Biology Laboratory Assistant

Widener University is currently seeking a Biology Laboratory Assistant in the College of Arts and Science Department of Biology. This role provides support to the current laboratory preparation staff. This position is handson and supports an active laboratory environment.

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Science the Biology Laboratory Assistant role involves both independent and supervised tasks with all necessary training provided. The work environment is fastpaced and can be noisy with frequent interruptions. Instructions are often delivered verbally and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and meet timesensitive deadlines is essential.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to):

Essential Duties:

Laboratory Preparation & Support

• Prepare all microbiology media reagents buffers and related materials according to established protocols.
• Set up and break down microbiology laboratory sessions for nursing and upperdivision courses.
• Organize and maintain student workstations fume hoods and shared lab spaces to ensure readiness for instruction.
• Dispense reagents label cultures and materials and ensure proper availability of supplies for each lab session.
• Autoclave wash and restock glassware and consumables to support ongoing laboratory operations.

Culture & Specimen Management

• Maintain dispense and preserve microbiology stock cultures on a weekly schedule.
• Handle live and prepared biological specimens safely and accurately.
• Monitor culture viability and ensure proper storage conditions for all biological materials.

Course Coordination & Faculty Support

• Collaborate closely with faculty teaching microbiologyrelated courses to ensure smooth planning and execution of laboratory activities.
• Develop update and maintain detailed laboratory preparation lists for multiple courses each semester.
• Schedule preparation tasks proactively based on course syllabi and instructional needs.

Safety Compliance & Waste Management

• Collect handle and dispose of biohazardous waste in accordance with EPA OSHA and University Health and Chemical Safety guidelines.
• Maintain a clean safe and compliant laboratory environment through routine inspections and adherence to safety protocols.

Equipment Maintenance & Inspection

• Inspect clean and maintain microbiology laboratory equipment including microscopes and other technical instruments.
• Report equipment issues promptly and assist with routine troubleshooting or coordination of repairs.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Assist other lab staff as needed to run anatomy physiology cell and molecular and ecology lab courses.
• Supervision of undergraduate work-study students. Organization of their duties and work schedules.
• Work with other staff to maintain prep lab in efficient and orderly condition. Help develop and maintain easily accessible electronic filing system for lab prep lists/schedules methods cultures and reagents.
• Receive supplies stocks and biological/chemical reagents and store appropriately.
• Help provide animal care (primarily rats and mice) and greenhouse/plant care.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission values and goals of the Biology department and Widener University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (education/training and experience required)

Required:

• Bachelors degree in Biology or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite especially Word and Excel.
• Demonstrate strong quantitative organizational timemanagement and problemsolving abilities with a proactive mindset and a willingness to take initiative.
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Take ownership of tasks and is accountable for outcomes.
• Show patience professionalism and courtesy in all interactions.

Preferred:

• Prior laboratory experience (1-2 years post-baccalaureate). An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Background in Microbiology.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during laboratory procedures or equipment monitoring.
• Frequent walking throughout laboratory spaces and adjacent facilities.
• Climbing stairs as part of routine movement between lab areas.
• Lifting carrying or moving materials and equipment up to 35 lbs.
• Perform tasks that require reaching overhead and bending stooping or working below waist level.
• Occasional duties may be required outside regular hours based on laboratory needs experiments in progress or timesensitive tasks.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race religion color national origin age sex sexual orientation gender identity disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty staff and students from a variety of backgrounds cultures and personal experiences are welcomed and can are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age color national origin race religion disability veteran status sex sexual orientation gender identity genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

U.S. work authorization is required.

Widener University an independent metropolitan doctoral-intensive university connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching active scholarship personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester PA Wideners main campus is nestled between Philadelphia PA and Wilmington DE with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university please visit our website at .