Laboratory Technician I, II, or III

The newly established Skeletal Mechanobiology Lab in the Veterinary and Clinical Life Sciences Department at Utah State University, under the direction of Dr. Bettina Willie, is seeking a highly motivated lab technician to join our team.

 

Our research lab uses multidisciplinary approaches, including state-of-the-art high resolution imaging technologies, to study the causes, detection, and treatment of skeletal fragility, especially in rare diseases. We are particularly interested in understanding mechanisms of bone adaptation and regeneration to mechanical stimuli to develop strategies to inhibit bone loss and enhance bone healing. Our research uses primarily in vivo animal models, currently mainly mice, rabbits, and chickens. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to do more than just benchwork. Every day will look a little different, and initiative and adaptability will be highly valued.

 

The lab technician will perform research, manage laboratory operations, including ordering and budgeting, and provide students with training and guidance to perform their research.

 

This position requires exceptional attention to detail, integrity, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with sound judgment about when to troubleshoot independently and when to seek guidance. The ideal candidate has a background in biology, bioengineering, molecular biology or related field. The candidate values variety, precision, and teamwork while contributing to research that improves the lives of animals and humans.

 

U.S. Work Authorization is required. This job is not eligible for H1B sponsorship. Review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled. Job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

 

This position will be hired as either a Lab Technician I, II, or III dependent upon duties assigned and qualifications. See the Responsibilities and Qualifications sections.

 

0.75 FTE is guaranteed; the remaining 0.25 FTE is contingent upon funding.

1.0 FTE has been secured through July 31, 2029.

Lab Technician I:

• Sets up laboratory equipment and provides all necessary supplies.
• Maintains supply inventory.
• Cleans lab and equipment.
• Maintains lab equipment.
• Maintains lab records.
• Manages calibration and operation of equipment.
• Maintains quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Lab Technician II:

• Sets up laboratory equipment and provides all necessary supplies.
• Maintains supply inventory.
• Cleans lab and equipment.
• May provide lab safety guidelines to lab students.
• Maintains lab records.
• Manages calibration and operation of equipment.
• Maintains equipment.
• Ensures that specimens are organized and stored for maximum preservation. Prepares and collects specimens as directed.
• Executes experiment plans and directives per instructions.
• Maintains quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Lab technician III:

• Directs laboratory operations including establishing and maintaining schedules, maintaining lab reagents, and overseeing
• lab organization.
• Sets up laboratory equipment and provides all necessary supplies.
• Executes experiment plans and directives per instructions.
• May analyze data and assist with preparing data for publication as directed.
• May support and assist with research activities of students and postdocs.
• Maintains supply inventory including ordering supplies as needed.
• Maintains lab records.
• Provides lab safety guidelines to lab students. May oversee students during lab time.
• Ensures that laboratory spaces are clean, organized and safe.
• Coordinates the repair/maintenance of the lab with outside personnel as needed.
• Ensures that specimens are organized and stored for maximum preservation. Prepares and collects specimens as directed.
• Maintains quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Cleans laboratory and equipment.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• This position will be hired as either a Lab Technician I, II, or III dependent upon duties assigned and qualifications. For:
  • Lab technician I: Six months’ experience in a laboratory is required.
  • Lab technician II: Two years of experience; or an associate degree/vocational training; or equivalent combination of education plus experience is required.
  • Lab technician III: Four years of experience; or an associate degree plus two years of experience; or a bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination of education plus experience is required.
• For All Levels:
  • Comfort and willingness to handle live and deceased animals under supervision and with appropriate training.
  • Ability to follow written instructions and laboratory protocols and to maintain records.
  • Willingness to learn and use office and data tools, including spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and basic statistical software.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks.
  • Team-oriented mindset with clear verbal and written communication.
  • Eagerness to learn new skills and techniques.
  • Reliable, professional, and able to work collegially with a diverse group of collaborators.
  • Proactive in managing tasks while exercising good judgment on when to seek guidance or approval.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree or knowledge in biology, bioengineering, material science, molecular biology, or related field.
• Two or more years of research experience
• Experience handling animals in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot molecular biology and/or imaging processing protocols.
• Proficiency in a programming language such as Python, MATLAB, and/or R for data organization and analysis
• Experience with organizing, cleaning, and manipulating large data sets and preparing summaries of the data.
• Experience contributing to manuscripts or technical reports

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to follow verbal or written instructions.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Skilled in providing guidance and instruction in laboratory protocols and in the safe use of laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of experimental procedures, protocols, and preparation techniques within area of specialty.
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
• Ability to set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain standard laboratory and test equipment.
• Knowledge of the cleaning specifications of various laboratory and/or medical equipment, fixtures, utensils, and related materials.
• Ability to maintain detailed records.
• Computer skills including spreadsheet and word-processing programs.

 

Disclaimer:

This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits

This position requires moderate physical activity, including the handling of average weight objects up to 50 pounds and/or standing or walking more than four hours per day. Employees are exposed to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. The work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

The Laboratory Technician I, II, or III will be joining the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at an exciting point of transformation. In 2022 the state of Utah approved the creation of a full four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program at USU. The CVM has received approval through its accrediting agency, the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, to admit its inaugural class of 40 students in the fall of 2025, and cohorts of 80 veterinary students in subsequent years. The new college is the only veterinary medical education program in Utah. The CVM is dedicated to providing top-tier education and training to the next generation of veterinarians. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, innovative teaching methods, and a commitment to excellence in veterinary care. Join our dynamic team and contribute to shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

 

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

 

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

 

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected]. 

 

*updated 12/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

 

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

 

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

 

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

 

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

 

Matthew Pinner Executive Director Civil Rights & Title IX Office [email protected] 435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D 1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael Title IX Coordinator [email protected] 435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D 1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

 

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

 

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | [email protected]

 

*updated 10/2025