Student Laboratory Prep Assistant

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 13,776 - 19,286; Part time

Job summary

Center for Public Partnerships & Research is seeking a Student Assistant to support BIOL 154 laboratory operations, including preparation of chemicals, solutions, and supplies, and keeping spaces clean and organized. The role reports to the Laboratory Coordinator and Laboratory Director, ensuring safe and efficient lab activities.

The student hourly will also help GTAs and students with logistics and materials, and may take on additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Completed BIOL 154 as indicated in application materials.
• Declared major in Biology, a related science field, or Education, as indicated in the application materials.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of BIOL 154 laboratories: prepare chemicals, solutions, and supplies; clean and reset labs; organize and store materials.
• Assist GTAs and students by locating materials and answering procedural questions; maintain an organized lab environment.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Laboratory Coordinator.

Education

BIOL 154 completed

Biology major or related science or Education

Tools

Microscopes

Micropipettes

Job description

Position Overview

The Student Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations and preparation of BIOL 154 laboratories. Working under the supervision of the Laboratory Coordinator and Laboratory Director, this position is responsible for preparing laboratory chemicals, materials, and supplies; maintaining the cleanliness and organization of laboratory spaces and equipment; and assisting with the day‑to‑day functioning of the course. The Student Assistant helps ensure that laboratory activities run efficiently, safely, and effectively by providing essential operational and logistical support.

Job Description

85% - Support Daily Operations of BIOL 154 Laboratories

• Prepare chemicals, solutions, and laboratory supplies for weekly lab activities, following established safety protocols for the handling, storage, and disposal of chemical and microbiological materials.
• Complete end‑of‑day laboratory closing procedures, including cleaning, sanitizing, and resetting lab spaces for the next day’s activities.
• Set up laboratory materials and equipment for each week’s exercises, as well as clean, organize, and store materials from previous labs.
• Wash and maintain laboratory glassware, equipment, and instruments, and perform routine cleaning of laboratory spaces.
• Organize, inventory, and restock laboratory supplies to ensure materials are readily available and laboratories remain operational.

10% - Support Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Students

• Develop familiarity with weekly laboratory exercises, procedures, materials, and supply locations to effectively assist GTAs and students during laboratory operations.
• Provide basic logistical support by locating materials, answering procedural questions, and helping maintain an organized and efficient laboratory environment.

5% - Other Duties

• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned by the Laboratory Coordinator.

Required Qualifications

• Completed BIOL 154, as indicated in application materials.
• Declared major in Biology, a related science field, or Education, as indicated in the application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with microscopes and micropipettes, as indicated in application materials.
• Eligible for Federal Work‑Study funding, as indicated in application materials.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre‑enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

• Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
• This is an hourly/non‑exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non‑exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Additional Candidate Instructions

In addition to the online application, please provide the following.

• Resume/ CV
• Cover Letter addressing required/ preferred qualifications

To ensure full consideration, please apply before the application deadline of 8/16/2026.

Contact Information to Applicants

Melissa Meyers

[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$12.00

Anticipated Start Date

Monday August 24, 2026

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