Genetics Research Technician

Universities of Wisconsin • Stevens Point, WI

2d • $15

About The Position

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.
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

Requirements

• Students applying for this position must pass a Criminal Background Check.
• Resume
• Brief cover letter (one page maximum).

Nice To Haves

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed