Lab Assistant - Biology

Mercer University; Macon (GA); On-site; USD 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

Mercer University in Macon, GA seeks a Lab Assistant - Biology to support lab preparation, materials handling, and classroom assistance for introductory biology, anatomy & physiology, and zoology courses.

The role requires current enrollment as a Mercer student, with preferred biology focus and prior lab experience. Pay starts at $10.80/hour with scheduled 15 hours per week, from 08/25/2026 to 05/10/2027, on campus.

Qualifications

• Must be a currently enrolled Mercer University student.
• Biology major or minor is a plus.
• Previous lab experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with setup and preparation of laboratory exercises before class sessions.
• Gather, organize, and distribute lab materials, equipment, specimens, and models.
• Support instructors and Lab Coordinator with execution of lab activities for biology courses.
• Prepare lab stations and ensure materials are available and arranged before class.
• Assist with breakdown of lab activities after class sessions.
• Clean, disinfect, and organize lab spaces, equipment, and materials per procedures.
• Return equipment and materials to designated storage locations.
• Maintain an organized inventory of lab supplies and report shortages or damages.
• Assist with routine organization of storage areas and workstations.
• Handle lab materials and equipment safely according to procedures.
• Follow all safety protocols and university policies; maintain confidentiality.
• Report safety concerns or damaged equipment promptly to supervisors.
• Assist with preparation for demonstrations, exams, and departmental events.

Skills

Laboratory basics

Organizational skills

Safety awareness

Communication with staff

Education

Currently enrolled Mercer University student

Job description

Job Family: Student Work Study

Department: Biology

Supervisor: Jazz Thorpe

Job Title: Lab Assistant - Biology

Job Description

• Assist with the setup and preparation of laboratory exercises prior to scheduled class sessions.
• Gather, organize, and distribute laboratory materials, equipment, specimens, models, and other instructional resources.
• Assist instructors and the Laboratory Coordinator with the execution of laboratory activities for Introduction to Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Zoology.
• Prepare laboratory stations and ensure necessary materials are available and appropriately arranged before class.
• Assist with the breakdown of laboratory activities following class sessions.
• Clean, disinfect, and organize laboratory workspaces, equipment, and materials in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
• Return equipment, supplies, models, specimens, and other materials to their designated storage locations.
• Maintain an organized inventory of laboratory supplies and notify the Laboratory Coordinator of low, missing, damaged, or improperly stored materials.
• Assist with routine laboratory organization, including storage areas, preparation spaces, cabinets, drawers, and workstations.
• Handle laboratory materials, specimens, and equipment responsibly and according to departmental safety procedures.
• Follow all applicable laboratory safety protocols, university policies, and instructor/Laboratory Coordinator instructions.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate discretion when handling departmental, instructional, or student-related information.
• Report damaged equipment, spills, safety concerns, missing materials, or other issues promptly to the Laboratory Coordinator or appropriate instructor.
• Assist with preparation for laboratory demonstrations, practical examinations, special activities, and departmental events as needed.
• Maintain a professional and respectful demeanor when interacting with faculty, staff, and fellow students.
• Complete assigned tasks accurately and within established deadlines.
• Perform other laboratory-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Candidate must be a currently enrolled student at Mercer University.
• Majoring and/or minoring in Biology or a closely related field is a plus.
• Previous lab experience is strongly preferred.

Pay rate starts at $10.80/hour.

Scheduled Hours: 15

Start Date: 08/25/2026 End Date: 05/10/2027

About Us

Mercer Student Employment – About Us Student employees are vital to the success of Mercer University.

At Mercer, we are dedicated to helping students find meaningful on-campus jobs and ensuring that students maximize the value of their employment experiences. We believe that having an on-campus job helps students become more involved with the Mercer University community, provides valuable work experience, helps build transferable skills, and habits that will benefit future career options. Moreover, on-campus jobs provide financial rewards.

Important Note

In adherence to the Immigration Control Act of 1986, all student employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) and present documentation verifying citizenship or permanent residency. You will not be allowed to begin work until the I-9 form has been completed and properly certified. The required documents include either a valid US Passport, certificate of US citizenship, alien registration card with photograph OR two of the following documents: a state driver's license, validated student ID card, original social security card, birth certificate.