Biology Laboratory Assistant
Prairie State College

Job Info

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Posting Number:

H0432P

Classification:

Hourly

Position Title:

Biology Laboratory Assistant

Status of Position:

Hourly - Academic Year

FLSA:

Non Exempt

Position Summary:

Under minimal supervision, performs laboratory assistant functions. Responsibilities include setting up and taking down wet laboratory exercises, cleaning the labs, ensuring that the labs are stocked with paper towels, hand soap, and counter top cleaner; clean dishes and tubes to ensure they are ready to use for necessary lab preps. There may be some care of plants or bacterial cultures. Compliance with lab safety procedures is required. The Laboratory Assistant works very closely with the Laboratory Specialist to meet the needs of the Biology Department and faculty members.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Arrive on time and stay the entire shift.
2. Help ensure that the lab area is clean by putting away washed and dried lab equipment.
3. Remove any excess materials from the lab prep areas (boxes, bags, etc.).
4. Work independently in checking the daily lab schedule to see what lab setups are required for the time the lab assistant is present, as well as for the rest of the day.
5. Ensure that lab setups for the day are out in the laboratory areas and that all completed lab setups are removed from the laboratory areas.
6. Ensure that the laboratory areas have filled paper towel dispensers, gloves, fluid containers (ethanol, water, hand soap bottles, etc.).
7. Communicate with the lab specialist if the stock of supplies (petri dishes, media, stains, dyes, chemicals, paper towels, gloves, etc.) is getting low and needs to be re-ordered.
8. Assist lab specialist with re-stocking incoming supplies.
9. Assist lab specialist in end of semester organization of laboratory areas.
10. Continually make sure sinks are clean of debris and dishes.
11. Do short term miscellaneous tasks as needed.
12. Store and dispose of hazardous wastes using safety procedures under the supervision of the lab manager.
13. Prepare simple reagents as needed in accordance with safety procedures.
14. Read any special information or instructions left by the lab specialist throughout the shift.
15. Return chemicals with secured caps, to their proper place of storage.
16. Prepare media using sterilization techniques as assigned by the lab specialist.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

The following physical conditions andhazards may be encountered in this position: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborneparticles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to risk of chemical hazards, explosive hazards, burnhazardsand electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and smell. The employee is occasionally required to stand; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications:

Current student at Prairie State College majoring in a science area and completion of one biology laboratory course. Ability to organize and perform a variety of tasks with minimal supervision. Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Preferred Qualifications:

Laboratory experience, including ability to operate sterilization equipment, dispose of contaminated wastes and maintain an inventory of supplies. Previous Biology and/or Microbiology classes taken. A comparable amount of training, education or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Anticipated Work Hours and Days:

Shifts are as assigned by the Lab Specialist. Shifts will mostly be assigned between 9am6pm, Monday-Thursday

Salary:

$14-$15

Posting Date:

01/30/2024

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All applications must be submitted electronically.

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