Assistant Lab Curator

Stony Brook University•Town of Brookhaven, NY

About The Position

The Assistant Lab Curator is responsible for the preparation, setup, and changeover of undergraduate biology laboratories each semester, including summer and winter sessions. They will help coordinate repair of laboratory equipment and the maintenance of support facilities for the instructional laboratories such as: the aquarium, storage, autoclave, and dishwashing rooms, and the Biology Learning Center. Duties include the collection, transportation, setup, and maintenance of live biological materials as well as the handling of toxic, volatile, flammable, and biological substances. The incumbent must possess the ability to work with laboratory instrumentation and will serve as the primary liaison to the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) in supporting the maintenance of computer hardware and software in the instructional laboratories. They have excellent interpersonal skills, exercising strong organizational skills with an exceptional attention to detail. Essential for this role is the adeptness to work independently as well as part of a team with a collaborative approach to problem solving. It is also noted that having experience interacting with individuals at various levels within an institution is necessary. Prepare appropriate specimens for the weekly undergraduate and assigned upper level laboratory exercises in a timely manner in accordance with the schedule of laboratories. (i.e. media, reagents, cultures, preserved and live specimens such as plants, animals, and invertebrates; aquaria are maintained.) Instruct graduate teaching assistants, work study students, and others as necessary on laboratory procedures. Assist faculty and laboratory curators in the formulation, design, testing, documentation, and implementation of laboratory exercises. Participate in the setup of daily student laboratories and teaching assistant laboratories with the appropriate equipment and experimental specimens for all academic terms. Provide updated information for preparatory guidelines ("prep lists") for specific instructional exercises to the Curator as changes occur. Conduct scheduled cleaning, testing, and calibration of selected equipment used in the instructional laboratories, such as microscopes, electronic pH meters, spectrophotometers, and balances. Assist in maintenance of various equipment in the Biology Learning Center, including cameras, computers, monitors, printers and other AV equipment. Serve as the primary liaison with DoIT and other specialists in the Life Sciences and Centers for Molecular Medicine (CMM) complex in the maintenance of computer hardware and software for the instructional laboratories in Undergraduate Biology. Inventory, order, and stock undergraduate instructional laboratory materials and supplies, such as slides, preserved specimens, and equipment between laboratory facilities. Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Biology or a related field in hand by May 2026.
Experience working in a laboratory and familiarity with an array of biology laboratory procedures and techniques.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Biology or a related field in hand by May 2026.
Two (2) or more years of full-time experience in a college level research or instructional laboratory.
Experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques, microscopy and imaging techniques.
Experience with the collection, cultivation, and maintenance of living organisms.
Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures.
Experience working as a member of a team in a laboratory setting.
Experience with common computer hardware and software packages (i.e. printers, monitors, Microsoft Office applications, Google Suite, etc).

Responsibilities

Preparation, setup, and changeover of undergraduate biology laboratories each semester, including summer and winter sessions.
Coordinate repair of laboratory equipment and the maintenance of support facilities for the instructional laboratories such as: the aquarium, storage, autoclave, and dishwashing rooms, and the Biology Learning Center.
Collection, transportation, setup, and maintenance of live biological materials as well as the handling of toxic, volatile, flammable, and biological substances.
Serve as the primary liaison to the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) in supporting the maintenance of computer hardware and software in the instructional laboratories.
Prepare appropriate specimens for the weekly undergraduate and assigned upper level laboratory exercises in a timely manner in accordance with the schedule of laboratories.
Instruct graduate teaching assistants, work study students, and others as necessary on laboratory procedures.
Assist faculty and laboratory curators in the formulation, design, testing, documentation, and implementation of laboratory exercises.
Participate in the setup of daily student laboratories and teaching assistant laboratories with the appropriate equipment and experimental specimens for all academic terms.
Provide updated information for preparatory guidelines ("prep lists") for specific instructional exercises to the Curator as changes occur.
Conduct scheduled cleaning, testing, and calibration of selected equipment used in the instructional laboratories, such as microscopes, electronic pH meters, spectrophotometers, and balances.
Assist in maintenance of various equipment in the Biology Learning Center, including cameras, computers, monitors, printers and other AV equipment.
Serve as the primary liaison with DoIT and other specialists in the Life Sciences and Centers for Molecular Medicine (CMM) complex in the maintenance of computer hardware and software for the instructional laboratories in Undergraduate Biology.
Inventory, order, and stock undergraduate instructional laboratory materials and supplies, such as slides, preserved specimens, and equipment between laboratory facilities.
Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.