Term - Science Lab Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:  

Responsibilities include the following: assist MACU science faculty with development and preparations of laboratory teaching components; maintain records and inventory of laboratory equipment and provide support to part-time faculty. Experience working with and knowledge of hazardous material safety protocols. Ability to provide lab support for individual students or groups and active lab supervision are expected responsibilities for this position.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Prepares proper chemical concentrations and biological reagents with qualitative and quantitative specifications for all science labs. 

• Available to work mornings, evenings, and weekends to meet departmental needs (scheduling may change from semester to semester). 

• Maintains and prepares biological cultures (BSL-1 & BSL-2) and properly follows safety procedures for autoclave disposal of biological cultures as required. 

• Assists faculty with ordering supplies, materials, and equipment to meet the needs of laboratory courses.  

• Update procedures for preparation, organization, and delivery of instructional materials. Assist faculty as requested to carry out instructional lab exercises and update methodology as required. 

• Coordinates makeup laboratory times for student athletes and students who missed due to official school events, also supervise missed lab exams. 

• When applicable, oversees any part-time staff members to ensure accurate record keeping and accurate inventories are met, and that labs are adequately staffed. 

• Works closely with department chair and faculty to provide information necessary to prepare budgets. 

• Follows proper protocol for freezing and/or refrigeration of live specimens. 

• Participates in supervised grading of lab material handouts and quizzes/exams. 

• Oversees and maintains confidentiality of all laboratory records.  

• Assists faculty in developing course prep sheets to use when setting up science labs. 

• Serves as a primary point of contact for deliveries.  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Working unsupervised with the ability to prioritize tasks is a must. 

• Must possess excellent communication, both oral and written. 

• Must have organizational skills necessary to the position. 

• Ability to work under time pressure and multitask with a team or independently. 

• Experience working effectively with individuals and groups in a laboratory setting. 

• Must be flexible in scheduling, which may include nights and weekends. 

• Prefer experience in various teaching delivery formats to include in silico experimentation. 

• Prefer laboratory experience in Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Secondary - experience in physics and upper-level biology courses is a plus. 

• Knowledge of federal, state, local and college regulations are required.        

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

• B.S. in Biology/Chemistry, preference to those with graduate hours in Biology and/or Chemistry 

• Demonstrate effective supervision skills in a laboratory setting 

• Preference to those with knowledge/experience for in silico methodology 

• Must contribute fully to the life and mission of the University.   

COMPUTER SKILLS: 

• Experience with interactive computers programs (MATLAB, MUSCLE) is a preference, Excel, and Word. 

• Canvas experience and other online learning platforms   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Operate a computer with a keyboard, pointing device, web cam, and speakers 

• Stand and sit for extended periods of time 

• Walk around the classroom and to/from parking lots and buildings 

• Stand, bend, and crouch • Reach, grasp, move, and hold objects 

• Verbally express information or instructions 

• Lift, push, pull, and carry up to 20 pounds • Exercise clear vision at 20 inches or less and adjust focus 

• Judge distances and spatial relationships  

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

Working conditions may be indoors or outdoors with exposure to cold, heat and hazard materials. Occasional travel may be necessary.