POSITION SUMMARY:
Working under minimal day-to-day supervision, the Biology Lab Assistant works closely with the faculty and students in the Biology Department, as well as other members of the Science Division, performing work that supports the lab program in Biology. The individual is responsible for coordinating and setting up lab experiments for all the Biology courses including the individual research laboratory. Routine work also includes caring for plants and animals, ordering chemicals, equipment, and other relevant material for use in the labs, maintenance of equipment, setting up service contracts, and providing a clean, safe lab environment.
Knowledge of lab safety issues and implementation of safety protocols is an important part of this job.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Prepare and set up lab experiments for all Biology courses, including Biology 100, 500, 580, electives, and supporting the molecular biology research lab (BIO600). This requires organizing and coordinating lab schedules across sections and courses to ensure that 20+ sections of classes have the appropriate materials setup in classrooms.
-
Daily, and throughout the school year, supply chemicals, equipment and other materials required for each lab course. This involves, assessing the needs of the lab program, ordering chemicals, live and preserved specimens, and equipment, and effectively communicating with vendors and suppliers.
-
Assign tasks and supervise work duty students on a regular day-to-day basis (Approx. 4 per year in Biology) to work in the labs and the stockroom
-
General Lab Upkeep includes:
-
Cleaning glassware and lab equipment used by classes Maintaining microscopes, pipets, balances, and other equipment used in lab classes.
-
Supporting individual projects in classes with a range of different equipment and supply needs.
-
Procuring and caring for biological live specimens for labs and class, including drosophila, various plants, and other small organisms.
-
Setting up service contracts for servicing of balances, spectrophotometers, water still, microscopes, micropipettes, and working with the chemistry department for the disposal of waste chemicals.
-
Routine maintenance and knowledge of equipment used in labs: pH meters, spectrophotometers, balances (analytical and top loaders), power supplies, autoclave, still, shakers, and incubators.
-
Maintaining an up-to-date record of all items purchased / service contracts and other expenses during the school year for the Biology Department (assigning purchase orders and keeping records of invoices, etc.).
-
Caring for a large plant collection in the science building as well as various small animals in the department including a few birds, fish, and a snake.
-
Securing labs and stockroom at the end of each day.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Education: A degree in college level biology. The employee must possess college level knowledge of biology and instrument techniques.
Preferred Experience: Two to three years of lab work and some experience in coordinating and working with other personnel.
Other Skills and Abilities:
-
Must have strong organizational skills
-
Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and outside vendors.
-
Must be flexible to work with faculty and students to support student designed labs.
-
Must be able to remain composed during difficult/unexpected situations that arise over the course of the day.
-
Ability to document relevant information accurately and consistently.
-
Ability to function as a team member in the science department.
-
Standard computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel).
-
Must be able to work independently, make decisions, and follow through with tasks.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
The employee will supervise work duty students (approx. 4 per week during the school year in Biology) on a regular day-to-day basis to work in the labs and the stockroom.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The Lab & Safety supervisor has an office space attached to the biology storeroom/prep space. They manage the lab equipment in the six biology classrooms as well as the two dedicated labs.
Phillips Academy is an intentionally diverse residential school committed to creating an equitable and inclusive community in which students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences learn and grow together. The ideal candidate embraces and supports this commitment. In your cover letter, please explain your experience and/or interest in working in such a school community.
Phillips Academy is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military service, application for military service or any other characteristic protected by law. Any offers of employment will be contingent upon successful CORI/SORI and fingerprinting background checks, as well as unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.