Job Summary: Under direct supervision of the Chair, Science Department performs routine standardized laboratory work requiring close attention to detailed procedures in the preparation, sterilization, and distribution of glassware, media reagents, and basic maintenance and operation of laboratory equipment, inventory and requisition of supplies, supervision of students assigned to laboratories, and other related duties. The Science Laboratory Assistant will provide continuous and ongoing feedback to faculty and staff regarding the laboratory's use and inventory of laboratory materials.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Provides academic and instructive assistance to science faculty and if deemed necessary by the faculty assists students.
- Attends periodic training sessions given by faculty staff members to increase competency in assisting students.
- Ensures that assigned labs are prepared according to provided schedules.
- Provides for neat and orderly maintenance of assigned labs, storerooms and prep rooms.
- Meets with lab instructors to review assignments, activities, and concerns.
- Provides for proper care, storage, maintenance and repair of equipment, including stored equipment.
- Schedules regular maintenance for equipment; fills out and follows through on maintenance requests.
- Provides lab safety/hazardous material handling instruction; ensures appropriate local and state safety standards are met, including proper storage/disposal.
- Conducts periodic lab safety/sanitation checks, with summary reports to supervisor.
- Follows-up on requisitions for lab supplies and equipment.
- Places orders at the direction of department chairperson or designated instructors.
- Maintains accurate, current inventory of supplies/equipment.
- Provides evaluations and other reports as requested.
- Assists students in achieving a better understanding of specific subject material and in improving academic capabilities in designated areas.
- Serves as a role model for students being served.
- Reports concerns to supervisor such as absenteeism, lack of class/tutor session preparation, questions pertaining to academic integrity, or any other indications of obstacles to academic success.
- Maintains regular and timely attendance, reports to work as scheduled and assures time worked and/or time- off is recorded properly.
- Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the University's Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, Sexual Harassment Policy or any of its policies and procedures, applicable federal and states laws, and applicable professional standards.
- Maintains established department policies, procedures and attends in-services and other required meetings.
- Maintains confidentiality of all student, associate, and/or university information as required.
- Exercises care, proper use and maintenance of department equipment and supplies and identifies unsafe conditions and makes appropriate adjustments.
- Maintains order, cleanliness and safety at work.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Education, Certifications and LicensuresPreferred Experience and SkillsRequired Education, Certifications, and Licensures
- High school graduate or equivalent required.
- Educational background equivalent to two years of college coursework in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology or related science field is required.
Required Experience and Skills
- One to two year's prior experience performing routine laboratory assistance work.
- One to two year's prior experience with various materials and laboratory procedures required for the instruction of laboratories for introductory human anatomy, human physiology, chemistry and microbiology.
- Demonstrated experience with the preparation of media, reagents, solutions, and stains; routine laboratory methods and procedures that include safety procedures for working with pathogens and standard laboratory equipment.
- Experience with MS Office.
- The ability to demonstrate good oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a highly ethnic and culturally diverse student and associate community.
- Ability to help students develop a high level of motivation in academic areas.
- Ability to take initiative and work on projects with minimal supervision.
- Ability to demonstrate excellent organizational skills; follow through and attention to detail; and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently with light supervision.
- Ability to exercise good customer service skills.
- Ability to demonstrate strong professional verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
- Ability to exercise good judgment.