Jr Lab Assistant

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Harrisburg, PA seeks a Junior Lab Assistant to support Biology and Chemistry programs. Under the guidance of faculty, you will perform hands-on lab prep and maintenance to enable undergraduate courses.

Responsibilities vary weekly with course needs; you will handle setup, safety, inventory, and coordination with faculty to ensure timely lab delivery, while developing practical skills in a university lab environment.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled as Harrisburg University student in good academic standing.
• Must be available to work variable hours across the work week as course schedules require.
• Must have completed at least one semester of Biology and Chemistry with a grade of C or better.

Responsibilities

• Set up and break down lab materials before and after sessions.
• Wash, dry, and store glassware and equipment following safety procedures.
• Label lab ware and prepare solutions, buffers, and growth media as directed by faculty.
• Maintain inventories of chemicals and supplies and notify supervisor when stock is low.
• Coordinate with assigned faculty on scheduling and any changes to lab setup requirements.

Job description

The Junior Lab Assistant supports the academic science programs in Biology and Chemistry at Harrisburg University. Working under the direction of assigned faculty, the Junior Lab Assistant provides hands-on lab preparation and maintenance support that enables the successful delivery of undergraduate science courses. Specific duties vary by week depending on the course being supported and the student's level of experience.

Position Summary

The Junior Lab Assistant supports the academic science programs in Biology and Chemistry at Harrisburg University. Working under the direction of assigned faculty, the Junior Lab Assistant provides hands-on lab preparation and maintenance support that enables the successful delivery of undergraduate science courses. Specific duties vary by week depending on the course being supported and the student's level of experience.

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Key Accountabilities

Lab Preparation & Maintenance

• Set up and break down lab materials before and after each assigned course session.
• Wash, dry, and properly store glassware and lab equipment following established safety and handling procedures.
• Label lab ware accurately in preparation for scheduled lab activities.
• Prepare solutions, buffers, and growth media as directed by the assigned faculty member.
• Maintain accurate inventories of chemicals and supplies, notifying the faculty supervisor when stock is low or materials need to be reordered.

General Support

• Complete errands and light office tasks in support of the department as needed.
• Coordinate with the assigned faculty member on scheduling, priorities, and any changes to lab setup requirements.

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EXPECTATIONS OF ALL STAFF

• Applies best efforts and full capability each day to the work assigned by their manager.
• Advises the manager when:
  • An assignment is not understood.
  • An assignment conflicts with knowledge of the circumstances, current skills, or available time/resources.
  • Obstacles to completing the assignment exist or are likely to occur.
  • Opportunities to better complete or improve the assignment exist or may occur.
• Understands and demonstrates our cultural expectations.

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Minimum Qualifications

Eligibility

• Must be a currently enrolled Harrisburg University student in good academic standing.
• Must be available to work variable hours across the work week as course schedules require.

Academic Preparation

• Must have completed at least one semester of a general Biology course with a grade of C or better for Biology lab support positions.
• Must have completed at least one semester of a general Chemistry course with a grade of C or better for Chemistry lab support positions.

Core Competencies

• Punctual, reliable, and organized, with the ability to follow detailed instructions consistently.
• Ability to work carefully and safely in a lab environment, handling equipment and materials with appropriate care.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while staying aligned with faculty direction.

WORK HOURS

Hours vary each week based on course schedules and lab preparation needs. Student workers must be available at various times during the work week as determined by the assigned faculty member and approved by the Chair of the Department of Integrated Sciences.