Biology Lab Assistant

Virginia Community Colleges

Virginia (IL)

On-site

USD 22,000 - 31,000

Part time

5 days ago

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Job summary

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is a nonresidential two-year institution that serves Central Virginia, including Charlottesville and Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. PVCC is part of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and sits in Albemarle County, Virginia.

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

Qualifications

Ability to make chemical solutions and dilutions and use/maintain common lab equipment.
Work evenings and weekends as needed.
Must work independently in a lab setting.
Knowledge and adherence to lab safety protocols.
Knowledge of chemical safety and hazardous waste handling.

Responsibilities

Assist scientists with experiments, equipment maintenance, and research.
Prepare samples, supplies, and equipment for Biology, Microbiology, and Anatomy & Physiology labs.
Maintain a laboratory notebook and assist with cleaning and calibration.
Help with students' experiments and record results.
Dispose of hazardous or nonhazardous waste according to protocols.
Support instructors before laboratory instruction and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Chemical solution prep

Lab safety compliance

Independent lab work

Organizational skills

Windows Office

Evening/weekend availability

Education

Biology or Chemistry background

Tools

Centrifuges

Balances

Micropipettes

Microscopes

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Posting Summary

Working Title

Working Title Biology Lab Assistant

Role Title

Role Title Trainer Instructor I

Role Code

Role Code 29111-SW

FLSA

FLSA Nonexempt

Pay Band

Position Number

Position Number 282W0113

Agency

Agency Piedmont Virginia Community College

Division

Division Piedmont Virginia Community College (Div)

Work Location

Work Location Albemarle - 003

Hiring Range

Hiring Range $19.44 per hour

Emergency/Essential Personnel No

EEO Category

EEO Category 6-Administrative Support

Full Time or Part Time

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

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_3381P

Recruitment Type General Public - G

Number of Vacancies 1

Position End Date (if temporary)

Job Open Date 08/21/2026

Job Close Date 09/25/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Agency Website pvcc.edu

Contact Name

Phone Number

Additional Information

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

VCCSuses 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.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).