Lab Assistant

Virginia's Community College System; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

NOVA is seeking a part-time Lab Assistant to support biology labs, with emphasis on microbiology. You will help prepare materials, maintain cultures, and assist with safe disposal and replacement of lab equipment in a structured, timely manner.

The role requires regular weekday hours 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, with occasional evenings or weekends; prior lab experience is preferred, and good organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a biology lab setting.
• Experience maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Experience with customer service.
• Knowledge of biology curriculum, lab practices, and safety protocol.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with biology faculty and lab trainers to prepare materials and supplies for biology labs, with an emphasis on microbiology.
• Maintain microbial cultures.
• Assist with properly disposing of lab materials and replacing lab equipment and supplies in an orderly fashion in the biology lab.
• Prepares materials and supplies for biology labs in a timely and organized manner.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday 8.30am - 5 pm, although the hours may vary with occasional evenings or weekends.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Safety protocols

Time management

Lab practices

Organizational skills

Independent work

Teamwork

Customer service

Job description

Working Title Lab Assistant Role Title Trainer Instructor I Role Code 29111-FP FLSA Nonexempt Pay Band 03 Position Number 280W1274 Agency Northern VA Community College Division NV280-Provost Woodbridge Work Location Prince William - 153 Hiring Range $18/hr Emergency/Essential Personnel No EEO Category 5-Paraprofessionals Full Time or Part Time Part Time Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs- No Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference? Work Schedule

Schedule will vary based on the needs of the staff and department.

General Description

Sensitive Position No Job Description

Duties And Tasks

• Work closely with biology faculty and lab trainers to prepare materials and supplies for biology labs, with an emphasis on microbiology.
• Maintain microbial cultures.
• Assist with properly disposing of lab materials and replacing lab equipment and supplies in an orderly fashion in the biology lab.
• Prepares materials and supplies for biology labs in a timely and organized manner.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday 8.30am - 5 pm, although the hours may vary with occasional evenings or weekends.

Special Assignments

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

Required KSAs

• Knowledge of biology curriculum, lab practices, and safety protocol.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry lab equipment and techniques for making solutions of desired concentration and dilutions of stock solutions.
• Ability to work weekdays with some occasional evenings and weekends
• Ability to perform biology culturals
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and with others.
• Time management skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working in a biology lab setting.
• Experience maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment
• Experience with customer service

Additional Considerations

• Experience preparing laboratory materials for college level science classes.

Operation of a State Vehicle No Supervises Employees No Required Travel

n/a

Additional Information

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is the largest public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of the largest community colleges in the nation. NOVA enrolls nearly 75,000 students on its six campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Sterling, Manassas, Springfield, and Woodbridge, as well as through NOVA Online and high school dual enrollment programs. The College offers more than 100 affordable associate degree and certificate programs to help our students reach their academic and professional goals in some of the most in-demand careers.

At NOVA, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive community for all students, faculty, and staff, and our diverse workforce is representative of this commitment. To this end, we encourage all applicants seeking to add value through their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests to consider employment opportunities with NOVA. To learn more about NOVA’s commitment to inclusive excellence, please visit At a Glance | Northern Virginia Community College.

NOVA offers eligible employees a benefits package that includes a comprehensive health and dental insurance program, generous paid leave, deferred compensation plans, paid parental leave, state employee discounts, and a solid and secure retirement program.

We strive to ensure our employees have tools and development opportunities to support and promote NOVA’s mission. For more information about NOVA and its programs and services, please visit www.nvcc.edu.

The security of our students, faculty, and staff is very important at NOVA. Please take a moment to review NOVA's Annual Security Reports

Background Check Statement Disclaimer

The selected candidate's offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

EEO Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.

ADA Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.

E-Verify Statement

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.

Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/102223

Job Open Date 10/15/2026

Job Close Date 11/05/2026