Lab Specialist - Department of Physics and Astronomy

Overview

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The technician will be responsible for creating non-pathogenic DNA constructs to be used in single molecule biophysics experiments and other duties as assigned. Assembly of DNA fragments into plasmids using traditional restriction digest cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, Gibson assembly, or ligation independent cloning, etc. Non-pathogenic Escherichia coli bacteria will be transformed with the assembled plasmids to produce useful amounts to be used as PCR templates or for digestion and purification for single molecule experiments.

Other duties as assigned.

• 60% - Essential - Use a variety of molecular cloning techniques to assemble DNA fragments into plasmids. Some fragments will be prepared from DNA sequences available in the lab and others will be purchased commercially. Successful assembly will be verified by gel electrophoresis and polymerase chain reactions.
• 30% - Essential - Once designed sequences of DNA have been assembled into plasmids, responsible for generating purified fragments of the plasmid sequences using restriction digests or polymerase chain reactions followed by purification and possibly ligation. Larger quantities of DNA may require salt/alcohol or salt/polyethylene glycol precipitation. The purified fragments will serve for experiments conducted by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the lab.
• 10% - Essential - Responsible for organizing storage of the DNA and protein aliquots available in the lab in −20 and −80 degree C freezer compartments and maintaining an updated database with location information.

Education - A high school diploma and work experience in a clinical or research laboratory setting, in a health care setting or in a general maintenance or machine shop environment. A bachelor's degree in a related scientific discipline may be substituted for the required work experience.

Work Experience 0+ years

Education - Associate or Bachelor's Degree with relevant quantitative science coursework

Work Experience 1+ years experience with molecular biology techniques including restriction digest, ligation, polymerase chain reaction, as well as microbiological techniques pertinent to cloning

JOB KNOWLEDGE - Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations

No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.

No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

• Walk or move about
• Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc
• Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
• Recognize or inspect visually
• Extends hands or arms in any direction
• Perceive, observe, clarity of vision

Chemical hazards

Standard

Hours:

37.5

Anticipated Salary Range: $31,800 - $36,000

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate s previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson s compensation guidelines.

Normal Operations

Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

Clemson, SC

May 21, 2026 at 11:59pm EST

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