Biology Lab Assistant

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is a nonresidential two-year institution of higher education that serves Central Virginia – principally residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. Our scenic campus is located in Albemarle County, Virginia. We are one of 23 community colleges in Virginia that comprise the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).
Biology lab assistants work within laboratories and assist scientists with experiments, equipment maintenance, and research.
Biology lab assistants will participate in the preparation of samples, supplies and equipment for various Biology, Microbiology and/or Anatomy & Physiology laboratories. This may involve the preparation of cultures or reagents, setup or calibration of equipment, and maintenance of living organisms. Examples of these responsibilities include making various bacteria growth medias or other solutions, culturing bacteria strains, setting up specialized microscopes and setting up electronic hematology differential cell counters. Other responsibilities will include maintaining a laboratory notebook, assisting with cleaning, and maintaining laboratory equipment, tools, or supplies, and assisting instructors prior to laboratory instruction. Biology lab assistants will also perform or help with students’ experiments, record laboratory experimental results, and dispose of hazardous or nonhazardous waste.
Duties include but may not be limited to:

• Applies knowledge of sanitation techniques and laboratory safety.
• Applies knowledge of research, testing procedures, and techniques.
• Performs a variety of procedures supporting laboratory setup.
• Follows established protocols and procedures; adheres to established standards and guidelines as set forth by accredited programs.
• Has frequent contact with co-workers, supervisors, students, faculty, and research staff to discuss study techniques or results or handling and care of animals and cultures.
• Follows proper sanitation procedures to ensure appropriate laboratory testing and research conditions.
• Provides responsible care of animals; demonstrates appropriate animal handling, care, and welfare.
• Responsible for equipment and generally well-defined procedures supporting laboratory research, testing, clinical programs, or instruction services.
• Decision-making and judgment are typically based on clearly defined procedures, although skilled positions may exercise independent judgment.
• Refers to non-routine issues to supervision.
• May lead other staff or activities or provide guidance and leadership to students completing capstone projects under the guidance of the biology lab manager.
• Development of competencies may lead to broader, more responsible assignments.

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

• Ability to make chemical solutions and dilutions, and use/maintain common lab equipment and supplies in a laboratory (such as centrifuges, balances, micropipettes, microscopes, etc.).
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to work independently in a lab setting.
• Knowledge and adherence to lab safety protocols.
• Knowledge in chemical safety and hazardous waste storage and disposal.
• Strong Organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Windows applications, Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, and Power Point), email applications, and online platforms

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

The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link:  http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

The Virginia Community College System, an EEO employer, welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the VCCS is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.

The VCCS is an EOE and Affirmative Action Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), VCCS will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing and selection processes.

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.