Teaching Lab Specialist I - Microbiology

Position Title:

Teaching Lab Specialist I - Microbiology

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in Microbiology or a closely related field

Experience teaching at the post-secondary level particularly in laboratory-based courses

Hands-on experience with laboratory operations including equipment setup maintenance and troubleshooting

Proficiency in preparing and maintaining bacterial cultures for instructional or research use

Experience developing and implementing laboratory safety protocols including conducting safety evaluations performing PPE assessments providing safety training and creating standard operating procedures

Job Description:

The Department of Plant Pathology Entomology and Microbiology is seeking a Teaching Lab Specialist I to support the instruction of undergraduate microbiology labs. This position plays a key role in the preparation maintenance instruction and daily operation of the microbiology teaching laboratories working closely with the Teaching Professor to deliver a high-quality lab experience for students. The specialist will teach two sections of the introductory microbiology lab each semester oversee end-of-day closing procedures and may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.

This role requires hands-on work with technical lab equipment as well as computer software and hardware used to support instruction in microbiological concepts. The specialist will be responsible for maintaining a clean organized and safe laboratory environment and is expected to be physically present until the end of each lab session. The regular work schedule is Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The appointment runs for 9 months of the year starting approximately three weeks before the beginning of each semester and continuing through 15-week sessions for a total of 36 weeks. Scheduled time off includes university breaks such as Thanksgiving Winter Spring and Summer offering predictable and generous time away from work.

If you are looking for a dynamic student-focused role with a flexible and well-structured schedule this position may be a perfect fit for you. The 9-month appointment gives you time off to pursue other interests projects or personal commitments supporting a healthy work-life balance. Youll have the opportunity to help train the next generation of microbiologists doctors veterinarians and researchers in a highly interactive hands-on learning environment. Your responsibilities will rotate between teaching lab preparation and technical supportoffering variety and a fresh pace each week. With a clear start and end to each semester youll enjoy a sense of structure and progress throughout the academic year. Youll be part of a vibrant collaborative department that values student success scientific excellence and innovative teachingand where your work will make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the preparation maintenance instruction and set-up of MICRO 2010L and 3020L teaching labs

• Coordinate lab space usage and monitor utilization

• Instruct multiple lab sections per week

• Maintain repair and direct purchases for lab equipment and supplies

• Revise lab protocols and manuals in collaboration with the teaching professor

• Maintain safe and clean labs enforce safety protocols and conduct required training and recordkeeping

• Set up labs serving several hundred students each semester

• Remain present through the end of lab sessions to support students and maintain lab integrity

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Level Guidelines
Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
Responds to inquiries and issues escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
May provide guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

09 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS806

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process please email or call or Toll Free: 1-.

Why Choose ISU

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

June 10 2025

Posting Close Date:

June 18 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R17212