What are the responsibilities and job description for the Science Lab Preparator position at Career Center at Portland State University?
Position Announcement
Position Details
Proposed Start Date 05/01/2026 Classification Title Science Lab Preparator Working Title Science Lab Preparator Department 220300 - BIO Biology Position Number D92529 Representation OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503 Position FTE 1.0 End date, if applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
The Biology Department has 22 faculty, over 1,200 undergraduate majors, and over 70 graduate students and post-docs. Our faculty take an integrative approach to biology, encompassing all levels of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems. Our Department is committed to excellence in both research and teaching, and we strive to provide a rigorous, balanced education in Biology for all our students.
We share our offices and laboratories with Physics, Chemistry and Environmental Science Departments in the SRTC and Science Building 1. This close proximity with other disciplines helps foster interdisciplinary research at Portland State University. Teaching and research laboratories are further supported by the Herbarium, Invertebrate and Vertebrate Museums, extremophile DNA and microbial culture collections, an aquatic organism rearing facility, greenhouses and an electron microscope facility.
Position Summary
This position will work with Biology faculty members and Graduate teaching assistants to prepare laboratory materials for class instruction as well as manage the autoclaves. This will include all main campus lab courses (courses may include topics: zoology, embryology, marine biology, mushrooms, invertebrates, herpetology, ornithology, mammals, plants, evolution, anatomy, newly developed courses, and other Biology topics). Supporting these courses also involves room and equipment upkeep for spaces and materials that support these teaching labs. The majority of work is in the SRTC, VSC, and RLSB buildings on the PSU campus.
Minimum Qualifications From Classification
Possession of a valid State-issued driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications Key Cultural Competencies
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm (In-person) Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting annual salary rate for this position will be $21.91 and $24.99 (dependent upon qualifications and experience / competitive) with an excellent benefits package including 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependant at any of the Oregon University System schools.
Application Instructions
Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for 3 professional references.
Background Check Required Yes If you have questions
Search Details
Posting Close Date Application screening begins
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Required Documents
Position Details
Proposed Start Date 05/01/2026 Classification Title Science Lab Preparator Working Title Science Lab Preparator Department 220300 - BIO Biology Position Number D92529 Representation OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503 Position FTE 1.0 End date, if applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
The Biology Department has 22 faculty, over 1,200 undergraduate majors, and over 70 graduate students and post-docs. Our faculty take an integrative approach to biology, encompassing all levels of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems. Our Department is committed to excellence in both research and teaching, and we strive to provide a rigorous, balanced education in Biology for all our students.
We share our offices and laboratories with Physics, Chemistry and Environmental Science Departments in the SRTC and Science Building 1. This close proximity with other disciplines helps foster interdisciplinary research at Portland State University. Teaching and research laboratories are further supported by the Herbarium, Invertebrate and Vertebrate Museums, extremophile DNA and microbial culture collections, an aquatic organism rearing facility, greenhouses and an electron microscope facility.
Position Summary
This position will work with Biology faculty members and Graduate teaching assistants to prepare laboratory materials for class instruction as well as manage the autoclaves. This will include all main campus lab courses (courses may include topics: zoology, embryology, marine biology, mushrooms, invertebrates, herpetology, ornithology, mammals, plants, evolution, anatomy, newly developed courses, and other Biology topics). Supporting these courses also involves room and equipment upkeep for spaces and materials that support these teaching labs. The majority of work is in the SRTC, VSC, and RLSB buildings on the PSU campus.
Minimum Qualifications From Classification
- Twelve college credit hours with passing grades in a physical and/or life science, which included laboratory procedures, such as anatomy, biology, botany, chemistry, general science, geology, physics, or zoology; AND
- One year of laboratory experience which provided a knowledge of laboratory testing and/or demonstration methods and techniques.
Possession of a valid State-issued driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications Key Cultural Competencies
- Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
- Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
- Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
- Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm (In-person) Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting annual salary rate for this position will be $21.91 and $24.99 (dependent upon qualifications and experience / competitive) with an excellent benefits package including 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependant at any of the Oregon University System schools.
Application Instructions
Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for 3 professional references.
Background Check Required Yes If you have questions
Search Details
Posting Close Date Application screening begins
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * How did you first find out about this position?
- PSU Website
- Indeed.com
- HERCJobs
- Urban League of Portland
- Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
- Oregon Employment Department
- Social Media
- Person Referral
- Career Builder
- Glass Door
- Other - Please describe in the next Question
- If you selected Other, please describe. (Open Ended Question)
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Professional References
Salary : $22 - $25