The Laboratory Technician provides essential technical support to the Life Science department, specializing in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and anatomy and physiology laboratories, including the cadaver lab. Prepares, sets up, and maintains laboratory equipment, models, supplies, reagents, media, and bacterial cultures by following established protocols and written guidelines. Assists with equipment maintenance and coordinates repairs as needed. Oversees student assistants in the setup and cleanup of laboratory materials, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Manages the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals. Maintains clear and effective communication with faculty, vendors, colleagues, campus departments, and the public to support smooth lab operations.
Essential Functions
35% - Prepares individual laboratory programs and determines lab set-ups; prepares materials and equipment required for laboratory classes; sets up, replenishes and breaks down materials and equipment for laboratory experiments; maintains clean lab area; assembles equipment and demonstrates use of apparatus; assists Laboratory Coordinator as needed.
30% - Dispenses and prepares chemicals, biotechnology laboratory preparations, microbiological media and microbial cultures as required for the laboratory; cultivates and prepares bacterial and fungal cultures, plants and reagents; cares for lab animals; assists in the cadaver lab as needed
10% - Analyzes requirements for supplies and equipment needed for laboratories; maintains current inventories of chemicals, supplies and equipment; purchases materials and equipment if required; receives and checks in laboratory supplies and equipment, monitors orders and verifies condition
10% - Maintains, cleans and repairs biology equipment and checks for proper storage, effective operation and preventative maintenance; reports repair requirements to Laboratory Coordinator or appropriate departments; establishes maintenance and inventory records
5% - Provides work direction and monitors student assistants in the preparation and cleaning of laboratory equipment and laboratories
5% - Moves chemicals and hazardous materials from the laboratory to storage areas and determines safe disposal of hazardous chemicals; instructs, implements and enforces safety regulations; analyzes and interprets data; maintains records and files, writes reports; applies first aid when necessary.
5% - Provides assistance and consultation for instructors regarding performance of biology laboratories; performs other related duties as assigned