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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Virology Lab Technician

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

ScienceBiotechnologyHealthcareLaboratory ServicesResearchVirology

🎯 Role Definition

The Virology Lab Technician is a foundational role within our scientific operations, providing critical hands-on support for research, development, or diagnostic activities involving viruses. This position is central to the successful execution of experiments and the generation of reliable data. The technician works under the guidance of senior scientists and laboratory managers, applying a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques in a controlled laboratory environment. This role demands precision, adherence to stringent safety protocols (especially in BSL-2 or BSL-3 environments), and meticulous record-keeping. The contributions of the Virology Lab Technician are vital to advancing our understanding of viral diseases, developing novel therapeutics and vaccines, or providing accurate diagnostic results.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent Graduate (B.S. in Biology, Microbiology, or related field)
  • Laboratory Assistant or Intern
  • Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Virology Lab Technician
  • Research Associate I/II
  • Laboratory Supervisor or Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control (QC) Analyst
  • Molecular Biology Technician
  • Cell Culture Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform and meticulously document a variety of standard virological assays, including plaque assays, TCID50 (50% Tissue Culture Infectious Dose), and focus-forming assays to quantify viral titers.
  • Execute a broad range of molecular biology techniques, such as nucleic acid extraction (DNA/RNA) from various sample types, conventional PCR, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and reverse transcription.
  • Conduct sterile maintenance, propagation, and cryopreservation of various mammalian cell lines essential for viral culture and experimentation, strictly adhering to aseptic techniques.
  • Prepare, purify, and titrate viral stocks for use in downstream experiments, ensuring consistency and quality for research or production purposes.
  • Perform various immunoassays to detect viral antigens or host antibody responses, including Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA), Western Blots, and neutralization assays.
  • Operate, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance on sophisticated laboratory instruments such as plate readers, automated liquid handlers, flow cytometers, and digital imaging systems.
  • Maintain highly detailed and accurate records of all experiments, procedures, and results in an Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) or physical logbooks in compliance with company standards.
  • Strictly follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and all safety guidelines, particularly those pertaining to BSL-2/BSL-3 containment.
  • Prepare and quality-control essential laboratory reagents, buffers, and media required for daily experimental workflows.
  • Assist in the processing and cataloging of clinical or research samples, ensuring proper sample handling, chain of custody, and storage.
  • Support the execution of in-vitro and ex-vivo experiments designed by senior scientists to evaluate antiviral compounds or vaccine candidates.
  • Perform cell-based assays to assess viral-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) and cytotoxicity.
  • Contribute to the cloning, expression, and purification of viral proteins for structural and functional studies.
  • Operate and maintain microscopy equipment for the visualization and analysis of cells and viral infection.
  • Assist with the validation and qualification of new assays and laboratory equipment under the supervision of a senior team member.

Secondary Functions

  • Manage inventory of laboratory consumables, reagents, and supplies; initiate purchase orders to prevent workflow disruptions.
  • Participate in the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of new laboratory protocols and assays.
  • Contribute to general lab organization and cleanliness, ensuring a safe, efficient, and compliant working environment.
  • Assist senior scientific staff with data analysis, figure generation, and the preparation of technical reports, summaries, and presentations.
  • Participate actively in team meetings, presenting data and contributing to scientific discussions when required.
  • Support the training of new or junior technicians on established laboratory procedures and equipment operation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Aseptic Technique & Mammalian Cell Culture: Proven ability to handle and maintain multiple cell lines without contamination.
  • Molecular Biology Techniques: Hands-on proficiency in PCR, RT-qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, and gel electrophoresis.
  • Virological Assays: Experience with core virology methods such as plaque assays, TCID50, or neutralization assays.
  • Immunoassays: Practical knowledge of ELISA and/or Western Blotting for protein detection and quantification.
  • Biosafety Practices: Demonstrable understanding and experience working in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) or higher laboratory environment.
  • Laboratory Documentation: Proficiency with Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) or LIMS and a strong commitment to accurate record-keeping.
  • Data Analysis Software: Competency in using software such as Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism for basic data processing and graphing.
  • Equipment Operation: Familiarity with standard lab equipment like centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, incubators, plate readers, and microscopes.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: Essential for experimental accuracy, data integrity, and safety.
  • Organizational & Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and experiments concurrently while meeting deadlines.
  • Problem-Solving: The capacity to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues with assays and equipment.
  • Effective Communication: Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for documenting work and collaborating with the team.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with a strong ability to work effectively within a diverse scientific team.
  • Adaptability: Willingness to learn new techniques, embrace feedback, and adapt to evolving project priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a relevant scientific discipline. An Associate's degree combined with significant, directly relevant lab experience may be considered.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) degree in a relevant field.
  • Certifications such as ASCP Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB) are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Virology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Biochemistry

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of hands-on experience in a relevant academic, industrial, or clinical laboratory setting.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience with viral culture, BSL-2+ containment protocols, and a range of molecular and immunological assays is highly desirable. Experience within a GLP or other regulated environment is a significant asset.
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