Microbiology Lab Prep & Course Support Assistant

uwaterloo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Waterloo is seeking a Laboratory Support technician to ensure smooth daily operations of Microbiology Preparation Rooms in Biology I and support one first or second year undergraduate course. The role includes decontamination, glassware prep, inventory, and lab safety compliance.

The position requires a BSc or college biology diploma, two years of related experience, and strong communication. It is a full-time permanent post in the Faculty of Science.

Qualifications

• BSc or College Diploma in Biology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years' experience in a related field; intermediate microbiology techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated proper and safe use of equipment: autoclave, steamer, centrifuge, microscopes and fume hood.
• Basic skill level using Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminates and sterilizes lab waste and requisite materials.
• Washes and prepares large volumes of laboratory glassware for microbiology lab courses within a very short timeframe.
• Replenishes supplies in teaching labs before each laboratory session.
• Loads and unloads autoclave, dishwasher and dryer.
• Maintains the organization of the glassware storage room.
• Maintains equipment and chemical inventory.
• Collects and distributes lab coats for undergraduate microbiology courses in the STC building.
• Assists with end of term undergraduate lab cleanup.
• Prepares and provides requisite materials including media, reagents, cultures and solutions; pours large volumes of plates and culture maintenance.
• Subsequent cleanup of the laboratory space with appropriate handling and disposal of used materials.
• Demonstrates proper and safe operation of equipment including autoclave, steamer, centrifuge, compound microscopes and fume hood.
• Anticipates stock levels and replenishes in a timely manner.
• Researches and orders course lab supplies.
• Prepares demo plates as required.
• Fills racks with test tubes and caps tubes.
• Pours petri plates aseptically.
• Packages pipettes for sterilization.
• Generally assists Lab Technicians when needed.

Skills

Multitasking

Communication skills

Laboratory safety

Microsoft Office

Education

BSc or College Diploma in Biology

Tools

Autoclave

Steamer

Centrifuge

Microscopes

Fume hood

Job description

University of Waterloo is seeking a Laboratory Support technician to ensure smooth daily operations of Microbiology Preparation Rooms in Biology I and support one first or second year undergraduate course. The role includes decontamination, glassware prep, inventory, and lab safety compliance.

The position requires a BSc or college biology diploma, two years of related experience, and strong communication. It is a full-time permanent post in the Faculty of Science.