.

• Track and maintain laboratory safety compliance, including training coordination and safety documentation management.

• Maintain and service basic lab equipment; coordinate routine cleaning of lab spaces and growth chambers.

• Monitor lab functionality and manage repair or maintenance requests as needed.

• Maintain laboratory inventory, including ordering supplies and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

• Coordinate transportation of materials and equipment between lab, growth chambers, and field sites.

• Support communication among lab members, vendors, and university staff to ensure efficient lab operations.

• Assist with outreach, grant-related activities, or other duties as assigned.

• Participate in lab meetings and foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment.

This is a full-time, on-site position offering an excellent opportunity to develop research skills and support groundbreaking agricultural research. Iowa State University offers a competitive benefits package and encourages professional growth.

If you're passionate about plant science and thrive in a research-driven environment, we encourage you to apply.

This is a fixed term position with an anticipated end date of November 1, 2026. Renewal of the term is subject to funding availability.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of care and use of laboratory equipment.

• Knowledge of principles of sanitation, health hazards, and the necessary precautionary measures.

• Knowledge of standard cleaning techniques and equipment and supplies required.

• Knowledge of keyboarding and computer data entry skills.

• Ability to use proper bending and lifting techniques.

• Ability to communicate effectively with others.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare reports.

• Ability to work with computerized inventory control systems.

• Ability to use and care for tools in maintenance and repair work.

• Ability to prepare chemical solutions according to instructions.

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

November 1, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

06

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

November 19, 2025

Posting Close Date:

November 29, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R18137