PT - Microbiology Laboratory Assistant

PT - Microbiology Laboratory Assistant

Salary:

$15.15 per hour

Summary of Function:
Supports microbiology laboratory instruction by preparing and setting up media, cultures, reagents, and equipment; maintaining cleanliness, inventory, and organization; and ensuring compliance with BSL-1 safety protocols. Assists instructors with classroom setup and turnover, supports special projects as needed, and participates in required training and safety activities.

Typical Duties:

• Serves Students. Laboratory Preparation & Setup. Prepares and sterilizes media, broths, and agar plates under the supervision of the Lab Manager. Prepares bacterial cultures, stains, and basic reagents. Sets up all materials, equipment, and cultures needed for scheduled microbiology lab activities. Labels, organizes, and transports prepared materials to the classroom before the instructor's use. Restocks consumables (tubes, slides, pipettes, gloves, disinfectants, etc.) in assigned prep and classroom areas. Maintains accurate preparation logs for media, reagents, cultures, and autoclave cycles. Conducts growth checks on all prepared media to confirm sterility.
• Cleaning, Maintenance, and Inventory. Washes, sanitizes, and organizes glassware and plasticware. Assists with autoclaving media, waste, and reusable materials. Tracks inventory levels and notifies Lab Manager of items needing replenishment. Helps maintain an orderly and safe prep room, including proper labeling and storage of chemicals, cultures, and supplies. Deep-cleans prep areas, including reorganizing shelves, wiping down equipment, and checking expiration dates on reagents and supplies.
• Laboratory Safety and Compliance. Follows all microbiology BSL-1 safety protocols, including aseptic technique, proper PPE use, and handling/disposal of cultures. Assists with labeling, storing, and disposing of microbial cultures according to institutional and biosafety guidelines. Assists with proper disposal of biohazard waste (autoclaving, biohazard bags, disinfectants, culture disposal). Reports equipment malfunctions,
• Classroom Support. Assists instructors by placing prepared materials at student stations before class begins. Refreshes or replaces materials between lab sections as needed. Helps maintain a clean and organized instructional environment, wiping down benches and ensuring proper disposal of materials. Assists with beginning- and end-of-semester lab room resets.
• Additional Duties. Supports special lab projects and semester preparations. Assists during peak lab weeks with additional setup or cleanup. Participates in required training sessions and safety meetings.
• Supports and participates in strategic planning initiatives and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a college level microbiology class within the last 3 years

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

• N/A

Classification:

• Non-Exempt

Position Type & Work Schedule:

• Part-time
• Up to 19 hours per week
• Work flexible schedule to meet the program, department, and/or institutional needs, which may include Fridays, nights, and/or weekends

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and ability to interpret, apply, and follow college policies and procedures
• Knowledge of or ability to maintain organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures
• Knowledge of biology and microbiology basics
• Knowledge of basic laboratory preparation and documentation practices
• Skill in current technologies and word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software, specifically Microsoft Office applications, Windows, college system platforms, software, and applications especially those specific to the department operations
• Skill and ability to be self-directed and to manage one’s own time
• Skill in maintaining accurate records and logs
• Skill in maintaining organized laboratory workspaces, materials, and supplies
• Ability to complete all departmental and/or institutional mandatory training or development
  
• Ability to organize, prioritize, follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion, with close attention to detail
  
• Ability to work independently and contribute to a collaborative team environment
  
• Ability to provide assistance in a professional and supportive manner
  
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, in writing, and in a public setting, and to relate to others in a professional manner
  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of protected information and follow FERPA and privacy guidelines
  
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic workload and demands
  
• Ability to operate relevant equipment required to complete assigned responsibilities for the position
  
• Ability to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and civility in all job-related actions
  
• Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and take appropriate actions to resolve problems using independent judgment and decision-making processes
  
• Ability to use proper aseptic techniques
  
• Ability to follow standardized laboratory procedures accurately and consistently
  
• Ability to recognize and promptly report safety concerns, equipment issues, or supply needs
  
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective, and collaborative relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization, students, and the public

Work Environment:

• Indoor lab setting office with normal noise and lighting levels

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  
• Prolonged periods of standing and/or walking
  
• May lift, carry, push, and/or pull, at times a minimum of 10 pounds
  
• Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and/or twist

Travel:

• No Travel Required

Note:

• Yuma Campus
  
• Not Benefits Eligible
  
• The statements within this document describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the individual(s) assigned to this classification and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified
  
• The institution and its designated representatives reserve the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice

POSTING DATE:
February 5, 2026

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
The following materials must be uploaded at the time of application. Any materials submitted via e-mail, fax, or mail will not be accepted. Applications missing any of the below requirements will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

• Completed Application
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (no more than 3 pages)
• Unofficial Transcripts

ADDRESS INQUIRIES TO:
Arizona Western College
Human Resources
Phone: (928) 344-7505 / FAX: (928) 317-6001 / TTY: (928) 344-7629
Email: Human.Resources@azwestern.edu

ARIZONA WESTERN COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER