COS Laboratory Technical Support Instruction Assistant I

Rochester Institute of Technology•Rochester, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Microbial Ecology and Genomics in Amphibians Lab at the Rochester Institute of Technology is seeking an organized, responsible, and proactive laboratory support professional to oversee day-to-day operations, support research initiatives, and help maintain a supportive, collaborative lab environment. The role supports laboratory purchasing and inventory, shared equipment scheduling, personnel rosters, safety and compliance, and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and field gear. It also trains and mentors undergraduate and graduate researchers, helps coordinate routine tasks, maintains protocols and records, communicates with park managers, and assists with regulatory permit applications and renewals. Public outreach, science communication events, social media, and website updates are optional but preferred areas of support. The position provides technical guidance to students, faculty, and researchers in planning and conducting research; assists with fabricating, prototyping, and testing experimental materials and devices; sets up, calibrates, maintains, troubleshoots, and performs minor repairs on laboratory equipment; and prepares and standardizes chemical and biological samples. It monitors laboratory procedures for safety, ensures proper handling, storage, and disposal of materials and waste, and performs administrative tasks related to scheduling, resources, inventory, and record-keeping. The role is classified as an entry-level Operations, Administrative, Service, or Technical Support position, working under close supervision.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Two years of relevant experience.
Knowledge of laboratory practices, procedures, and operations.
Knowledge of standards, regulations, and protocols for proper handling, storage, and disposal of laboratory materials, chemicals, and waste.
Ability to set up, calibrate, troubleshoot, or instruct others in the use of laboratory equipment and instruments.
Time management, organization, and multitasking skills in high-volume environments.
Ability to maintain detailed, thorough, and accessible records of research activities.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in laboratory management or a research position.
Management or coordination experience, leadership and mentorship abilities, and strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to learn new skills quickly, take initiative, and handle administrative tasks with high attention to detail.
Experience or interest in public outreach, science communication, social media, and website updates.

Responsibilities

Manage laboratory purchasing, track orders, and maintain inventory of reagents and consumables.
Oversee shared equipment schedules and manage shift or workstation rosters for lab personnel.
Monitor compliance with RIT Environmental Health & Safety guidelines, biosafety protocols, and institutional animal care guidelines.
Manage routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and field gear.
Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers in laboratory safety, standard operating procedures, and professional conduct.
Foster an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative team culture.
Help delegate and monitor routine laboratory tasks to support accountability and project deadlines.
Maintain and update protocols, lab manuals, and centralized digital records.
Communicate with park managers and assist with regulatory permit applications and renewals.
Assist in organizing genomic, microbial, and ecological records using established digital infrastructure.
Optionally assist with science communication events, educational workshops, and public outreach programs.
Optionally manage lab social media accounts and update the lab website with publications, research milestones, and team accomplishments.
Provide technical guidance and support to students, faculty, and researchers in the design, planning, and execution of research activities.
Assist in fabricating, prototyping, and testing experimental materials, models, and devices.
Set up, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs on laboratory equipment, instruments, and tools.
Prepare and standardize chemical and biological samples and other experimental materials.
Monitor laboratory operations and procedures to promote a safe working environment and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
Enforce proper handling, storage, and disposal of laboratory materials, chemicals, and waste.
Perform administrative duties related to lab scheduling, resource management, inventory tracking, and research and teaching record-keeping.
Perform other duties as assigned.