Biology Lab Technician

Position Overview

Reporting to the Lab Manager, the Biology Lab Technician supports the biology and science classes within the School of Sciences and Humanities. The role ensures lab safety and maintenance, oversees Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) protocols, and works with faculty to prepare laboratory activities according to their needs. The technician may also assist physics faculty and students on research projects.

The position supports the following regularly‑offered courses:

• BIOL 1000 – General Biology (science elective for non‑science and non‑biological engineering students)
• BIOL 1100 – Cell and Molecular Biology (fundamentals for Biological Engineering, Applied Science, and Biomedical Engineering students)
• BIOL 1700 & 1750 – Anatomy and Physiology I & II (two‑semester sequence for Biomedical Engineering students)
• Additional biology and science courses requiring laboratory support, including Advanced Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Environmental Science

Responsibilities

• Collect and prepare equipment, chemicals, biological materials, and dry‑lab materials for students, including cultures, aliquots, plates, equipment setup, and standards preparation.
• Adapt laboratory activities as needed, testing, documenting, and implementing changes.
• Track material and supply needs for courses.
• Train faculty on laboratory equipment and procedures.
• 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 interdisciplinary collaboration across schools as needed.
• Ensure faculty, students, and staff 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.
• 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 EH&S team.
• Support faculty, research students, and capstone students with laboratory and research‑related activities.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Key Competencies

• Accuracy: Exceptional attention to detail in managing data and resolving discrepancies.
• Problem Solving: Ability to identify, address, and escalate issues promptly and effectively.
• Adaptability: Ability to manage changing priorities and adjust to evolving schedules, including weather‑related disruptions and campus closures.

Work Environment

This is an hourly, full‑time position (37.5 hours per week) eligible for overtime compensation. The role is campus‑based and on‑site, with limited flexibility for remote work when operational needs permit. Work is performed in both office and laboratory environments and may require the use of personal protective equipment (masks, lab coats, chemical‑resistant footwear, goggles, gloves). Physical activities include sitting, standing, walking, stooping, and lifting. Early morning, evening, night, and weekend work may occasionally be required.

Pay

The expected wage range is $27.18 – $30.26 per hour, reflecting the university’s compensation practices for this Grade 4 N position.

Benefits

Wentworth Institute of Technology offers a comprehensive benefits package. Details can be found at https://wit.edu/careers/work-wentworth.