Biology Lab Assistant

Piedmont Virginia Community College; Albemarle (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) seeks a Biology Lab Assistant to support laboratory operations in Biology, Microbiology, and Anatomy & Physiology. The role includes preparing samples, supplies, and equipment; maintaining lab notebooks; and assisting instructors and students during labs in a part-time capacity.

The position emphasizes safe handling of cultures and living organisms, proper disposal of waste, and adherence to established protocols.

Qualifications

• Ability to prepare chemical solutions and dilutions.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to work independently in a lab.
• Knowledge and adherence to lab safety protocols.
• Knowledge of chemical safety and hazardous waste storage and disposal.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Windows applications, Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, and Power Point), email applications, and online platforms

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples, supplies and equipment for biology labs.
• Maintain a laboratory notebook and record results.
• Assist instructors and students during laboratory sessions.
• Clean and maintain lab equipment and supplies.
• Dispose of hazardous or nonhazardous waste per protocols.
• Assist with animal/culture handling and care as required.
• Support documentation and record-keeping for experiments.

Skills

Lab safety

Chemical handling

Independent work

Windows Office

Communication

Time management

Evenings/weekends

Tools

Microscopes

Centrifuges

Balances

Pipettes

Hematology counters

Job description

Working Title Biology Lab Assistant Role Title Trainer Instructor I Role Code 29111-SW FLSA Nonexempt Pay Band Position Number 282W0113 Agency Piedmont Virginia Community College Division Piedmont Virginia Community College (Div) Work Location Albemarle - 003 Hiring Range $19.44 per hour Emergency/Essential Personnel No EEO Category 6-Administrative Support Full Time or Part Time Part Time Does this position have telework options? –Telework options are subject to change based on business needs– Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference? Work Schedule determined by supervisor Sensitive Position No Job Description

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is a nonresidential two-year institution of higher education that serves Central Virginia – principally residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. Our scenic campus is located in Albemarle County, Virginia. We are one of 23 community colleges in Virginia that comprise the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).

Biology lab assistants work within laboratories and assist scientists with experiments, equipment maintenance, and research.

Biology lab assistants will participate in the preparation of samples, supplies and equipment for various Biology, Microbiology and/or Anatomy & Physiology laboratories. This may involve the preparation of cultures or reagents, setup or calibration of equipment, and maintenance of living organisms. Examples of these responsibilities include making various bacteria growth medias or other solutions, culturing bacteria strains, setting up specialized microscopes and setting up electronic hematology differential cell counters. Other responsibilities will include maintaining a laboratory notebook, assisting with cleaning, and maintaining laboratory equipment, tools, or supplies, and assisting instructors prior to laboratory instruction. Biology lab assistants will also perform or help with students’ experiments, record laboratory experimental results, and dispose of hazardous or nonhazardous waste.

Duties Include But May Not Be Limited To

• Applies knowledge of sanitation techniques and laboratory safety.
• Applies knowledge of research, testing procedures, and techniques.
• Performs a variety of procedures supporting laboratory setup.
• Follows established protocols and procedures; adheres to established standards and guidelines as set forth by accredited programs.
• Has frequent contact with co-workers, supervisors, students, faculty, and research staff to discuss study techniques or results or handling and care of animals and cultures.
• Follows proper sanitation procedures to ensure appropriate laboratory testing and research conditions.
• Provides responsible care of animals; demonstrates appropriate animal handling, care, and welfare.
• Responsible for equipment and generally well-defined procedures supporting laboratory research, testing, clinical programs, or instruction services.
• Decision-making and judgment are typically based on clearly defined procedures, although skilled positions may exercise independent judgment.
• Refers to non-routine issues to supervision.
• May lead other staff or activities or provide guidance and leadership to students completing capstone projects under the guidance of the biology lab manager.
• Development of competencies may lead to broader, more responsible assignments.

Special Assignments

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications

• Ability to make chemical solutions and dilutions, and use/maintain common lab equipment and supplies in a laboratory (such as centrifuges, balances, micropipettes, microscopes, etc.).
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to work independently in a lab setting.
• Knowledge and adherence to lab safety protocols.
• Knowledge in chemical safety and hazardous waste storage and disposal.
• Strong Organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Windows applications, Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, and Power Point), email applications, and online platforms

Additional Considerations

• Combination of education, training, and experience in biology, chemistry, or related field of science with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed for this position.

Operation of a State Vehicle No Supervises Employees No Required Travel minimal

References & criminal background checks required.

Piedmont Virginia Community College is an Equal Opportunity, Affidative Action Employer.

We value and support the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff. We seek to promote an understanding and appreciation of differences by creating an inclusive environment.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter.

Additional Information Background Check Statement Disclaimer. The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

EEO Statement. The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.

ADA Statement. The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.

E-Verify Statement. VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.