Biology Student Lab Prep (TA3), Micro Cultures & Media Reagent Technician (MCT/MRT) for specific lab groups ’26-’27 AY

La Sierra University; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

La Sierra University in Riverside, CA seeks a Lab Prep TA/MCT/MRT to support multiple biology courses. The role includes growing cultures, preparing media and gels, inventorying supplies, and coordinating with instructors and the lab coordinator to ensure timely materials.

The position requires current student status for Fall 2026, ability to start by Sept 21, and prior wet lab experience with BIOL courses. On-site work and paid hourly wages apply.

Qualifications

• Must be a La Sierra University student currently enrolled for Fall 2026 quarter and maintain status for the academic year.
• Must start on or before September 21.
• Must have taken BIOL185/L or 474/L with wet lab experience or BIOL115L or BIOL302L or 306L in last 2 years and earned B or higher.

Responsibilities

• Assist as MRT by preparing media, reagents and gels for courses.
• Assist MCT by growing/maintaining live cultures and managing stock and inventories.

Skills

Wet lab experience

Job description

Position Summary

This job combines the roles Lab Prep TA (TA3), Micro Cultures Technician (MCT) and Media/Reagent Technician (MRT) into a position for a group of courses with similar needs. Acting as MCT the crew member grows and maintains live cultures for multiple lab courses & initiatives. The MCT works closely with the instructors and other course crew members (Laboratory Coordinator; TAs) to inventory, request replacement stock orders, grow and maintain stock cultures (including purity testing and subculturing), and grow & distribute course student-use cultures. Acting as MRT the same crew member prepares/provides required growth media, reagents, and electrophoresis or diffusion gels.

Required

The MRT works closely with the Lab Coordinator and Lab TAs to ensure needed media, reagents, and gels are ready for use when required. The MRT also works with the instructor(s) and manager to monitor and maintain media, course reagents and production supplies inventory. The crew member will be assigned to work with the cluster of courses utilizing similar methods & materials/cultures. The TA3/MRT/MCT will work in one of the following course product groups: Group A (BIOL111L; WPP; BIOL302L); Group B (BIOL115L; BIOL305L & 306L); Group C (BIOL185L; BIOL301L; BIOL474L). Course instructors and the Laboratory Coordinator will work with the Department Manager in making the final hire decision.

• Must be a La Sierra University student currently enrolled in the Fall 2026 quarter & maintain student status for the entire Academic Year
• Must be able to start work on or before required start date September 21
• Must have taken BIOL185/L or 474/L with wet lab experience or BIOL115L or BIOL302L or 306L within last 2 years and passed with a grade of B or higher or been a previous TA2 for the courses in the last year

More complete details about this position may be requested from [e-mail].

Wage Range

$16.90 - $17.50/hr