Biology Laboratory Assistant

Widener University is currently seeking a Biology Laboratory Assistant in the College of Arts and Science, Department of Biology. This role provides support to the current laboratory preparation staff. This position is hands‑on and supports an active laboratory environment.

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Science, the Biology Laboratory Assistant role involves both independent and supervised tasks, with all necessary training provided. The work environment is fast‑paced and can be noisy, with frequent interruptions. Instructions are often delivered verbally, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and meet time‑sensitive deadlines is essential.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential Duties:

Laboratory Preparation & Support

• Prepare all microbiology media, reagents, buffers, and related materials according to established protocols.
• Set up and break down microbiology laboratory sessions for nursing and upper‑division courses.
• Organize and maintain student workstations, fume hoods, and shared lab spaces to ensure readiness for instruction.
• Dispense reagents, label cultures and materials, and ensure proper availability of supplies for each lab session.
• Autoclave, wash, and restock glassware and consumables to support ongoing laboratory operations.

Culture & Specimen Management

• Maintain, dispense, and preserve microbiology stock cultures on a weekly schedule.
• Handle live and prepared biological specimens safely and accurately.
• Monitor culture viability and ensure proper storage conditions for all biological materials.

Course Coordination & Faculty Support

• Collaborate closely with faculty teaching microbiology‑related courses to ensure smooth planning and execution of laboratory activities.
• Develop, update, and maintain detailed laboratory preparation lists for multiple courses each semester.
• Schedule preparation tasks proactively based on course syllabi and instructional needs.

Safety, Compliance & Waste Management

• Collect, handle, and dispose of biohazardous waste in accordance with EPA, OSHA, and University Health and Chemical Safety guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant laboratory environment through routine inspections and adherence to safety protocols.

Equipment Maintenance & Inspection

• Inspect, clean, and maintain microbiology laboratory equipment, including microscopes and other technical instruments.
• Report equipment issues promptly and assist with routine troubleshooting or coordination of repairs.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Assist other lab staff as needed to run anatomy, physiology, cell and molecular, and ecology lab courses.
• Supervision of undergraduate work-study students. Organization of their duties and work schedules.
• Work with other staff to maintain prep lab in efficient and orderly condition. Help develop and maintain easily accessible electronic filing system for lab prep lists/schedules, methods, cultures and reagents.
• Receive supplies, stocks, and biological/chemical reagents and store appropriately.
• Help provide animal care (primarily rats and mice) and greenhouse/plant care.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Biology department and Widener University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (education/training and experience required)

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite especially Word and Excel.
• Demonstrate strong quantitative, organizational, time‑management, and problem‑solving abilities, with a proactive mindset and a willingness to take initiative.
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Take ownership of tasks and is accountable for outcomes.
• Show patience, professionalism, and courtesy in all interactions.

Preferred:

• Prior laboratory experience (1-2 years post-baccalaureate). An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Background in Microbiology.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during laboratory procedures or equipment monitoring.
• Frequent walking throughout laboratory spaces and adjacent facilities.
• Climbing stairs as part of routine movement between lab areas.
• Lifting, carrying, or moving materials and equipment up to 35 lbs.
• Perform tasks that require reaching overhead and bending, stooping, or working below waist level.
• Occasional duties may be required outside regular hours based on laboratory needs, experiments in progress, or time‑sensitive tasks.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

U.S. work authorization is required.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington.