Biology Lab Assistant

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is a nonresidential two-year institution of higher education serving Central Virginia – principally residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson.

About the role

Biology lab assistants work within laboratories and assist scientists with experiments, equipment maintenance, and research. This position involves preparing samples, supplies, and equipment for various Biology, Microbiology, and/or Anatomy & Physiology laboratories. Responsibilities include preparing cultures or reagents, setting up or calibrating equipment, and maintaining living organisms. Examples include making bacteria growth media, culturing bacteria strains, setting up specialized microscopes, and configuring electronic hematology differential cell counters.

Additional duties include maintaining a laboratory notebook, cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies, assisting instructors prior to laboratory instruction, performing or helping with students’ experiments, recording experimental results, and disposing of hazardous or nonhazardous waste.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of sanitation techniques and laboratory safety.
• Apply knowledge of research, testing procedures, and techniques.
• Perform a variety of procedures supporting laboratory setup.
• Follow established protocols and procedures; adhere to standards set by accredited programs.
• Maintain frequent contact with co-workers, supervisors, students, faculty, and research staff to discuss study techniques, results, or handling and care of animals and cultures.
• Follow proper sanitation procedures to ensure appropriate laboratory testing and research conditions.
• Provide responsible care of animals; demonstrate appropriate animal handling, care, and welfare.
• Maintain and operate equipment supporting laboratory research, testing, clinical programs, or instruction services.
• Exercise independent judgment for skilled positions, referring non-routine issues to supervision.
• May lead other staff or provide guidance to students completing capstone projects under the biology lab manager’s supervision.
• Development of competencies may lead to broader, more responsible assignments.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including assisting during emergency declarations by the Governor.

Requirements

• Ability to make chemical solutions and dilutions, and use/maintain common lab equipment (e.g., centrifuges, balances, micropipettes, microscopes).
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to work independently in a lab setting.
• Knowledge and adherence to lab safety protocols, including chemical safety and hazardous waste storage/disposal.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Windows applications, Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, and online platforms.

Qualifications

A combination of education, training, and experience in biology, chemistry, or a related field of science, with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed for this position.

Pay

$19.44 per hour

Schedule

Part-time. Work schedule determined by supervisor.