Biology Instructional Lab Technician

Western Washington U; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Washington U is seeking a full-time Instructional & Classroom Support Technician to provide technical support for biology lab courses at our Bellingham campus. This role involves supporting the curriculum, supervising lab assistants, and maintaining essential lab equipment.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field, possess strong interpersonal skills, and demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment. A salary range of $4,792 - $6,446/month is provided based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field with three years of experience in instructional support or equivalent.
• Proven ability to perform essential job functions.
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support biology courses and supervise undergraduate laboratory assistants.
• Manage course budgets and curate instructional lab manuals.
• Maintain and train others on scientific equipment and laboratory safety.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Independent judgement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field

Experience in instructional support

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About the Position

This position provides technical support for lab courses in Biology with an emphasis on Molecular/Cellular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, or Biochemistry.

This position works both independently and collaboratively with a community of faculty, graduate students, and staff to support high‑quality university education and general departmental operations.

Responsibilities

Supporting biology courses across the curriculum, supervising undergraduate laboratory assistants, managing course budgets, curating instructional lab manuals, maintaining and training others on sophisticated scientific equipment and laboratory safety procedures and policies.

Helping support the efforts of all constituents in the everyday operation of the department, stockroom, and research and teaching labs.

This is an in‑person role at WWU’s main Bellingham campus, 40‑hour/week full‑time, ten‑month position. During the academic year (September to June) this position works eight (8) hours per day and during July and August there is an option of a few work hours each week. To provide gradual onboarding, the successful candidate will work up to 10 hours per week in the first summer.

The State HR classification for this position is Instructional & Classroom Support Technician 4.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field with three years of experience in instructional support or equivalent
• Proven ability to perform essential job functions including physical demands with or without reasonable accommodation
• Proven experience performing biological laboratory techniques and safety procedures
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a friendly and cooperative manner with students, staff, and faculty at all levels of the organization and in contacts with the public
• Commitment to supporting the department’s efforts to create an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming community for students, staff, and faculty
• Willingness and demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise independent judgement
• Demonstrated excellence and clarity in verbal and written communication skills
• Hold a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to start date

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as scientific support staff at an educational institution
• Strong familiarity with upper‑division Biology university lab instruction
• Experience with a broad array of biological lab equipment, techniques, and skills including those used in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, or Biochemistry
• Familiarity with purchasing and maintaining inventories of scientific equipment and supplies
• Experience or training associated with improving accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI)
• Proficiency in MS Office and ability to learn technical software

Employment Conditions

All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60 days of hire.

Salary $4,792 - $6,446/month depending on qualifications and experience.

Bargaining Unit: This position is part of bargaining unit PT and is covered by the collective bargaining agreement with Public School Employees of WWU.

Equal Opportunity

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protected leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs.