Chemistry Lab Assistant - Student Employment

Saint Xavier University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Federal Work-Study Eligible

Resume and Cover Letter Required

Job summary

Saint Xavier University seeks a Lab Assistant for the Chemistry department to support faculty and lab coordinators in safe and efficient instructional labs. You will assist with preparation, setup, cleanup, and inventory, while following safety protocols and chemical hygiene standards.

The role provides hands-on experience for students in chemistry and laboratory operations. The position emphasizes teamwork, clear communication, and the development of technical skills using university platforms

Qualifications

• Must be a current Saint Xavier University student.
• Must be Federal Work Study Eligible.
• Resume and Cover Letter must be included.
• Major or Minor in Chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Lab Preparation & Setup: measure, weigh, and mix chemicals to prepare stock solutions and reagents; set up lab apparatus and instruments.
• Maintenance & Organization: clean and restock glassware; keep stockroom and labs tidy; monitor inventory.
• Safety & Chemical Hygiene: follow the Chemical Hygiene Plan; assist with chemical waste labeling and storage; report broken equipment.
• Instructional Support: help guide students in safe equipment setup and assist faculty with supplies mid-session.

Skills

Communication

Critical Thinking

Teamwork

Technology

Education

Chemistry major or minor

Job description

The Chemistry Lab Assistant works with the Chemistry faculty and Laboratory Coordinators and learns to handle the logistics, preparation, and safety of instructional laboratories. This role is vital for ensuring that undergraduate chemistry experiments run efficiently, safely, and cleanly. It provides an excellent hands‑on opportunity for students to gain practical laboratory experience, reinforce their chemistry knowledge, and learn industry‑standard chemical hygiene practices.

This student employment opportunity supports the development of skills aligned with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies. Through this role, students will strengthen the following competencies:

• Communication:Students build communication skills by practicing clear, respectful, and professional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication in a workplace setting.

• Critical Thinking:Students build critical thinking skills by applying judgment, solving problems, prioritizing tasks, maintaining accuracy, and using feedback to improve their work.

• Teamwork:Students build teamwork skills by collaborating with supervisors, staff, and peers to support department goals, assist others, and contribute to a positive work environment.

• Technology:Students build technology skills by using department systems, software, digital tools, equipment, or university platforms to complete tasks accurately and efficiently.

Lab Preparation & Setup

• Accurately measures, weighs, and mix chemicals to prepare stock solutions and reagents for scheduled experiments. Set up of laboratory apparatus, glassware, and analytical instruments before classes begin.

• Aliquot and distribute chemicals into proper, clearly labeled containers at student benches. Read and review course lab manuals and prep sheets ahead of time to verify inventory needs.

Maintenance & Organization

• Clean and restock laboratory glassware and equipment after student use. Maintain the overall cleanliness and order of the chemistry stockroom, chemical storage areas, and main student laboratories.

• Clean and calibrate laboratory balances and ensure balances remain chemical‑free. Monitor inventory of consumable supplies, reporting shortages to the Lab Coordinator.

Safety & Chemical Hygiene

• Strictly abide by institutional safety procedures and policies outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Assist with the proper collection, labeling, and temporary storage of chemical waste.

• Safely handle gas cylinders, empty glass waste bins, and maintain safety equipment stations. Identify and immediately report broken glassware or malfunctioning hardware to the Lab Coordinator.

Instructional Support

• Help guide students in the correct, safe setup of their laboratory equipment during active sessions. Help faculty locate supplies and restock reagents mid‑session when needed.

MUST BE A STUDENT AT SAINT XAVIER UNIVERSITY

Must be Federal Work Study Eligible

Must Include a Resume and Cover Letter

Major or Minor in Chemistry. Responsibilities increase with developing abilities

Description of Hours: 10hrs/week

We inspire success by working together to provide meaningful, personalized service in a spirit of excellence. SXU seeks candidates that deliver value‑added services in a responsive, collaborative, effective, and respectful manner.

The University is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Saint Xavier University affirms its position as a Catholic institution, inspired by the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, and asserts its rights to employ persons who subscribe to the mission, vision and core values of the University.

Saint Xavier University is an Equal Opportunity Employer that makes all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions and all other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other factors protected by law. Hiring decisions will be based on the bona fide occupational qualifications of each applicant.