Biology Lab Assistant

Title: Biology Lab Assistant

Agency: Piedmont Virginia Community College

Location: Albemarle - 003

FLSA: Nonexempt

Hiring Range: $19.44 per hour

Full Time or Part Time: Part Time

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is a nonresidential two-year institution of higher education that serves Central Virginia – principally residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. Our scenic campus is located in Albemarle County, Virginia. We are one of 23 community colleges in Virginia that comprise the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).

Biology lab assistants work within laboratories and assist scientists with experiments, equipment maintenance, and research. Biology lab assistants will participate in the preparation of samples, supplies and equipment for various Biology, Microbiology and/or Anatomy & Physiology laboratories. This may involve the preparation of cultures or reagents, setup or calibration of equipment, and maintenance of living organisms. Examples of these responsibilities include making various bacteria growth medias or other solutions, culturing bacteria strains, setting up specialized microscopes and setting up electronic hematology differential cell counters.

Other responsibilities will include maintaining a laboratory notebook, assisting with cleaning, and maintaining laboratory equipment, tools, or supplies, and assisting instructors prior to laboratory instruction. Biology lab assistants will also perform or help with students’ experiments, record laboratory experimental results, and dispose of hazardous or nonhazardous waste.

• Applies knowledge of sanitation techniques and laboratory safety.
• Applies knowledge of research, testing procedures, and techniques.
• Performs a variety of procedures supporting laboratory setup.
• Follows established protocols and procedures; adheres to established standards and guidelines as set forth by accredited programs.
• Has frequent contact with co-workers, supervisors, students, faculty, and research staff to discuss study techniques or results or handling and care of animals and cultures.
• Follows proper sanitation procedures to ensure appropriate laboratory testing and research conditions.
• Provides responsible care of animals; demonstrates appropriate animal handling, care, and welfare.
• Responsible for equipment and generally well-defined procedures supporting laboratory research, testing, clinical programs, or instruction services.
• Decision-making and judgment are typically based on clearly defined procedures, although skilled positions may exercise independent judgment.
• Refers to non-routine issues to supervision.
• May lead other staff or activities or provide guidance and leadership to students completing capstone projects under the guidance of the biology lab manager.
• Development of competencies may lead to broader, more responsible assignments.

• Ability to make chemical solutions and dilutions, and use/maintain common lab equipment and supplies in a laboratory (such as centrifuges, balances, micropipettes, microscopes, etc.).
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to work independently in a lab setting.
• Knowledge and adherence to lab safety protocols.
• Knowledge in chemical safety and hazardous waste storage and disposal.
• Strong Organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Windows applications, Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, and Power Point), email applications, and online platforms

• Combination of education, training, and experience in biology, chemistry, or related field of science with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed for this position.