Laboratory Assistant I - Biology

Raritan Valley Community College

Laboratory Assistant I - Biology

Ranked by BestColleges.com and Niche.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to a Planetarium, Science Education Institute and 3M Observatory, a 1,000-seat Theatre, an Honors College for high achieving students and much more.

The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, small business assistance through the Small Business Development Center, professional development, and adult and youth personal enrichment courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

Job Description:

Raritan Valley Community College has an anticipated opening of Laboratory Assistant I-Biology for the Science & Engineering Department.

Under the general direction of the Chair of the Science & Engineering Department and the direct supervision of the Director of Laboratory Services, the Laboratory Assistant will assist in the maintenance and preparation of the Biology and Environmental Science laboratories and laboratory activities on the main campus and off-campus sites.  This individual will assist with maintaining and ordering equipment and supplies, maintaining and updating inventory listings, and overseeing the security of the labs. The position also includes maintaining the facilities that support the Biology and Environmental Science courses, such as the greenhouse, herbarium, and water quality laboratory.  The Laboratory Assistant must be flexible regarding work schedule and willing to travel to off-campus locations.  This position is 37.5 hours per week, may require some evenings, and will require Saturday rotation weekend work.

Responsibilities:

Prepare solutions, media (plates, slants, & broth), specimens, equipment, and materials for biology, environmental science, and geology laboratory sections.

Plant and care for live lab supplies in the greenhouse.

Retrieve field samples for biology and environmental science laboratories and demonstrations.  Test run experiments as needed.

Remove chemicals and/or equipment, clean up, and replenish materials between lab sections.

Assist in maintenance of inventory of chemicals, materials and equipment in the laboratory preparation and storage areas; restock as necessary; maintain proper storage of supplies and SDS sheets; dispose of laboratory waste following appropriate protocols.

Assist in maintenance and replacement of field equipment and supplies.

Coordinate with faculty to order lab supplies and equipment to support biology, environmental science, and geology labs; maintain and update/upgrade these materials as needed to support these labs.

Coordinate with Technology Services to ensure that software is installed and updated as needed on laboratory computers to support biology and environmental science labs.

Assist in general maintenance of laboratories, preparation and storage areas; help to maintain security of these areas on Saturdays, between semesters, and during summer sessions.  Ensure that prep rooms and classroom doors are locked at the end of class.

Perform related duties as required by supervisor.

Requirements:

A minimum of an Associate's degree in biology, environmental science, or chemistry, with laboratory experience; bachelor's degree preferred. Preference for applicant who has had coursework in biology, environmental science, and/or geology. Ability to prepare and organize laboratory and demonstration materials. Preference for applicant who has experience with basic genetic and microbiology lab techniques (i.e., DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, plate and media preparation, etc.) Preference for applicant who has experience with basic field sampling and sample processing techniques (i.e. soil and water sampling, wildlife trapping and camera use, plant collection and preservation, etc.), and plant and animal identification. Ability to work in a team environment. Computer skills. Good communication skills. Good general subject knowledge. Ability to accommodate to change.

Additional Information:

Physical Demands:

Requires sitting, standing, bending, walking, and climbing. Lift and carry equipment weighing up to 30 pounds for a distance of 50 feet. Requires handling equipment weighing up to 30 pounds while pushing, pulling, lifting, twisting, and reaching while lifting.

Application Instructions:

As a New Jersey First Act Employer, new employees must establish a primary residence in New Jersey within one year unless an exemption applies.

RVCC's starting salary is commensurate with educational qualifications and experience. We also offer an attractive benefits package.

For consideration of the above position, please submit your cover letter and resume online:

https://rvcc.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=133401#pageTop 

We regret that we are unable to respond to each and every resume received. Only those candidates of interest will be contacted directly. 

Raritan Valley Community College is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan Employer. We will implement the policy to assure that the employment opportunities offered at the institution are available to all persons.