Research Laboratory and Operations Assistant

The City University of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 49,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The City University of New York (BMCC) seeks a Research Assistant to support and coordinate research activities across multiple laboratories, ensuring safety, order, and compliance with SOPs. The role includes assisting students, managing supplies, and facilitating reservations within the Office of Research.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field, plus prior research or teaching experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant research field.
• Previous research and teaching/student-related experience.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to present technical information clearly.
• Experience with equipment maintenance and safety procedures in labs.

Responsibilities

• Supports research projects and activities across multiple CUNY labs.
• Manages daily lab operations, safety, and orderly workspace.
• Maintains inventory and coordinates supplies and equipment needs.
• Ensures SOPs and policies are followed in all Office of Research facilities.
• Provides guidance to students when faculty mentors are unavailable.
• Assists in scheduling lab resources and managing reservations.

Skills

Research experience

Teaching experience

Organizational skills

Technical communication

Equipment maintenance

Training

Quality focus

STEM knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience relevant to the research being performed

Job description

GENERAL DUTIES

Supports research projects and activities in connection with CUNY programs

• Management of the Wet Laboratory, Cell Culture Laboratory, Physics/Engineering Laboratory, Physics/Engineering Laboratory, Computer Laboratory, and the Social Sciences Research Laboratory.
• Assists with preventative maintenance and repairs of lab equipment as needed.
• Adheres to safety and hygiene standards and ethical conduct as defined by the University and relevant outside parties, ensures a clean working area and is responsible for washing and storing glassware.
• Assists in maintaining inventory of supplies, equipment, and/or reagents, and ordering supplies/equipment/reagents as authorized or ensuring that needs are escalated appropriately.
• Reviews and implements standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies for all Office of Research facilities.
• Enforces policies and schedules to ensure fair utilization of equipment by research assistants and faculty conducting research activities.
• Maintains Core laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Helps plan all Office of Research events and assists with student research projects when needed.
• Provides technical guidance and instruction to students when faculty mentors are not available.
• Verifies that all students and research assistants complete specific CITI certifications pertaining to their research.
• Supports students and research assistants with facility-specific orientations regarding safety procedures, policies, supply placement, and general research procedures.
• Approves and inputs Office of Research facilities reservations into the BMCC Research Core calendar.
• Manages daily activities with coordination and communication among faculty, directors, and other laboratory personnel.
• Assists Department Administrator as needed.

CONTRACT TITLE

Research Assistant

FLSA

Non-exempt

CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION

The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) is a vibrant, pluralistic learning community committed to students' intellectual and personal growth. The College bridges the economic and educational opportunity gap for students, more than half of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Working to strengthen a culture of care inside and outside the classroom, we share a passion for learning with students from around the world. Strategically located in downtown Manhattan, the College is in close proximity to the artistic communities of Tribeca and SoHo, the dynamic downtown financial district, and the center of New York City government at City Hall. BMCC prides itself on the diversity of our students. We are an inclusive community that promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect for each member's ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religion, political preference, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin, among other personal characteristics. BMCC's motto speaks to this shared sense of purpose and possibility: Start Here, Go Anywhere. We strive to increase degree completion, successful transfer, career achievement, and service and leadership within our community, New York City, and beyond. The Office of Research at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) supports and advances a vibrant culture of inquiry, innovation, and scholarly excellence, empowering students to reach their full academic and professional potential. We oversee and coordinate a wide range of research and educational programs, including faculty and student research initiatives, compliance with research regulations, grant development support, and STEM enrichment programs for high school and college students. Through inclusive and equitable access to research opportunities, we foster student growth, critical thinking, and hands-on learning that prepare them for future careers and advanced study. Our office is dedicated to supporting faculty, staff, and students in their pursuit of impactful research that not only contributes to scientific knowledge and community well-being but also enhances student success, achievement, and leadership.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience relevant to the research being performed.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous research and teaching/student-related experience.
• High level of organizational skills, presenting technical information; equipment maintenance; training; quality focus; and technical knowledge in STEM field.

COMPENSATION

Salary range is $48,710 - $66,120, Salary commensurate with education and experience.

BENEFITS

CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.

CLOSING DATE

November 29, 2026

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Support Staff

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

JOB ID

33056

LOCATION

Borough of Manhattan CC

JOB TYPE

Full-Time