Hands-On Microbiology Lab Assistant: Media & Prep

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kansas is seeking a student hourly to support the Microbiology Teaching Lab in Haworth Hall. Responsibilities include media preparation, waste disposal, restocking, and general lab housekeeping to keep teaching labs running smoothly.

The role involves handling labware, calibrating equipment, inventory management, and ensuring safety with autoclave use. Typical shifts are 2+ hours, up to 20 hours weekly, with a start date in November 2026.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs for handling lab deliveries.
• Comfortable standing for extended periods during lab tasks (e.g., fume hood work).
• Availability for shifts of at least 2 consecutive hours, up to 20 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Media preparation for all Microbiology labs; restock supplies.
• Dispose of media via autoclave and ensure safe disposal.
• Restock items for media prep: petri plates, tubes, caps, flasks, etc.
• Learn to use media equipment: autoclaves, omnispense, steam kettle.
• Clean reusable media prep items (flasks, bottles, tubing).
• Washing dishes and bins; labware cleaning and sterilization.
• Calibrate equipment (e.g., pipettors) and ensure accuracy.
• Inventory media, reagents, chemicals; temperature checks of incubators/fridges.
• Relabel old or illegible labels on reagent bottles and Gram Stain kits.
• Dispose of sterile media and related waste; disinfect surfaces between semesters.

Skills

Lift 50 lbs

Prolonged standing

2–20 hour shifts

Job description

The University of Kansas is seeking a student hourly to support the Microbiology Teaching Lab in Haworth Hall. Responsibilities include media preparation, waste disposal, restocking, and general lab housekeeping to keep teaching labs running smoothly.

The role involves handling labware, calibrating equipment, inventory management, and ensuring safety with autoclave use. Typical shifts are 2+ hours, up to 20 hours weekly, with a start date in November 2026.