Teaching Laboratory Support

About the Department

The Biological Sciences Collegiate Division (BSCD) is the home to the biological sciences and neuroscience curriculum for undergraduates at the University of Chicago. The BSCD offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences or Neuroscience and several courses that comprise a general education program for non-majors. Our courses are taught by faculty from 22 basic science and clinical departments in the Biological Sciences Division, and by dedicated BSCD instructional professors.

Job Summary

The Teaching Laboratory Support reports to the Senior Instructional Professors and assists in preparing and developing laboratory exercises for undergraduate biology courses associated with the general education (Core biology) curriculum and neurosciences courses for the major. Throughout each quarter, the Teaching Laboratory Support follows various lab protocols, maintains stocks of model organisms used for experiments, orders supplies for planned laboratory exercises, prepares materials for labs, sets up equipment daily/weekly for use in laboratory exercises, and provides assistance to the team of Teaching Laboratory Support staff as needed in courses other than those specifically assigned.

Responsibilities

• Prepares materials for student labs.
• Organizes, sets up, and maintains laboratory spaces for daily/weekly laboratory exercises.
• Maintains inventories of equipment and supplies. Works with other teaching lab support personnel to keep common prep spaces organized and neat.
• Maintains cell culture lines and living organisms, for example, bacteria, D. melanogaster, C. elegans, Hydra, depending on the course needs.
• Assists lab director in the development of new exercises for student labs in biodiversity, cell biology, genetics, neuroscience, and developmental biology.
• Trains and supervises undergraduate lab support.
• Recommends improvements on existing demonstrations.
• Assists with creating manuals, syllabi, and other instructional materials.
• Maintains and documents the use of demonstration equipment or materials.
• Instructs students, staff, and faculty in the operation of laboratory or classroom equipment.
• Promotes safety in handling equipment and/or materials.
• Performs other related work needed.

Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a biological science or chemistry.

Experience: Two years of prior work experience in a biological science lab or academic environment, such as course with lab components, teaching assistantships, internships, and/or any related lab-based activity. Background handling and maintaining stocks of model organisms, such as C. elegans, D. melanogaster, E. coli, or others. Familiar with molecular and cellular biological techniques and microscopy.

Preferred Competencies

• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficiency in Mac and PC environments.
• Work well with faculty, staff, and students.
• Handle multiple concurrent tasks in a competent and professional manner while also meeting deadlines.
• Work effectively with supervision and as a part of a team, individually or while taking directions from others.
• Handle stressful situations.
• Multitask.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Work independently.
• Attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.
• Fast-paced environment.
• Lift up to 30 lbs.
• Push carts with up to 50 lbs. of material.
• Sit at a computer for 2-4 hours.
• Periodic walking to other campus locations.
• Climbing up to 5 flights of stairs.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV, explicitly mentioning what molecular and cellular biological techniques the candidate has experience running (required)
• Cover Letter, which is to include your interest in this position (required)
• References Contact Information (required)

Pay

Pay Rate Type: Hourly. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt. Pay Range: $22.45 - $26.41. The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Schedule

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5

Benefits

Benefits Eligible: Yes. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.