Microbiology Prep Room and Lab Assistant

University of Waterloo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, is seeking a Laboratory Support role to assist Lab Technicians and ensure the smooth daily operation of Microbiology Preparation Rooms and related undergraduate courses.

You will prepare media, reagents, culture plates, and assist with stock management, enabling successful lab sessions and term-end cleanup. A BSc/College Diploma in Biology and at least two years of related experience are required.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in a related field.
• Prior Teaching Assistant experience would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lab Technicians and ensure smooth operation of Microbiology Preparation Rooms.
• Prepare materials, media, reagents, cultures and plates for undergraduate labs.
• Maintain inventory and stock levels; assist with lab cleanup and end-of-term tasks.
• Demonstrate proper operation of equipment and safety procedures (autoclave, steamer, centrifuge, microscopes, fume hood).
• Pours and seals glassware; supports course lab activities and equipment handling.

Skills

Time management

Communication

Lab safety

Microsoft Office

Education

BSc or College Diploma in Biology

Job description

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process.

Job Requisition ID: 2026-02721 Time Type: Full time Employee Group: Staff Job Category: Laboratory Support Employment Type: Permanent Department: Faculty of Science - Biology - Technicians Hiring Range: $54,971.23 - $68,714.03 Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy. The internal posting deadline for this position is September 17, 2026 at 11:59PM.

Job Description

Primary Purpose: Provides support to Lab Technicians and ensures the smooth daily operation of the Microbiology Preparation Rooms in Biology I and the Science Teaching Complex. This position is also responsible for assisting with one first or second year undergraduate course.

Key Accountabilities

Microbiology Preparation Rooms

• Decontaminates and sterilizes lab waste and requisite materials
• Washes and prepares large volumes of laboratory glassware for all 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 all undergraduate microbiology courses in the STC building
• Assists with end of term undergraduate lab cleanup

Undergraduate Course Assistance

• Prepares and provides requisite materials including media, reagents, cultures and solutions; pours large volumes of plates and culture maintenance
• Subsequent clean-up of the laboratory space with the appropriate handling and disposal of used materials and cultures at the end of each laboratory exercise
• 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

Assisting Department Technicians

• Fills racks with test tubes and caps tubes
• Pours petri plates aseptically
• Packages pipettes for sterilization
• Generally assists Lab Technicians when needed

Required Qualifications

Education

• BSc or College Diploma in Biology or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

• Two years’ experience in a related field. Requires intermediate knowledge of microbiology techniques.
• Prior experience as a Teaching Assistant would be an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment is essential.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills required.
• Demonstrated proper and safe use of equipment: autoclave, steamer, centrifuge, compound microscopes, fume hood
• Basic skill level using Microsoft Office Suite

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations. The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada. The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources [e-mail] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

At the University of Waterloo, we think differently, we act with purpose, and we work together. We advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research, and scholarship, nationally and internationally, in an environment of free expression and enquiry. We are a leading global research-intensive university, renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation, providing co-op and work-integrated learning at scale with impact. Learn more about Waterloo