Biology Instructional Lab Technician

Internal•Bellingham, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides technical support for lab courses in Biology with an emphasis on Molecular/Cellular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, or Biochemistry. This position works both independently and collaboratively with a community of faculty, graduate students, and staff to support high-quality university education and general departmental operations. Responsibilities include supporting biology courses across the curriculum, supervising undergraduate laboratory assistants, managing course budgets, curating instructional lab manuals, maintaining and training others on sophisticated scientific equipment and laboratory safety procedures and policies. As a member of our team, the lab technician helps support the efforts of all constituents in the everyday operation of the department, stockroom, and research and teaching labs. This is an in-person role at WWU’s main Bellingham campus, and is a 40-hour/week full-time, ten-month position. During the academic year (September to June) this position works eight (8) hours per day and during July and August there is the option of a few work hours each week. To provide gradual onboarding, the successful candidate will work up to 10 hours per week in the first summer. The State HR classification for this position is Instructional & Classroom Support Technician 4.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field with three years of experience in instructional support or equivalent
Proven ability to perform essential job functions including physical demands with or without reasonable accommodation
Proven experience performing biological laboratory techniques and safety procedures
Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a friendly and cooperative manner with students, staff, and faculty at all levels of the organization and in contacts with the public
Commitment to supporting the department’s efforts to create an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming community for students, staff, and faculty
Willingness and demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise independent judgement
Demonstrated excellence and clarity in verbal and written communication skills
Hold a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to start date
All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire.
All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU.
A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires which includes a sexual misconduct background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience as scientific support staff at an educational institution
Strong familiarity with upper-division Biology university lab instruction
Experience with a broad array of biological lab equipment, techniques, and skills including those used in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, or Biochemistry
Familiarity with purchasing and maintaining inventories of scientific equipment and supplies
Experience or training associated with improving accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI)
Proficiency in MS Office and ability to learn technical software

Responsibilities

Supporting biology courses across the curriculum
Supervising undergraduate laboratory assistants
Managing course budgets
Curating instructional lab manuals
Maintaining and training others on sophisticated scientific equipment and laboratory safety procedures and policies
Helping support the efforts of all constituents in the everyday operation of the department, stockroom, and research and teaching labs