Laboratory Assistant, School of Marine and Environmental Programs

University of New England

Biddeford (ME)

On-site

USD 42,000 - 52,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental plan options with+

Retirement plan match up to 8%

Generous leave time and holidays

UNE tuition waiver for employees and+

50% tuition reduction for dependents (

Job summary

The University of New England invites applications for a Laboratory Assistant in the School of Marine and Environmental Programs (SMEP) at Biddeford, ME. The role centers on preparing and maintaining SMEP teaching labs, including setup, disassembly, and training undergraduate students, while caring for live cultures and preserved specimens.

Responsibilities also include supporting field activities, driving UNE vehicles to field sites, maintaining equipment and inventories, and assisting with

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marine science, biology, environmental science or related field is required.
Master’s degree in marine science, biology, environmental science and two to three years of related experience, or a combination of education and experience with comparable knowledge and skills is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and maintain SMEP teaching labs, including setup and disassembly.
Train and work with undergraduate students; maintain live cultures and preserved specimens.
Support field activities during lab courses, including driving UNE vehicles to field sites.
Maintain teaching lab equipment and inventories; monitor specimens for education use.
Assist with outreach experiences for visiting school groups and adult learners.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Laboratory safety procedures

Physical strength

Flexible hours

Driver's license & van certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marine science or related field

Master’s degree with 2–3 years of related experience

Job description

Laboratory Assistant, School of Marine and Environmental Programs

Position Title Laboratory Assistant, School of Marine and Environmental Programs

Employment Status

Employment Status Full Time

Months

Months 12

Campus

Campus Biddeford, ME

Description

The School of Marine and Environmental Programs ( SMEP ) is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Laboratory Assistant. Duties for the Lab Assistant position include the preparation and maintenance of SMEP teaching labs. This will include prep, set-up, and disassembly of SMEP teaching laboratory spaces; training and working with undergraduate students; and maintaining live cultures, live organisms, and preserved specimens.
About the University of New England

UNE is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands‑on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.

Benefits Overview

Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.
Up to 8% retirement plan match.
Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.
Educational benefits:
- UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners.
- UNE tuition waiver for dependents of employees with 1 year of full-time service.
  - 50% tuition reduction if less than 1 year of full-time service.
Work collaboratively with other lab staff to prepare for, set-up, and break-down labs for courses in the SMEP assuring that lab conditions provide for a safe learning and working environment.
Support field activities during lab courses, including driving UNE vehicles to and from field sites as well as riding in a boat to field sites.
Monitor teaching lab equipment and supplies in the SMEP .
Perform teaching lab equipment maintenance and laboratory inventories.
Maintain preserved and live specimens to support lab courses, and monitor specimens being prepared for educational use.
Support students engaged in credit‑bearing research.
Edit, update, and contribute to laboratory course materials.
Supervising work study students caring for marine invertebrates.
Train and oversee undergraduate student assistants and graduate student laboratory teaching assistants.
Assist with outreach experiences for visiting school groups and adult learners in the GMSC and in southern Maine.
Attend weekly lab meetings.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in marine science, biology, environmental science or related field is required. Candidates with a master’s degree in marine science, biology, environmental science and two to three years of related experience, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired are preferred.

Comfort working in field environments (e.g. on and near the water on research vessels, in and around intertidal zones, and in forests) is preferred.
Working knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and laboratory equipment usage and maintenance.
The ability to occasionally lift 50 pounds.
The ability and availability to work early morning or late evening hours, and work occasionally on weekends as necessary.
A valid driver’s license, as well as the ability to become van certified, is required.

EEO Statement Summary

Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.

Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine’s immunization requirements for clinical activity.

Additional Note

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extension.

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $47,102

Posting Number

Posting Number 2022PS1015P

Open Date

Open Date 10/09/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Supplemental Questions