POSITION OVERVIEW
Reporting to and under the direction of the Department Chair of the Natural Sciences Department. The Natural Sciences Lab Assistant performs a variety of tasks related to the support of all biology, chemistry, and physical science labs in both major and non-major science classes. As a member of the Natural Sciences team, the Lab Assistant must be vigilant in monitoring student safety and be prepared to address safety emergencies. Lab assistant will assist in overseeing two laboratories while maintaining laboratory inventory, keep all MSDS Data Sheets up to date and, and maintain the organization and cleanliness of both labs. The Assistant aids the instructor(s) by making sure all lab materials and supplies are available and set out before the scheduled labs.
POSITION DESCRIPTION NATURAL SCIENCES LAB ASSISTANT
Sets up equipment, reagents, chemicals and supplies for all biology and chemistry course labs under the instructor’s guidance
Prepares solutions by diluting concentrated solutions; Calculates relative volumes of concentrated chemicals
Performs titrations to verify the concentration of standardized solutions
Calculates required mass and prepares standard solutions of salt and bases
Prepares buffer solutions of a given pH and calibrates the pH meter and prepares chemical indicator and biological stain solutions using appropriate quantities of reagents
Ensures safe work environment by complying with AMS regulations for handling hazardous materials, and follows waste regulations and proper procedures in the disposal of chemicals
Cleans up hazardous spills, such as mercury and acids and bases and administers first aid related to chemical accidents as required
Maintains Chemical Flammable and Corrosive Storage standards
Maintains and reports repairs needed on lab equipment such as microscopes, electroscopes, incubator, autoclave, and spectrometer
Maintains laboratory space, including safety protocol stations, and properly sterilizes equipment and cleans glassware using the appropriate solvents
Ensures that instructors maintain laboratory space, including safety protocol stations, and properly sterilizes equipment and cleans glassware using the appropriate solvents
Maintains set of reagents for specific lab activities
Assists instructors in supervising during lab sessions
Overseas the inventory of lab equipment, reagent and chemical supplies including notifying Department Chair when supplies and materials need ordering
Maintain communication with instructors on required materials needed for weekly lab sessions
Maintains the inventory spreadsheet for recording purposes of materials coming in or no longer on the supply list
Maintains the MSDS Data Sheets
Lifts and moves items such as supplies and equipment up to 18kg (40 lbs)
Performs other assigned comparable or transient duties, which are within the area of knowledge and skills required by this job description
Required Skills
QUALIFICATIONS
Degree / Diploma / Certificate
B.S. in Natural Sciences Field, B.S. in Biology or Chemistry Candidate or A. S. in Biology or Chemistry or another concentration of Science
PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Workplace Hazardous Material Identification System Training
Emergency First Aid Course
KNOWLEDGE:
Specific knowledge of laboratory equipment, chemical and reagent preparation, including calculating chemical masses and buffer solutions, disposal procedures and the process of cleaning up hazardous spills
Specific knowledge of equipment sterilization procedures
Basic computer knowledge including Word and Excel and related educational software packages
Basic knowledge of classroom procedures
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to work cohesively with several teachers within the Natural Science department to effectively organize lab schedule(s) based on instructors needs
Confidentiality
Ability to clearly communicate and understand instructions
Oral communication
Tact/Courtesy in explaining and/or exchanging data or information
Ability to work in a team/school setting Ability to work with minimal supervision Patience
Flexibility
PROBLEM SOLVING REQUIREMENTS
Ability to supervise students under the direction of the instructor
Ability to deal with requests, complaints or clarification of information
Creativity/Innovative
Ability to document and summarize information
Ability to pay close attention to detail
Ability to ensure accuracy and reliability of data and/or quality of work assignments
Ability to give advice, guidance, instructions and directions
Organizational skills
Ability to manage time appropriately
WORKING REQUIREMENTS:
Able to work in an environment with exposure to chemicals including the handling of chemicals and solutions work under a fume hood
Sufficient vision and hearing to perform related job duties
Physically able to lift up to 18 kg. (40 lbs) and operate related equipment
Required Experience
EXPERIENCE:
In lieu of Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Sciences, candidate must have a minimum of one year of specific experiences with Natural Sciences courses, including 100 or 200 level courses, such as Principles of Biology or Chemistry, Physics, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences.
QUALIFICATIONS
Degree / Diploma / Certificate
B.S. in Natural Sciences Field, B.S. in Biology or Chemistry Candidate or A. S. in Biology or Chemistry or another concentration of Science
PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Workplace Hazardous Material Identification System Training
Emergency First Aid Course
KNOWLEDGE:
Specific knowledge of laboratory equipment, chemical and reagent preparation, including calculating chemical masses and buffer solutions, disposal procedures and the process of cleaning up hazardous spills
Specific knowledge of equipment sterilization procedures
Basic computer knowledge including Word and Excel and related educational software packages
Basic knowledge of classroom procedures
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to work cohesively with several teachers within the Natural Science department to effectively organize lab schedule(s) based on instructors needs
Confidentiality
Ability to clearly communicate and understand instructions
Oral communication
Tact/Courtesy in explaining and/or exchanging data or information
Ability to work in a team/school setting Ability to work with minimal supervision Patience
Flexibility
PROBLEM SOLVING REQUIREMENTS
Ability to supervise students under the direction of the instructor
Ability to deal with requests, complaints or clarification of information
Creativity/Innovative
Ability to document and summarize information
Ability to pay close attention to detail
Ability to ensure accuracy and reliability of data and/or quality of work assignments
Ability to give advice, guidance, instructions and directions
Organizational skills
Ability to manage time appropriately
WORKING REQUIREMENTS:
Able to work in an environment with exposure to chemicals including the handling of chemicals and solutions work under a fume hood
Sufficient vision and hearing to perform related job duties
Physically able to lift up to 18 kg. (40 lbs) and operate related equipment