Lab Technician, Natural Sciences

Joliet Junior College; Romeoville (IL); Hybrid; USD 20,664 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Joliet Junior College in Romeoville, IL, seeks a lab technician to support Natural Science classes by preparing lab setups and chemical solutions under supervision. Responsibilities include microbiological media prep, handling preserved materials, and cadaver maintenance as required.

The role involves monitoring laboratories, caring for organisms, maintaining data acquisition systems, and ensuring safe waste disposal.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to operate computer technology and lab apparatus.
• Attention to detail, multitasking, and teamwork in a diverse environment.
• Flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrated commitment to college values like respect, inclusion, and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Prepare lab setups and chemical solutions for classes as directed.
• Prepare microbiological culture media.
• Handle preserved materials and cadaver maintenance as needed.
• Monitor labs, clean and store materials after experiments.
• Care for laboratory organisms and maintain data acquisition systems.
• Ensure safety and proper disposal of hazardous waste.
• Coordinate lab work with main campus supervisors and instructors.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Lab procedures

Computer literacy

Attention to detail

Flexible schedule

Cultural competence

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree in Biological or Chemical Sciences

Tools

Mac computers

PC computers

Data acquisition software

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Position Summary

Under the direction of the biological and physical sciences lab supervisors, performs laboratory setups and prepares chemical solutions for Natural Science classes.

Essential Job Duties and Key Responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory setups and chemical solutions for chemistry and physics classes under the direction of the lab supervisors.
• Prepare microbiological culture media.
• Handle preserved materials and cadaver maintenance as required.
• Monitor laboratories, clean, and store materials after experiments are completed.
• Perform daily care and feeding of all laboratory organisms.
• Maintain and upkeep data acquisition software and hardware.
• Ensure safety and security of the laboratories, and proper handling and disposal of hazardous chemical and bio-hazardous waste.
• Coordinate laboratory work with main campus lab supervisors and/or instructors.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school or equivalent.
• Ability to use computer technology, laboratory equipment, and apparatus.
• Attentiveness to detail, multitasking and initiative, with ability to work accurately, efficiently, and cooperatively within a diverse population.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, may include evenings and some weekends and/or work assignments at Main and Romeoville Campuses.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence as well as emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated commitment to the college's core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor and well-being, innovation, and quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or equivalent in Biological or Chemical Sciences.
• Related work experience in a position of equivalent responsibility.
• Familiarity with Mac and PC computers.
• Working knowledge of chemical handling, disposal, and safety procedures.
• English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency.
• Demonstrated multicultural competence.

Work Schedule

• Approximately 20-28 hours per week, at least 4 days per week or permission of the NSPE department chairperson.
• Duties will be assigned at JJC Romeoville Campus laboratories.

Physical Demands

• Normal office physical demands.
• Ability to travel between locations as needed.
• Some moderate lifting required.

Working Conditions

• Duties are performed indoors in the usual laboratory setting and/or outdoor laboratories (JJC Natural Areas).

Benefits

Information about benefits is available through JJC’s benefits system.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The student population at the college is diverse in ethnicity, gender, language, age, and background. Joliet Junior College is an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its staff.