AP1 & AP2 Lab Teaching Assistant

University Of Portland; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 2,066,400 - 2,865,408; Part time

Job summary

University Of Portland is seeking Laboratory Teaching Assistants to support BIO365 and BIO366 labs under the supervision of the Biology Department. The role includes lab preparation, demonstrations, supervision during lab sessions, and post-lab cleanup.

You will help students with procedures, manage supplies, and assist with grading or Open Lab sessions as needed. Expect about 2–3 hours per lab session each week during Fall and Spring semesters, with schedule posted for Spring 2026 lab days.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of BIO 305/365 and BIO 306/366 with an overall grade of B+ or better.
• Satisfactory evaluations in any previous position as a departmental assistant in Biology.
• Satisfactory progress toward a degree.

Responsibilities

• Assist with weekly lab prep and organization.
• Support lab activities during sessions and post-lab clean-up.
• Provide brief intro presentations when requested.
• Assist students during labs by answering questions and giving guidance.
• Ensure safety and proper handling of lab materials and waste.
• Submit bi‑monthly time sheets via an online portal.

Skills

Lab safety

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

BIO 305/365 & BIO 306/366 completed

Job description

Terms and Hours: Approx. 2-3 hours/week, Fall and Spring Semester

Job Summary

Laboratory Teaching Assistants help a faculty member with technical and instructional responsibilities which may include: lab prep, organization, clean-up, and working with enrolled students during the lab session in Swindells Hall and/or via remote telework arrangements. This position is for the laboratory courses BIO365 and BIO366: Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2, coordinated by John White (AP 1 Lab) and Dr. Christie Engesser Cesar (AP 2 Lab). Teaching Assistants typically work approx. 2-3 hours per lab section each week of the term.

Please check the schedule of classes for Spring 2026 lab days and times for AP1 and AP2 lab.

• BIO365A – M 0915:1215 – White
• BIO365B – M 1230:1530 – Dyer
• BIO365C – T 0945:1245 – Dyer
• BIO366B – M 1230:1530 – Flann
• BIO366E – W 1230:1530 – Flann

Responsibilities

• Prepare for lab each week: read the experimental procedures, TA instructions, and any other special information that is provided by the course instructor or laboratory manager.
• Assist with regular pre‑lab period set‑up: gather instructional items, set up demonstrations, prepare the cadavers for viewing when applicable.
• When requested, provide brief introductory presentations at the beginning of the lab period.
• Assist students during the lab by answering questions or providing experimental advice.
• Clean up after each lab: properly store or dispose of solutions; clean spills using proper methods; clean/wipe‑down the hoods, lab benches, and the areas around instruments used during the lab; return and secure all caps and tops to chemical bottles; refill/replace consumable supplies as needed; take dirty glassware or tools to washing area and/or bio‑hazardous waste bags to the dishwashing room; wash and put away other glassware or other items, as needed.
• Show up at time designated by Instructor. TA’s must notify Instructor if they cannot prep the lab, attend, or assist with clean up for a lab period for any reason.
• Promote Safety in the lab at all times: enforce proper use of protective equipment, proper handling of chemical spills, proper handling of broken glassware, proper collection of chemical waste for disposal, and proper disposal of non‑hazardous lab waste. Be alert for potentially unsafe behavior, practices, set‑ups, and situations, and correct them or bring to the attention of the Instructor if you are unsure of the proper procedures to be used.
• Attend all TA meetings — time to be arranged by supervisor.
• Provide feedback to faculty on exercises.
• May be asked to assist with grading (exams, quizzes, lab assignments).
• May be asked to independently run Open Lab sessions.
• Submit accurate, bi‑monthly time sheet via an online portal to supervisor.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of BIO 305/365 and BIO 306/366 with an overall grade of B+ or better.
• Satisfactory evaluations in any previous position as a departmental assistant in the Department of Biology.
• Satisfactory evaluation from an anatomy and physiology instructor.
• Satisfactory progress toward a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Students with Federal Work Study in Financial Aid Package preferred.
• Students with Green Dot Certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Standing for up to 120 minutes.