Biotech Assistant (FWS Only)

Massachusetts Bay Community College; Wellesley, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

Massachusetts Bay Community College in Wellesley Hills seeks a part-time Work-Study Biotech Lab Assistant to support CTGT and CBEWT labs and ensure efficient operations. The role involves preparing reagents, maintaining records, and assisting with molecular biology workflows.

The position offers hands-on experience with techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cell culture support, with a $19/hour rate and CORI clearance requirement.

Qualifications

• GPA 2.5 or higher and reliable work habits.
• Ability to work independently with initiative.
• Willingness to learn new biotechniques and adapt quickly.
• Familiarity with basic biotechniques and lab safety.

Responsibilities

• Sterilize glassware and equipment and maintain lab cleanliness.
• Manage chemicals, reagents, buffers, and samples for experiments.
• Prepare reagents and samples for molecular biology techniques.
• Culture, maintain, and cryopreserve mammalian cells as needed.
• Assist in protocols such as PCR, RT-PCR, sequencing, and flow cytometry.
• Document progress and maintain laboratory records meticulously.
• Assist with ordering and receiving reagents and supplies.
• Support CTGT and CBEWT lab operations and research workflows.

Skills

GPA 2.5+

Consistent work habits

Independent work

Quick learner

Critical thinking

Willingness to learn biotechniques

Familiarity with basic biotechniques

Job description

Department: Dean of Science and Engineering

Location: Wellesley Hills

MassBay fosterseducational excellence and academic success to prepare students for local andglobal citizenship, to promote their personal growth, to meet criticalworkforce demands of communities, and to contribute to the region’s economicdevelopment.

Massachusetts Bay Community College is served by a cadre of employees ofvaried backgrounds and experiences. We invite all individuals to considerjoining our community.

Located in Greater Boston, MassBay is a comprehensive, open-access communitycollege, offering associate degrees and certificate programs on three campusesin Wellesley Hills, Framingham, and Ashland, Massachusetts.

Position Summary

The ideal candidate will join a vibrant educational community and have a desire and ability to serve a population of students with various needs and backgrounds. This is a part-time, student employment position with no benefits.

The Biotechnology programs are driven by inquiry-based and research-intensive experimental projects that operate continuously and interdependently within the laboratory environment. These experiments demand precise preparation and timely application of specific reagents and buffers, as well as consistent monitoring and meticulous data collection throughout multiple procedural stages. Experimental timelines vary significantly, ranging from brief one-hour tasks to extended processes spanning up to 72 hours or more. The Work-Study Student plays a critical role in ensuring the seamless and efficient operation of the biotechnology laboratory space, supporting both the Center for Therapeutics and Genomics Training (CTGT) and the Center forBiomanufacturing Education and Workforce Training (CBEWT). This position is essential for maintaining experimental continuity, facilitating research workflows, and contributing to the advancement of cutting-edge biotechnological education and innovation.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Ensure the biotech laboratory maintains high standards of cleanliness and safety by sterilizing glassware, plasticware, and equipment, performing autoclaving procedures, and properly disposing of biohazardous materials;
• Systematically organize, catalog, and manage laboratory chemicals, reagents, buffers, and biological samples, facilitating efficient sample preparation and inventory control;
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and samples for molecular biology techniques, including gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, PCR, and RT-PCR assays;
• Initiate, culture, maintain, and cryopreserve mammalian cell lines, monitoring cell health and viability to support ongoing experiments;
• Assist in executing advanced molecular and cellular biology protocols such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, DNA sequencing, flow cytometry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and next-generation sequencing library preparation;
• Support experimental research on model organisms (e.g., Arabidopsis thaliana) and stem cell cultures, contributing to developmental and cellular biology studies;
• Perform immunological and protein analysis techniques, including immunohistochemistry, antibody titration, and western blotting, to validate experimental data;
• Monitor and document experimental progress, maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records, assist in ordering and receiving reagents and supplies, and participate actively in laboratory organization and maintenance.

This list is not tobe considered all-inclusive. A supervisor may assign other duties as requiredto meet the needs and foster the mission of the College.

All employees ofMassBay are expected to work collegially and collaboratively within a communitythat values and celebrates the variety of student experience.

Required Qualifications

• Academically successful/GPA of 2.5 or higher;
• Consistent and reliable work habits;
• Demonstrated initiative, ability to work independently and in a timely manner;
• Quick learner and motivated;
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills;
• Willingness to always learn new biotechniques;
• Familiarity with basic biotechniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Sensitivity and commitment to the goals of Affinity Action;
• Experience working in a community college or similar environment;
• Demonstrated commitment to working with students in need.

Additional Information

Salary Range: $19 per hour

Source of Funding: Federal Work Study

Deadline: September25th, 2026, or thereafter until filled.

Hiring is contingent upon a successful CORI clearance.

MassachusettsBay Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunityemployer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationalorigin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, geneticinformation, gender identity or sexual orientation in its programs andactivities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of theRehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,and other applicable statutes and college policies. The Collegeprohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Inquiries orcomplaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation or sexualviolence shall be referred to the College’s Affiantive Action and/orTitle IX Coordinator, the Massachusetts Commission AgainstDiscrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or theUnited States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Massachusetts Bay Community College Student Employment Career Site