Job Title: Laboratory Group Leader - Molecular Biology and ExtractionsJob Description
This role serves as the group leader and instructor for laboratory technicians, laboratory assistants, and students in a large university-affiliated laboratory that processes whole blood, tissues, and cell cultures. The position provides professional-level technical support in a high-throughput molecular biology and clinical research environment, performing and overseeing multistage purifications, nucleic acid extractions, and related assays to support genetic and biochemical studies. The laboratory focuses on biobanking and bioprocessing, with an emphasis on accurate sample handling, rigorous quality control, and reliable data management to support cutting-edge research and testing.
Responsibilities
Function as the group leader and primary instructor for laboratory technicians, laboratory assistants, and students, providing day-to-day guidance, training, and oversight in a large university laboratory and teaching program.
Provide professional-level laboratory technical support using scientific research and clinical methods, ensuring that all procedures follow established protocols and quality standards.
Perform and oversee multistage purifications, nucleic acid extractions, and other molecular biology assays and tests to support genetic and biochemical studies.
Process whole blood, tissues, and cell cultures, including preparation of tissues, chemicals, nucleic acids, and other biological materials for testing.
Propagate non-animal specimens and cell cultures, following aseptic techniques and laboratory safety procedures.
Perform basic molecular biology assays, including DNA and RNA isolation, electrophoresis, quality control measurements, PCR, and related techniques.
Operate and work with robotic systems for high-throughput analysis, ensuring accurate setup, execution, and monitoring of automated workflows.
Log and enter sample identity data and sample processing data into computer systems, maintaining accurate and complete records for all specimens and procedures.
Inventory, store, and track extracted samples in -80°C freezer storage systems, ensuring proper labeling, organization, and chain-of-custody documentation.
Retrieve and prepare stored samples for distribution to investigators, and create and maintain computer logs of all sample transfers.
Perform quality control and quality assurance checks on samples as they are processed, including investigating and resolving sample discrepancy problems.
Use techniques such as Southern analysis and PCR to confirm sample identity or conduct pedigree analysis to verify genetic relationships when needed.
Perform routine and advanced equipment maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance of laboratory instruments and robotic systems.
Prepare reagents and solutions according to established protocols, and assist with maintaining adequate supplies and materials for laboratory operations.
Cross-train in cell culture activities to support broader laboratory needs and ensure operational flexibility.
Order laboratory supplies and consumables as needed, and interface with service personnel for instrumentation, including reviewing and signing off on service work performed.
Contribute as an author to progress reports and scientific manuscripts by providing accurate data, methodological details, and technical insights.
Respond promptly to equipment alarms, such as -80°C freezer failures, by notifying the supervisor, developing and executing a relocation plan for freezer inventory, and initiating arrangements for equipment repair.
Record and maintain data in both computerized and non-computerized formats, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and compliance with laboratory policies.
Operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory equipment safely and effectively, adhering to all occupational health and safety requirements.
Participate in required occupational health and safety programs and follow all relevant biosafety and chemical safety procedures.
Work autonomously and under time pressure to meet testing and project deadlines while maintaining high accuracy and quality standards.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline is required.
Bachelor of Science in a biological science, or Bachelor of Arts in a biological science, or equivalent degree meeting defined science and mathematics coursework requirements.
If the degree does not clearly indicate a biological science major, the ability to provide an official transcript is required.
For Bachelor of Arts degrees, completion of at least 32 hours of science coursework, including 16 hours in chemistry, 16 hours in biology, and 3 hours in mathematics.
For degrees earned outside of the United States, a credential equivalency evaluation from a NACES or AICE member organization is required.
At least three months of documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual will perform high-complexity testing, or willingness to complete a three-month training period prior to independent sign-off if such training is not already documented.
Academic laboratory experience through biology-related courses and labs, demonstrating familiarity with basic experimental procedures.
Hands-on pipetting experience (manual or automated, single or multichannel) for precise liquid handling.
Experience with DNA and/or biochemical extraction, including handling of blood cells, tissues, and other biological samples.
Experience with basic molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation, electrophoresis, and quality control measurements.
Ability to handle biological samples safely and follow biosafety procedures.
Working knowledge of MS Office, especially Excel, for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
Ability to work with database systems for sample tracking and data management.
Capability to lift and move up to 30 pounds as part of routine laboratory duties.
Ability to operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory equipment and robotic systems.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to record and maintain accurate data in both electronic and paper formats.
Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, students, and investigators.
Ability to work autonomously and perform effectively under pressure while meeting deadlines.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Biology is preferred, although any science degree will be considered.
Coursework or background in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related biological sciences.
Experience with PCR, including DNA-based PCR techniques, is a plus.
Experience with liquid handling systems and high-throughput robotic platforms.
Experience in blood cell separation, tissue culture, and preparation of laboratory reagents.
Experience handling biohazardous materials in a regulated or research laboratory environment.
Familiarity with quality control and quality assurance practices in a laboratory setting.
Ability to investigate and resolve sample discrepancies using methods such as Southern analysis, PCR, or pedigree analysis.
Experience contributing to scientific progress reports or manuscripts.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, samples, and projects simultaneously.
Comfort working in a high-volume testing environment that supports critical public health and research activities.
Work Environment
The role is based in a biobanking and bioprocessing laboratory that supports high-throughput molecular biology and clinical testing. The laboratory operates on a second-shift schedule, with typical hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Work involves handling whole blood, tissues, cell cultures, and other biological specimens, as well as preparing nucleic acids and reagents for genetic and biochemical analyses. The environment includes frequent use of -80°C freezers for long-term sample storage, and the position requires responding to equipment alarms and coordinating inventory relocation when necessary. Team members regularly operate sophisticated laboratory instruments and robotic systems, perform DNA/RNA isolation, electrophoresis, PCR, and other molecular assays, and use MS Office and database systems for data entry and sample tracking. The facility emphasizes occupational health and safety, including participation in required safety programs and adherence to biosafety and chemical safety protocols. The work is fast-paced and mission-driven, contributing to large-scale testing efforts and research that support public health and scientific advancement.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Piscataway, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Piscataway,NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.
About Actalent
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