General Summary of Position:

The Research Technician provides support to an academic research laboratory studying cell and developmental biology using the model organism fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The main responsibilities are to assist with and support the molecular and cell biology research in the lab as well as assist with Drosophila care and experimentation. The applicant will have the opportunity to carry out an independent research project. This full-time, grant-funded appointment is effective from October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030, contingent on continued external funding.

Examples of Duties:

• Maintain Drosophila stocks, set up genetic crosses, and assist with basic phenotypic scoring
• Prepare routine laboratory reagents and buffers, and sterilize materials as needed
• Assist with supply tracking, ordering, and inventory management
• Maintain clean and organized workspaces and shared lab areas
• Support research staff in executing experiments, including tissue dissection and microscopy
• Record laboratory notes, maintain fly logs, and follow safe laboratory practices

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and work collaboratively
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills
• High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework in biology, molecular biology, or a related field preferred
• Familiarity with Drosophila genetics and maintenance is preferred but not required
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques is a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Must be able to lift up to 30 Ibs and handle routine lab materials safely

For Classified Unit Positions:

• Is the position a 37.5 or a 40 hour/week position?: 40 hour/week
• Is lunch paid or unpaid?: unpaid
• Is this an essential personnel position?: no
• Is this position on standby?: no

Background Check Information:

UMass Boston Standard Background Package (Mandatory)
• Criminal Felony & Misdemeanor - 7 years (a) - Unlimited # of counties as revealed by SSN Trace
• Federal Criminal
• Massachusetts CORI
• Education Report - highest degree (b)
Employment Report - 7 years, previous employer
National Sex Offender Search
• Professional Licenses Report - per license
SSN Trace
• SSN Va l i d a t i o n

Supervision Received:
The Laboratory Technician I will report to the Principal Investigator (Laboratory Coordinator).

Supervision Exercised:

Average number of students supervised at any given time: 1-2

Application Instructions: 

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional work references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.

Grade: 14  Hourly Rate: 26.05

This is a non-exempt union position. This is a grant funded position with a current end date of Jun 30, 2030, subject to renewal contingent on funding and university needs.

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the ADA/504 Coordinator Andrea Haas  or 617-287-5148.