Chemistry Laboratory Assistant

Missouri Western State University; Saint Joseph (MO); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Missouri Western State University is seeking a Chemistry Laboratory Assistant in the Department of Chemistry for the academic year. The position supports laboratory instructors, assists with prep, safety, and student guidance, and involves basic computer, equipment, and glassware handling.

The role requires MoWest student status, part-time enrollment, a minimum GPA of 2.0, and completion of General Chemistry I with lab (C or higher).

Qualifications

• MoWest student enrolled as degree-seeking
• Enrolled at least part-time with GPA 2.0 or higher
• Completed General Chemistry I (with lab) with a grade of C or above
• Able to prepare chemical reagents and solutions safely

Responsibilities

• Attend weekly laboratory coordination meetings
• Assist in laboratory preparation (equipment, glassware, reagents, waste prep)
• Assist laboratory instructors during lab periods, monitor safety
• Answer student questions or direct them appropriately
• Assist students in operating computers, software, and instrumentation
• Ensure safe handling of chemicals and compliance with waste disposal
• Assist in laboratory cleanup and glassware washing

Skills

Laboratory skills

MS Word

MS Excel

Computer skills

Education

Degree Seeking

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position can hire a student who does not qualify for Federal Work Study eligibility. For more information on Federal Work Study eligibility, contact Financial Aid. (Eder Hall 103; 816-271-4361; website )

Position Information

Position Title

Chemistry Laboratory Assistant

Department

Appointment Term

Academic Year (August - May)

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Job Summary

The Chemistry Student Laboratory Mentor will assist the Department of Chemistry laboratory instructors with laboratory preparation and clean-up, promoting discussion among students, offering assistance with technical skills, and helping monitor laboratory safety and good laboratory practice.

• Attend weekly laboratory coordination meetings
• Assist in laboratory preparation (this may involve equipment and glassware preparation and set up, reagent preparation, and waste disposal preparation associated with each experiment)
• Assist assigned lab section instructor during the lab period by monitoring and correcting safety-related issues and laboratory procedures
• Be able to answer student questions associated with the experiment or be able to direct them appropriately
• Assist students in the operation of computers, software, equipment, and instrumentation associated with an experiment
• Insure proper and safe handling of chemicals
• Ensure compliance with chemical waste disposal regulations and procedures
• Assist in laboratory clean up (this may involve equipment and glassware teardown, backfilling reagents associated with the completed experiment, logging out waste disposal bottles, lab bench cleaning, washing glassware)

Required Qualifications

• MoWest Student
• Degree Seeking
• At least an overall 2.0 GPA
• Enrolled at least part-time
• Qualified applicants must have completed General Chemistry I (with lab) with a grade of ‘C’ or above (students assigned to higher level courses must also have earned a ‘C’ or above in the course to which they are assigned)
• Ability to prepare chemical reagents and solutions of known quantity and concentration using safe laboratory practices

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of General Chemistry I (with lab) with a grade of ‘B’ or above. Students assigned to higher-level courses should also have earned a ‘B’ or above in the course to which they are assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Laboratory skills and chemical prep skills
• Computer skills, MS Word and Excel
• Ability to work alongside others or alone

Physical Demands

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Additional Demands

Upon hire, but before beginning work in the laboratory, students must complete an orientation/training session covering chemical safety and chemical storeroom procedures, first aid, and emergency response procedures, held by the Department of Chemistry, Math, and Physics.

Location where duties are to be performed

Chemistry Laboratories

Federal Work Study Not Required

Hours of Work

Approximately 10 hours per week.

Posting Number

ST300P

Number of Vacancies

8

Open Date

08/19/2026

Priority Deadline

09/30/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions Summary

This position can hire a student who does not qualify for Federal Work Study eligibility. For more information on Federal Work Study eligibility, contact Financial Aid. (Eder Hall 103; 816-271-4361; website )

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Yes
• No
• Yes
• No
• * Do you have at least an overall 2.0 GPA?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you currently employed on-campus in another department? If so, what department.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Are you enrolled at least part-time?
  • Yes
  • No

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Course Schedule

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Professional References (3-5 with contact information)