Research Specialist II at Princeton University – Princeton, New Jersey

Department Molecular Biology
Category Research and Laboratory
Job Type Full-Time

Overview

This position supports a cloning-heavy research lab by performing routine and complex plasmid assembly workflows. The technician is responsible for taking construct designs from lab members and independently building, validating, and delivering sequence-confirmed plasmids for downstream research use. In addition to bench work, the technician will manage reagent ordering, inventory control, and workflow planning to keep cloning operations running efficiently. In this role the technician will also build an internal lab operations infrastructure, including systems for end-to-end workflow tracking, sample traceability, and inventory control across raw materials, works-in-progress, and finished goods. Finally, they will maintain clear and organized records of all cloning projects to ensure traceability and reproducibility across the lab’s research portfolio.

Responsibilities

Plasmid construction and validation:
- Receive plasmid designs from lab members and set up an end-to-end assembly workflow
- Perform standard biochemical manipulations associated with cloning such as PCR and DNA assembly reactions
- Interpret plasmid sequencing results to verify correct assembly

Project coordination and workflow management
- Coordinate cloning priorities across multiple lab projects
- Plan experimental workflows to optimize throughput and turnaround time
- Track progress of all ongoing projects and communicate status updates to lab members
- Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of internal lab processes, including workflow automation and end-to-end plasmid tracking

Reagent ordering and inventory management
- Manage ordering of primers, enzymes, kits, and other cloning reagents
- Maintain inventory of cloning materials and ensure availability of critical supplies to avoid workflow interruptions
- Build and maintain systems for inventory management, data organization, and demand forecasting

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL

- A MSc in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field
- Strong hands-on lab experience with multi-step experimental workflows and knowledge of cloning techniques
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to track and execute parallel workflows
- Proven attention to detail in sample handling, labeling and record-keeping, ensuring full traceability and reproducibility of experimental work
- Interest and experience in managing inventory systems including maintaining stock levels, tracking usage, demand forecasting, and ensuring operational continuity

PREFERRED

- Willing to develop skills beyond the bench, including process design, inventory and supply planning, and operations management
- Familiarity with cloning design tools such as Benchling or SnapGene
- Comfortable with repetitive bench work while maintaining high accuracy
- Persistent and solutions-oriented when experiments fail
- Eager to learn and develop new techniques, tools, and workflows

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours
36.25

Eligible for Overtime
Yes

Benefits Eligible
Yes

Probationary Period
90 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
No

Physical Capacity Exam Required
No

Valid Drivers License Required
No

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Salary Range
$41,000 to $60,000