Lab Assistant

Maryville College; Maryville (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryville College is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support the Natural Sciences Division. The role involves coordinating laboratory setups, maintaining safety protocols, and assisting with various laboratory tasks. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and experience in a lab environment. This position offers a chance to work in a dynamic educational setting while contributing to the academic success of students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry with relevant coursework.
• 1-2 years experience as a lab assistant or similar role preferred.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and ability to maintain laboratory environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the set-up and delivery of science laboratories.
• Order and maintain laboratory supplies and ensure proper storage.
• Assist instructors with lab delivery and maintain cleanliness of lab spaces.

Skills

Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols

Ability to maintain and dispose of hazardous materials

Ability to work with diverse populations

Ability to prepare chemical reagents

Knowledge of sterile technique

Knowledge of MS Excel and MS Word

Education

Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.)

Tools

Autoclave

pH meter

Biosafety Cabinet

Job description

Position Title: Laboratory Assistant Department: Academic Affairs

Title of Immediate Supervisor/Leader to Whom This Position Reports: Chair of Natural Sciences Division

• Expected Daily Work Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm *Expected Weekly Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; 35hrs/week with some flexibility.
• College offices are normally open from 8:00 AM until 5:00PM, Monday through Friday. However, due to the nature of responsibility to the student body, individual offices or departments may have operating hours that extend beyond this period and may include evening or weekend hours. Non-exempt employees will normally work 8 hours per day. Overtime (any hours in excess of 40 per week) for non-exempt employees is required to be approved, in advance by the department supervisor. Exempt employees will typically work at least 40 hours per week and such additional time as may be reasonably required to fulfill the obligations of their position description. Such additional work may include evenings and weekends and should be described in this document.
  
  

Summary Of This Position

Coordinate the set-up of and assist with the delivery of science laboratories in the division of Natural Sciences; maintain organization and cleanliness of science laboratories; handle orders of laboratory supplies.

Minimum Qualifications Required: (please be specific and respond to every question; indicate none if not applicable)

Education Required To Ensure Success In This Position

• Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university completing 200-level coursework in Biology and Chemistry. At least one full semester of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or Microbiology with labs preferred.
  
  

Experience Required To Ensure Success In This Position

• 1-2 years experience as a research assistant, lab assistant, or similar preferred.
  
  

Special Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

• A working knowledge of the safety protocols and functions of laboratories.
• Knowledge and ability of how to maintain, dispose of hazardous materials, and store instruments and chemicals.
• Ability to work well with a diverse population as well as interdepartmentally.
• Knowledge and ability to prepare chemical reagents and microbiological media.
• Knowledge of and ability to use sterile technique.
• Knowledge of and ability to use MS Excel and MS Word.
  
  

License, Certification, Or Registration Necessary

• Valid Driver’s License with no significant violations or at-fault accidents in the past 3 years.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to navigate campus/public buildings and grounds.
• Ability to occasionally move, lift, or carry 10-25 pounds.
  
  

Environmental Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, there may be exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and biohazardous materials.
  
  

Ability To Operate The Following Vehicles Or Equipment

• Standard office equipment: computer, phone, etc.
• Autoclave, pH meter, Incinerator, Biosafety Cabinet, Chemical Safety Hood, Shaker-incubator, Waterbath, etc.
  
  

Primary duties and responsibilities (Typically ~7 primary duties comprised of 80% of the responsibilities):

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Regular and predictable attendance is essential. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Order supplies for laboratories and maintain records of orders and budget expenditures for the Division. Drive to local vendors to pick up supplies for laboratories. Ensure that supplies are promptly stored at the proper temperature and instructors are notified when supplies arrive.
• Coordinate the maintenance and repair of instruments and equipment in the Natural Sciences laboratories.
• Prepare media and reagents for Natural Sciences laboratories as requested by course instructors. Fully prepare laboratories for student use during laboratory exercises as directed by course instructors. Courses requiring preparation will include, but are not limited to, BIO111 Introductory Biology, BIO112 Principles of Microbiology, BIO115 Introductory Cell Biology, BIO221 Genetics, BIO355 Microbiology, BIO412 Animal Physiology, CHM111 Introductory Chemistry, CHM121 General Chemistry I, CHM122 General Chemistry II, CHM316 Biochemistry, and CHM416 Advanced Biochemistry.
• Assist instructors with the delivery of higher-enrollment labs and labs in which high-need students are enrolled as approved by the division chair. Prepare and run make-up labs as needed for student athletes and students with accommodations.
• Maintain safety including: storage, use and disposal of hazardous compounds and biohazards. Remain knowledgeable about laboratory safety procedures.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of all lab spaces. This will include weekly inspections of lab spaces and communication with the individuals that work in those spaces, as well as annual deep cleaning and organization of lab spaces at the end of each academic year.
• Coordinate the testing of newly developed laboratory exercises, as requested by the course instructor.
• Ensure that animal care facilities are maintained in accordance with appropriate Animal Protection Guidelines for human use in research and coursework.
• Supervise student workers in the Sutton Science labs.
  
  

Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist the College in the attainment of the goals set forth and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff, faculty and students.

Leadership Requirements

• Does the person in this position directly supervise other staff/team members? No
  
  

If yes, how many? __________

• Does the person in this position directly supervise students? Yes
  
  

If yes, how many? 1-2

This is a benefits eligible position! Please see more details about our benefits here: https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/about/inside/human-resources/

Non-Discrimination Statement

Maryville College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a learning community, our members include persons with a variety of interests, backgrounds, beliefs and nationalities which enriches the experience for all. The College embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment free from harassment and discrimination. Maryville College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or political beliefs in the provision of educational opportunities, employment practices or benefits.