Science Laboratory Assistant at Connecticut State Community College

Job description

About CT State Connecticut State Community College (CT State) was launched on July 1, 2023, through the consolidation of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges. With campuses and satellite locations statewide, CT State serves all 169 towns and neighboring states. As the largest community college in New England, CT State is committed to providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible education that supports students’ academic, career, and personal success. For more information about CT State Community College and the campus please visit Home - CT State Position Details Employment Type: Part-Time, Educational Assistant Hours: Up to 17 hours per week Anticipated Start Date: Continuous Recruitment Work Location: Multiple Campuses Work Modality: On site; Position is not remote Position Summary The College is seeking part-time Science Laboratory Assistants who are passionate about supporting the academic success of students enrolled at CT State CC. The Part-Time Science Laboratory Assistant provides hands-on laboratory support and assists with lab coursework experiments. Laboratory Assistants collaborate with faculty and program staff to promote student success in a structured and supportive learning environment. Incumbents provide this support within a specific science discipline, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science. The Laboratory Assistant is also involved in the setup, maintenance, and operation of lab equipment and materials, including preparing lab stations, organizing supplies, and ensuring a safe laboratory environment for student use. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Under the direction of the campus level dean or department chair, the Science Laboratory Assistant is responsible for effective performance in these essential duties: Key responsibilities include: Prepares sterile media, reagents, stains, chemicals, standards, etc., in accordance with the protocols in the laboratory preparation manuals. Maintains microorganisms and other living specimens as required. Maintains viability and quality control of bacterial cultures used during consecutive laboratory sessions. Prepares and dispenses solutions and chemical materials used for laboratory classes which may include reagents, chemicals, acids, bases, buffers, and stains. Setting up, arranging, and testing lab equipment, apparatus, and materials Adapting equipment and materials to specific learning objectives set by faculty Planning and preparing equipment and materials for future lab sessions Performing routine cleaning and maintenance of lab equipment and arranging for repairs and service from outside vendors Observing standards of safety in the setup, operation, and disposal of lab supplies and equipment Tracking laboratory inventory, preparing requisitions for required laboratory materials when necessary Maintains materials safety data sheets (MSDS) for all department chemicals and products Assisting instructors in conducting educational experiments, providing instruction and demonstration when necessary Supervising student lab assistants employed by the department by providing training and work direction Dispose of all chemical waste, per Chemical Hygiene Plan and Department of Public Health. Ability to lift 30+ pounds Set up and breakdown laboratory classes Maintain lab cleanliness Other tasks as assigned by supervisor This posting outlines qualifications, experience, and skills but is not limited to the full specifications in the official job description. Minimum Qualifications Associate’s degree in a related field Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of laboratory safety standards and procedures, including the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, reagents, and hazardous materials in accordance with OSHA and/or Chemical Hygiene Plan standards. Skill in preparing, measuring, and dispensing chemical solutions and laboratory materials (e.g., reagents, acids, bases, buffers, stains) with accuracy and attention