Senior Advanced Technical Assistant

Are you a technical expert who thrives on the variety of the laboratory and the energy of a vibrant academic community? As our Senior Advanced Technical Assistant, you are more than a support staff member: you are a mission-critical partner in the Biology Department’s educational and research success.

From overseeing our state-of-the-art greenhouse to serving as a vital thought partner for faculty in high-enrollment courses carrying out inquiry-based labs, you will ensure that ground-breaking student discovery happens every single day. If you are a collaborative problem-solver who takes pride in technical precision and wants to see your expertise directly translate into scientific breakthroughs, we invite you to lead our technical team and help us redefine what’s possible in Biology education at Williams College.

Reporting to the Chair for the Biology Department, the Senior Advanced Technical Assistant will contribute to ordering, setting up, preparing, testing all materials for the course laboratories while maintaining facilities and equipment needed for teaching and research. This position requires a high degree of attention to detail, quality control and accuracy, and ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty.

Responsibilities:

• Organize the set up of high enrollment course laboratories.
• Prepare and maintain solutions, growth media and living materials for course labs.
• Order scientific equipment and supplies for laboratory course work and the department stockroom including solvents using the Workday accounting platform.
• Oversee maintenance contracts and repair of scientific equipment used in both course labs and research in the department and oversight of the greenhouse.
• Supervise two Technical Assistants and work-study students.
• Other duties as assigned (e.g., assisting in the development and implementation of laboratory exercises, ordering scientific equipment and troubleshooting challenges as they arise.)
• Training for the handling of hazardous materials will be provided.
  
  

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology (or a related field) and at least 5 years relevant experience working or learning in a laboratory environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques.
• Excellent organizational skills and an ability to work situations with tight and frequent deadlines.
• A high degree of detail orientation.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with faculty, students and other staff.
• Prioritize and adapt to new situations and requests as the need arises.
  
  

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with culturing microorganisms, molecular techniques, and working with live material is strongly preferred.
  
  

The Senior Advanced Technical Assistant is a full-time position (40 hours per week, year-round) that is eligible for our robust benefits package. This position requires fully in-person work on campus in Williamstown, MA. Remote work arrangements will not be available at this time. Occasionally, you may be required to work outside regularly scheduled hours to support and maintain active laboratories. This position is eligible for premium pay, including overtime and applicable shift differentials, for work performed during holidays, weekends, and other qualifying shifts.

Application review will begin on April 9, 2026. A cover letter is required for your application to be considered; please submit a cover letter in a separate document in your application. The pay range for this position is $32 - $36 per hour (commensurate with experience).

Williams College is committed to building a broadly diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive. Williams invests in our employees, offering generous health care, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, paid leave, access to gym facilities, discounts with local vendors, retirement plans and more. Our vibrant 450-acre campus is home to around 2,000 students who benefit from a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, and their energy is the heartbeat of an active population. Many people come to Williams for the job and stay for decades because of the lively environment and warm neighbors. You’re more than a person doing a job; you are joining our community.

Please visit http://careers.williams.edu to apply.

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable. Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-2681 or email at hr@williams.edu.