Biology Lab Technician

Wentworth Institute of Technology•Boston, MA

6d•$27 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Lab Manager, the Biology Lab Technician is responsible for supporting the biology and science classes within the School of Sciences and Humanities. This critical role supports the operations within each lab area to ensure lab safety and maintenance. The Lab Technician will be responsible for Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) protocols, such as overseeing lab safety guidelines and protective equipment rules. They will work with faculty teaching biology and science courses to ensure laboratory activities are prepared according to faculty needs and supported appropriately. This person may also work with physics faculty and students on research projects, as needed. There are four multi-section biology courses that require significant support and are taught every semester, and occasionally during the summer: BIOL 1000 - General Biology: General introduction to biology used as a science elective for non-science and non-biological engineering students. BIOL 1100 - Cell and Molecular Biology: Covers fundamentals of cell and molecular biology for Biological Engineering, Applied Science, and Biomedical Engineering students. BIOL 1700 & 1750 - Anatomy and Physiology I and II: A two-semester sequence for Biomedical Engineering students. Other biology and science courses requiring laboratory support, including Advanced Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Environmental Science.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
Familiarity with standard laboratory safety guidelines.
Working knowledge of biological concepts, practices, and procedures, and the ability to apply them in varied situations.
One to three years of experience in a teaching laboratory environment, preferably in biology.

Nice To Haves

Experience preparing laboratory procedures for implementation across multiple student sections.
Experience interacting with faculty in a higher education environment, preferably in Biology or Chemistry.

Responsibilities

Collect and prepare equipment, chemicals, biological materials, and dry-lab materials for students as required by protocols or faculty requests, including cultures, aliquots, plates, equipment setup, and standards preparation.
Adapt laboratory activities as needed, including testing, documenting, and implementing changes.
Track material and supply needs for courses.
Train faculty on laboratory equipment and procedures as needed.
Purchase laboratory materials and prepare expense reports for lab-related purchases.
Manage budget expenditures and research materials.
Supervise departmental student employees (co-ops and work-study students), when applicable.
Support laboratory instruction by assisting faculty with techniques, equipment operation, and student questions.
Maintain an up-to-date chemical and biohazard inventory in accordance with EH&S requirements and ensure SDS information is accessible.
Support collaboration across disciplines and schools as needed.
Ensure faculty, students, and staff, including student employees, follow all laboratory safety procedures and emergency response protocols.
Maintain records of signed student laboratory safety agreements.
Maintain laboratory cleanliness, supply availability, laser safety compliance, and hazardous waste disposal procedures in coordination with Environmental Health & Safety staff.
Respond to emergencies and safety incidents as needed.
Enforce laboratory safety regulations in accordance with EH&S guidelines.
Partner with the Lab Manager and laboratory team on incident reporting, safety documentation, risk assessments, safety reviews, and compliance activities.
Identify and implement safe alternatives for laboratory materials in collaboration with faculty, laboratory staff, and the Environmental Health & Safety team.
Support faculty, research students, and capstone students with laboratory and research-related activities.