Biology Laboratory Assistant (Norfolk)

Tidewater Community College has served South Hampton Roads – both students and employers – for 50 years.  It has grown from 1 campus into a regional educational and economic force.  TCC is the largest provider of higher education and workforce services in Hampton Roads, enrolling nearly 28,000 students in 2019-20. Founded in 1968 as a part of the Virginia Community College System, Tidewater Community College (TCC) services South Hampton Roads with 4 campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, 7 regional centers and 2 important cultural institutions.  The college had 3,203 graduates in 2019-2020, 40 percent of whom pursued degrees that would let them transfer to 4-year institutions. Of South Hampton Roads residents enrolled in higher education 36% enrolled at TCC. TCC’s institutional accreditation is affirmed through 2027 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 
Position Summary:
Part-time position will assist in the science department laboratories of the Norfolk Campus. Laboratory assistants will provide support for the laboratory science manager as well as the science faculty.
Functional Responsibilities:

• Support the lab manager
• Assist instructional and adjunct lab faculty
• Help with updating lab reference material, SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and preparation procedures
• Set up and break down weekly science laboratory exercises in the biology, geology, physics and/or chemistry labs
• Clean, restock and/or organize the laboratories between lab exercises
• Assist in autoclaving waste, preparation of media, and maintaining stock bacteria culture
• Assist with maintenance and disposal of cadavers and preserved specimens
• Prepare and restock needed solutions for lab use
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in prep room and laboratory spaces
• Assist with and maintain inventory control for all labs
• Monitor the open lab sessions of labs
• Assist with general maintenance of lab equipment

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 multitask
• Knowledge of materials & equipment used in science labs
• Knowledge of preparation and cultures
• Good communication skills to include ability to follow written and verbal direction
• Ability to stand while preparing materials for lab use
• Knowledge of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Ability to work as a team
• Ability to identify and mitigate safe and unsafe laboratory practices

• Knowledge of, and coursework in, Biology, Geology, and/or Chemistry (at least two semesters)

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.