Lab Specialist I

Clemson is you ready to answer the call?

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
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

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.

To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email upon submission of your application.

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.