Biology Lab Technician

Job Description

Position Overview

Reporting to the Lab Manager, the Biology Lab Technician is responsible for supporting the biology and science classes within the School of Sciences and Humanities. This critical role supports the operations within each lab area to ensure lab safety and maintenance. The Lab Technician will be responsible for Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) protocols, such as overseeing lab safety guidelines and protective equipment rules. They will work with faculty teaching biology and science courses to ensure laboratory activities are prepared according to faculty needs and supported appropriately. This person may also work with physics faculty and students on research projects, as needed.

There are four multi-section biology courses that require significant support and are taught every semester, and occasionally during the summer:

• BIOL 1000 - General Biology: General introduction to biology used as a science elective for non-science and non-biological engineering students.

• BIOL 1100 - Cell and Molecular Biology: Covers fundamentals of cell and molecular biology for Biological Engineering, Applied Science, and Biomedical Engineering students.

• BIOL 1700 & 1750 - Anatomy and Physiology I and II: A two-semester sequence for Biomedical Engineering students.

• Other biology and science courses requiring laboratory support, including Advanced Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Environmental Science.

Essential Job Functions:

• Collect and prepare equipment, chemicals, biological materials, and dry-lab materials for students as required by protocols or faculty requests, including cultures, aliquots, plates, equipment setup, and standards preparation.

• Adapt laboratory activities as needed, including testing, documenting, and implementing changes.

• Track material and supply needs for courses.

• Train faculty on laboratory equipment and procedures as needed.

• Purchase laboratory materials and prepare expense reports for lab-related purchases.

• Manage budget expenditures and research materials.

• Supervise departmental student employees (co-ops and work-study students), when applicable.

• Support laboratory instruction by assisting faculty with techniques, equipment operation, and student questions.

• Maintain an up-to-date chemical and biohazard inventory in accordance with EH&S requirements and ensure SDS information is accessible.

• Support collaboration across disciplines and schools as needed.

• Ensure faculty, students, and staff, including student employees, follow all laboratory safety procedures and emergency response protocols.

• Maintain records of signed student laboratory safety agreements.

• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, supply availability, laser safety compliance, and hazardous waste disposal procedures in coordination with Environmental Health & Safety staff.

• Respond to emergencies and safety incidents as needed.

• Enforce laboratory safety regulations in accordance with EH&S guidelines.

• Partner with the Lab Manager and laboratory team on incident reporting, safety documentation, risk assessments, safety reviews, and compliance activities.

Additional Job Functions:

• Identify and implement safe alternatives for laboratory materials in collaboration with faculty, laboratory staff, and the Environmental Health & Safety team.

• Support faculty, research students, and capstone students with laboratory and research-related activities.

Minimum Requirements (Education, Experience, Skills):

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.

• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety guidelines.

• Working knowledge of biological concepts, practices, and procedures, and the ability to apply them in varied situations.

• One to three years of experience in a teaching laboratory environment, preferably in biology.

Preferred Qualifications (Additional Credentials, Licensure, Experience, Skills):

• Experience preparing laboratory procedures for implementation across multiple student sections.

• Experience interacting with faculty in a higher education environment, preferably in Biology or Chemistry.

Key Competencies:

• Accuracy: Exceptional attention to detail in managing data and resolving discrepancies.

• Problem Solving: Ability to identify, address, and escalate issues promptly and effectively.

• Adaptability: Ability to manage changing priorities and adjust to evolving schedules, including weather-related disruptions and campus closures.

Work Environment:

• Hourly position eligible for overtime compensation.

• Campus-based, on-site role, with limited flexibility for remote work when operational needs permit.

• May require the use of personal protective equipment, including masks, lab coats, chemical-resistant footwear, goggles, and gloves.

• Work is performed in both office and laboratory environments.

• Physical requirements may include sitting, standing, walking, stooping, and lifting.

• Early morning, evening, night, and weekend work may occasionally be required.

Position Details:

• This is a full time benefits eligible position with a 37.5/hour work week.

• The job grade for this position is Grade 4 N.

• The expected wage range for this position is between 27.18 and 30.26 which reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this role.

• At this time, the university is unable to sponsor applicants for H-1B visas.

Compensation and Benefits

Wentworth Institute of Technology is committed to fair, transparent, and legally compliant compensation practices. We believe that clarity about pay structures and ranges supports equity, fosters trust, and ensures a positive workplace for all employees.

Please visit here to see the comprehensive benefits package offered to support the best experience for our employees. https://wit.edu/careers/work-wentworth

Inclusive Excellence at Wentworth

Inclusive Excellence is one of the four pillars of the Strategic Plan. Actively and intentionally cultivating a diverse and culturally competent institution where each member has the opportunity and support to reach their full potential and make contributions to our campus community and beyond is Inclusive Excellence at Wentworth.

To find out more about the Wentworth's commitment to Inclusive Excellence, please visit the website https://wit.edu/about/inclusive-excellence.

All applicants have the right to accessibility support and accommodations. To request accessibility support or accommodations, contact the Executive Director of Equity and Compliance, Catlin Wells, at wellsc1@wit.edu.

E-Verify for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)

Wentworth participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9 to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.