Laboratory Assistant

 2026 Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Biochemistry and Environmental DNA 

(For currently enrolled undergraduate students) 

Project Descriptions 

The students will work with scientists in the Biochemistry and Physiology Branch at the U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center (USGS, CERC) to support multiple research efforts in fish physiology, environmental DNA, and genetic biocontrol for aquatic invasive species. Projects include: 

• Identification of aquatic invasive species by PCR and DNA sequencing.
• Monitoring of environmental DNA from invasive fish by quantitative PCR.
• Evaluation of environmental DNA sampling methods to detect aquatic invasive species or rare native species.
• Development of genetic biocontrol methods such as RNA interference (RNAi) for potential species-specific control of aquatic invasive species.
• Metabarcoding to identify freshwater taxa of interest, such as native freshwater mussels.
• Measurement of thiamine and thiaminase to understand thiamine deficiency in salmon.
• Other research within the Biochemistry and Physiology Branch as needed. 

The positions provide hands-on experience. Training will be provided. Field work is possible but most work will be conducted in the laboratory. 

Types of Services Required 

The student contractors will assist with a broad set of field, laboratory, and data responsibilities. Duties include: 

Field Activities 

• Water sample collection. 
• Water quality measurements. 
• Operating USGS vehicles and field equipment. 
• Overnight travel may be required for extended field operations. 

Laboratory and Data Responsibilities 

• Organizing sample sets, labelling and barcoding sample tubes.
• Water sample processing by filtration or centrifugation and DNA extraction.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR, and DNA sequencing.
• RNA extraction and RNA quality analysis.
• Synthesis and isolation of short hairpin and double-stranded RNA.
• Aquatic animal dissection and primary cell culture.
• Sample extraction and centrifuging for thiamine and thiaminase analysis.
• Sample processing in a fume hood.
• Cleaning glassware.
• Data entry and data quality checks.

Project Ownership and Professional Development 

• Students will have opportunities to take ownership of components of ongoing projects. 
• Co-authorship is possible if desired and supported by project contributions. 

Requirements 

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a degree-granting university. Experience is not required, as on-the-job training will be provided. Students working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry, biology, environmental science, or a related discipline are especially encouraged to apply. 

Required qualifications 

• Basic proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office ((Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and data entry. 
• Quantitative proficiency, including college algebra or similar mathematics courses.
• Strong interpersonal skills suited to collaborative field and lab environments. 
• A valid driver’s license. 

Preferred qualifications 

• Laboratory classroom experience including pipetting.

Description of working conditions 

Work will take place in office, laboratory, and field settings. Overnight travel may be required for extended field operations, with lodging and per diem provided during travel. 

Compensation rate applicable to specified education level and locality 

Compensation is commensurate with the level of education and experience, as follows: $16.73 per hour (1 year of college) to $18.78 (2+ years of college) 

There is no salary withholding for taxes from contractor compensation. Students must arrange to pay their own social security and any applicable taxes. 

Students are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location (Columbia Environmental Research Station, 4200 E New Haven Road, Columbia, Missouri). The Government does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Transportation will be provided to and from field investigation site(s). Meals/cost of food while on travel away from the principal duty station at field investigation sites will be provided by the USGS in the same manner as for federal employees, in accordance with the Government Travel Regulations. The position is a contract position, and not a federal government position. 

Principal Duty Station 

USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center 

4200 New Haven Rd 

Columbia, MO 65201 

How to apply 

The anticipated start date for this position is on or about April 20, 2026 and the position will continue for one year. The start date is flexible, and is dependent on completion of a background check. The contract may be renewed for 1 additional year. Contractors typically work 10-30 hours per week, and the hours are flexible. Full-time employment during the summer is an option.

Jobs will remain open until filled, but it is anticipated that all selections will be made prior to the end of February 2026. 

After selection, selected applicants will be required to provide an official transcript and to register as a contractor, including acquiring and providing a UEI number to USGS. A UEI number is required for all federal contracts. USGS can provide guidance on how to obtain a UEI number; there is no charge for a UEI number. No work can be performed, and no payment can be provided prior to USGS receipt of the applicant’s UEI number. Successful candidates are contractors and will be responsible for withholding of state and federal taxes. 

To apply to this USGS contract opportunity, interested students should submit a cover letter and resume that includes: full legal name of the student, mailing address, telephone number, email address (if available), date of birth, place of birth, citizenship (if not a US citizen, provide immigration/VISA status), education level, and work or volunteer experience related to the scientific field. In addition, a copy of the most recent transcript, listing courses taken and the student’s overall GPA should be submitted. Unofficial transcripts can be sent with the application, but an official transcript will be required before work can start. All materials must be submitted in a single email by February 23, 2026 to: 

Dr. Catherine A. Richter, CRichter@usgs.gov 

Dr. Richter is a Supervisory Research Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO. 

Additional information about the position can be requested from Dr. Richter by email (CRichter@usgs.gov) or phone inquiry (573-876-1841).