Cell Culture Technician
Salary
$50,000.00 Annually
Location
UCMO - Warrensburg, MO
Job Type
Exempt Staff Full Time
Job Number
996894
Division
Nutrition
Opening Date
10/26/2026
Description
Provides critical support for research and development by managing sterile tissue culture environments in the Precision Nutrition and Molecular Center (PMNH) at UCM. Responsible for the daily care of cell lines, executing bio-assays, and ensuring all laboratory equipment is calibrated and maintained to standard operating procedures (SOPs) or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Ensures that the laboratory has established written policies and procedures for a comprehensive quality assurance and quality control program. Maintains cell cultures as needed by PNMH faculty by procuring, propagating and banking various cell lines and making them available as needed.
Examples of Duties
60%
- Cell Culture Maintenance: Perform routine tasks including thawing, feeding, "splitting" (passaging), and cryopreservation of various mammalian or microbial cell lines.
- Aseptic Technique: Maintain a strictly sterile environment in hoods and cleanrooms to prevent contamination of sensitive cultures.
- Experimental Support: Assist in executing bio-assays such as biocompatibility tests, mycoplasma detection, and cell-based drug response assays.
- Data Management: Accurately document observations, cell counts, and experimental results in electronic notebooks or databases according to GLP/GMP standards.
- Equipment & Inventory: Calibrate and maintain specialized gear such as incubators, autoclaves, and inverted microscopes; manage stock levels for media and reagents. Keep temperature logs to ensure proper storage and growth of cells.
20%
- Maintains adequate levels of laboratory supplies.
- Develops and maintains accurate record-keeping systems. Maintains digital records of supply/equipment inventory, places purchase orders, and reconciles shipments and billing.
- Participates in PNMH Center-sponsored educational outreach activities as available.
20%
- Assists PMNH faculty with experimental design, developing and troubleshooting experimental protocols.
- Assists PMNH faculty with preparing samples for bio-assays, such as PCR and gene sequencing.
- Prepare and provide ‘lab-status’ reports during biweekly meetings
Typical Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology or a related field required.
Experience:
- Two (2) years of cell culture lab experience required.
Supplemental Information
Physical/Environmental Factors:
- Exposure to fumes and/or chemicals
- Lifting (weight) - 10 lbs
- Possible exposure to infectious or communicable diseases.
Our faculty and staff are the university’s most valuable asset, and our goal is to provide a robust Total Rewards Program designed to help them maintain a happy, healthy, and productive lifestyle.
Highlights from UCM's total rewards package for full-time employees include:
- 32% (staff) and 6% (faculty) defined retirement contribution, paid by the university;
- Voluntary Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) programs (403(b) and 457(b)) that allow eligible employees to make additional pre-tax contributions to a retirement plan;
- Employees can earn up to full tuition (15 credit hours) for themselves per academic year. Full-time employees are also eligible for up to $175 towards non-credit courses each fiscal year. Employees can earn up to full tuition for their dependents;
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans that begin on the first of the month following your date of hire. Basic dental and vision insurance paid at 100% by the university;
- Available Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts;
- University-paid basic life insurance (including accidental death and dismemberment) and short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage;
- Generous leave accruals that begin accruing on your start date, plus 14 paid holidays per year.
- The UCM Childcare Center on the Warrensburg campus can provide faculty, staff, and students quality care for their children ages six weeks to 10 years.
- The Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) is free for all employees and is located on the Warrensburg campus.
- An Employee Assistance Program is available to all employees and their immediate family members to help assist with personal challenges you may face in your daily life;
- UCM offers an Employee Discount Program through Working Advantage.
To learn more about the wonderful benefits available as a University of Central Missouri employee, visit our benefits page!
