Biology Lab Assistant

Virginia's Community College System; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking educational institution as a Biology Lab Assistant, where your role is crucial in supporting scientific research and student learning. You'll engage in hands-on laboratory work, preparing samples and assisting with experiments in Biology, Microbiology, and Anatomy & Physiology. This position offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills in a collaborative environment, working closely with faculty and students while adhering to strict safety protocols. If you have a passion for science and education, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Ability to prepare chemical solutions and maintain lab equipment.
• Knowledge of lab safety and hazardous waste disposal.

Responsibilities

• Assist in laboratory setup and maintenance of equipment.
• Support students during experiments and record results.

Skills

Chemical solutions and dilutions

Lab equipment maintenance

Laboratory safety protocols

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Education in Biology

Training in Chemistry

Tools

Centrifuges

Balances

Micropipettes

Microscopes

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 E-Paraprofessional 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

Posting Number WGE_2501P Recruitment Type General Public - G Number of Vacancies 1 Position End Date (if temporary) Job Open Date 04/23/2025 Job Close Date 05/25/2025 Open Until Filled Agency Website pvcc.edu Contact Name Email Phone Number Special Instructions to Applicants

Application Package Must Include

• Online Application
• Resume
• Cover letter
• Names, addresses, email and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references
  
  

In order to better serve our customers, PVCC will only accept online applications. PVCC will not accept hand-delivered applications or applications submitted by mail, email, or fax. Cover letters, resume/curriculum vitae, and unofficial transcripts (if required) must be attached electronically to the online application. Unofficial copies of transcripts will suffice for initial review. Official transcripts are required upon employment. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an accredited evaluation service.

Deadline: Review of applications begins immediately.

References & criminal background checks required.

Piedmont Virginia Community College is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative 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. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155

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.

Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/84453