Laboratory Assistant - Part time

Grand Rapids Community College; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness Program

Continuous Learning

Retirement Plans

Job summary

Grand Rapids Community College is seeking a part-time Instructional Laboratory Assistant to support the Biology Department Laboratory Coordinator. The role involves daily operation of biology labs, including setup, cleanup, and maintenance of classrooms and stockrooms, with morning hours and possible evenings/weekends.

The position requires an Associate’s degree or higher with a science emphasis or equivalent experience, and knowledge of lab safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher with a science emphasis or equivalent work experience.
• Awareness of laboratory safety procedures and OSHA regulations.
• Exposure to biosafety practices and procedures for biological laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Prepares, sets up, and breaks down instructional laboratories according to the laboratory schedule and established lab-preparation procedures, ensuring timely turnover between laboratory sections.
• Prepares, transports, assembles, and organizes materials, specimens, tools, and equipment required for laboratory demonstrations and exercises.
• Assists with the preparation, and packaging of chemical and biological reagents, solutions, solids, stains, media, and unknown samples according to established procedures for laboratory demonstrations and.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Associate’s degree or higher with a science emphasis or equivalent work experience

Tools

Lab equipment handling

Job description

Assists the Biology Department Laboratory Coordinator with the daily operation of Biology instructional laboratories, including laboratory preparation and cleanup, and maintenance of classrooms, stockrooms, storage, and preparation areas. This position requires a work schedule based on instructional laboratory needs, including scheduled morning hours. Some evening and/or weekend hours may be required. Regular and punctual attendance during assigned hours is essential.

Requisition ID: 1236

Employee Group: Contingency

Schedule: 16-20 hours/ 48 week

Compensation: $21.48

Reports to: Instructional Laboratory Coordinator

Posting Opens: 11/10/26

Posting Closes: Open until filled

Essential Functions

• Prepares, sets up, and breaks down instructional laboratories according to the laboratory schedule and established lab-preparation procedures, ensuring timely turnover between laboratory sections.
• Prepares, transports, assembles, and organizes materials, specimens, tools, and equipment required for laboratory demonstrations and exercises.
• Assists with the preparation, and packaging of chemical and biological reagents, solutions, solids, stains, media, and unknown samples according to established procedures for laboratory demonstrations and.
• Follows established laboratory safety procedures and maintains proper storage, and labeling of chemicals, reagents, biological specimens.
• Assists with the packaging and characterization of laboratory waste generated by the biological science department.
• Assists with maintaining laboratory equipment manuals and SDS records.
• Maintains proper housekeeping in the biological science instructional laboratory classrooms, stockrooms, long-term storage, and preparation areas as required. Cleans laboratory tables, equipment, glassware, etc.
• Monitors laboratory supply and material levels and communicates restocking or ordering needs to the Laboratory Coordinator
• Plants seeds and provides routine care, including watering, as needed for laboratory exercises.
• Restocks student laboratory stations and laboratory kits as needed.
• Assembles, calibrates, and maintains scientific equipment and instruments as necessary.
• Participates in departmental community service events and activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Coordinator.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Certificates

• Associate’s degree or higher with a science emphasis or equivalent work experience.
• Awareness of laboratory safety procedures and OSHA regulations.
• Exposure to biosafety practices and procedures for biological laboratories.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to efficiently, accurately, and safely operate laboratory equipment and tools.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods.
• Must have mobility to navigate between laboratory, preparation, storage, and other departmental areas throughout the building.

Mental Demands

• Must possess a high degree of attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Needs to be a team player who maintains a positive working relationship with co-workers.
• Must be proficient in verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to work effectively with people of diverse ages, ethnic, sexual, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Possess mature judgment and flexibility regarding interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations.
• Project a professional image, including punctuality and a good attendance record.
• Demonstrate initiative, problem-solving abilities, and resourcefulness.
• Ability to perform daily routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Must be self-motivated, dependable, professional, and courteous.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment in an academic setting.
• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential
• Exposure to contaminants and hazardous conditions on a weekly basis.

Benefits

• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options.

APPLICATION / HIRING PROCESS

• The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.
• Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Only applicants living in the state of Michigan can apply for GRCC careers.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.