Job Details  

Wet Lab Assistant — Human Nature Lab
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Job ID 37863
Employer Sociology
Employer Type On Campus
Category Research
Job Type On-Campus Jobs
Job Description

The Human Nature Lab (HNL), led by Professor Nicholas Christakis, is seeking a reliable, detail-oriented Wet Lab Assistant to support ongoing research projects through routine wet-lab production and sample-preparation tasks. This position is well-suited for an undergraduate or graduate student who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, demonstrates strong organizational skills, and can consistently follow written protocols with care.

 

You will join a collaborative research group working at the intersection of human behavior, health, and field-based studies. This role will support HNL’s Chemosignaling Project, part of a broader research effort in Honduras, where we collect and analyze human odor samples to better understand chemical signaling and its relationship to social behavior and health. Wet-lab production work directly supports downstream GC–MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) analysis, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, consistency, documentation, and quality control.

 

Key Responsibilities

This position focuses on structured, repeatable wet-lab tasks, including:

  • Sampler production support
  • Solvent washing and preparation workflows, including multi-step wash procedures, bottle handling, shaker setup, and safe solvent disposal
  • Labeling and organization, including accurate sample/material labeling, maintaining orderly workstations, and tracking materials during production
  • Inventory and supply support, including restocking consumables, monitoring low-stock items, and helping maintain controlled supplies
  • Documentation and recordkeeping, including completion of production logs/checklists, documenting deviations, and communicating issues promptly
  • Optional (depending on experience): assisting with GC–MS readiness tasks under supervision (e.g., preparing materials for conditioning runs, ensuring consumables are stocked, and supporting run preparation)

Work Style & Lab Culture

Our team values timely communication, accountability, and integrity, and we emphasize safe, consistent work practices. The work is hands-on and practical; you will be supported as you learn the workflow and expectations for quality and documentation.

 

How to Apply

Please submit:

  • A short note describing your interest and availability
  • A resume/CV (include any lab experience—class, research, or other relevant hands-on work)

 

For questions regarding this position, contact:

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

 

  • Availability to work ~10–15 hours/week (flexible scheduling discussed case-by-case)
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Excellent organizational skills 
  • Comfort working with repetitive hands-on tasks
  • Good communication and reliability (flag issues early, ask questions when unsure)

 

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

  • Prior lab experience (course labs, research labs, internships)
  • Experience with careful materials handling, contamination control, or sample labeling
Compensation $18.00/hour
Job Level CY26: Level III
Hours 10.0 to 15.0 hours per week
Primary Contact Maxwell Gorlick
Primary Contact's Email anakarina.raygozacortez@yale.edu
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