Student Lab Assistant

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

University of New Mexico in Albuquerque seeks a Student Lab Assistant to support biology and earth science research in the Webster Lab. The role involves assisting with data collection, sample preparation, and collaborative work with students and researchers.

You will learn and apply basic laboratory techniques, contribute to documentation, and help maintain a well-organized lab environment while focusing on freshwater-dependent ecosystems research.

Qualifications

• Currently an undergraduate student majoring in life science or earth science.
• Strong interest in biology or earth science research and experimentation.
• Eagerness to learn and apply laboratory techniques.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Previous coursework in biology, chemistry, or related fields.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in data collection, record observations, and maintain lab notebooks.
• Participate in sample preparation following established protocols.
• Collaborate with undergraduate assistants, graduate students, and researchers; attend team meetings.
• Learn accurate record-keeping and maintain organized lab records per protocols.

Skills

Undergraduate student

Life science major

Earth science major

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Job description

Requisition ID

req38323

Working Title

Student Lab Assistant

Pay

$15.00 Hourly

Campus

Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department

AS Biology General Administrative (048F)

Employment Type

Student Employment

Student Type

Work-Study

Status

Non-Exempt

Background Check Required

No

For Best Consideration Date

11/9/2026

Position Summary

Assist in the execution of experiments and sample analysis under the guidance of senior researchers. Learn and apply basic laboratory techniques relevant to life and earth science research. This may include one or more of the following:

1. Data Collection: Help collect experimental data, record observations, and maintain detailed lab notebooks.
2. Sample Preparation: Participate in sample preparation activities following established protocols. Contribute to maintaining a well-organized laboratory environment.
3. Collaboration: Work collaboratively with fellow undergraduate assistants, graduate students, and researchers. Attend team meetings and contribute to discussions when possible.
4. Documentation: Learn the importance of accurate record-keeping and contribute to maintaining organized records in compliance with laboratory protocols.

Specific duties may include: weighing filters and samples, ashing samples in muffle furnace, washing bottles and glassware, sorting & organizing samples, equipment maintenance, data entry, data quality control/quality assurance and assisting with other laboratory tasks as needed. The student lab assistant will ultimately contribute to research in the Webster Lab focusing on the structure, function, and resilience of freshwater-dependent ecosystems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently, enrolled as an undergraduate student majoring in a life science or earth science discipline.
• Strong interest in life or earth science research and experimentation.
• Eagerness to learn and apply laboratory techniques.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Previous coursework in biology, chemistry, or related fields.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.

Diversity Statement

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisionswithout regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or anyother protected class.