Biology Lab Assistant

Piedmont Virginia Community College; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

Piedmont Virginia Community College in Albemarle is seeking a part-time Biology Lab Assistant to support microbiology and anatomy labs. The role involves preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and assisting instructors during lab periods.

Responsibilities include lab safety, sanitation, record keeping, and helping with student experiments. The position requires the ability to work evenings/weekends as needed and independence in a laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Ability to prepare chemical solutions and dilutions and use common lab equipment.
• Willing to work evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to work independently in a lab setting.
• 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, PowerPoint), and email/online platforms.

Responsibilities

• Supports laboratory setup and procedures per established protocols.
• Prepares samples, supplies, and equipment for Biology, Microbiology and Anatomy & Physiology labs.
• Maintains a laboratory notebook and records results.
• Assists instructors during laboratory instruction.
• Maintains sanitation and proper waste disposal.
• Collaborates with staff and students on experiments; may mentor students.

Skills

Lab safety

Independent work

Evenings/weekends

Chemical safety & waste

Communication skills

Windows & MS Office

Chemical solution preparation

Education

Biology/Chemistry background

Tools

Centrifuges

Balances

Micropipettes

Microscopes

Hematology counters

Job description

Title: Biology Lab Assistant

Agency: Piedmont Virginia Community College

Location: Albemarle - 003

FLSA: Nonexempt

Hiring Range: $19.44 per hour

Full Time or Part Time: Part Time

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.

Minimum 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.