Biology Teaching Lab and Animal Care Technician

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in a biological

laboratory environment (e.g., microbiology, physiology, or
cell/molecular biology), with proven competency to independently
set up, run, and troubleshoot instructional laboratory
protocols.

• Hands-on experience handling and providing routine care for

laboratory animals.

• Working knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, chemical

hygiene, and biohazardous waste disposal practices.

• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation and software,

including basic troubleshooting, and the demonstrated ability to
train students, faculty, and staff in safe equipment operation and
procedures.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the

ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage competing
demands across multiple courses simultaneously.

• Proactive and self-directed, taking ownership of results while

working collaboratively within a team environment and remaining
receptive to feedback.

• Clear, effective written and oral communication skills, with a

demonstrated ability to cultivate inclusive working relationships
with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology or a related field
• Animal husbandry experience; AALAS certification (e.g., ALAT )

or willingness to obtain one

• Experience with aquatic/saltwater systems
• Microbial, Drosophila or cell-culture experience
• Experience supervising student workers

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field

Department Statement

Accountabilities

The Biology Teaching Lab and Animal Care Technician provides
technical support to undergraduate laboratories in the Biology
department, with a primary focus on courses such as physiology,
microbiology, cell and molecular biology, and developmental
biology. This position is responsible for managing and maintaining
teaching laboratory facilities and equipment, setting up and
putting away lab experiments, supporting courses in consultation
with faculty leads, instructing and training students, faculty, and
staff on equipment and procedures, supporting independent
course-based research projects, and ensuring the safe operation of
teaching labs.

Responsibilities include:

• Animal Care & Maintenance: Responsible for animal

care as a core duty, including frogs, birds, mice, rats, and
freshwater and saltwater animals, as well as maintaining aquaria
and a saltwater system.

• Biological Culture Maintenance: Maintain bacterial,

yeast, fruit fly, and tissue cultures as required.

• Procurement & Inventory Management: Purchase

supplies within the teaching-lab budget. Handle supply delivery,
storage, and distribution while monitoring chemical and general
inventory to anticipate needs for items such as chemicals,
glassware, gloves, and autoclave supplies.

• SOP Documentation & Safety Compliance: Develop and

maintain detailed Standard Operating Procedure ( SOP ) manuals for
all courses supported by this position to ensure safe laboratory
operations.

• Equipment & Software Maintenance: Calibrate,

maintain, and troubleshoot teaching-lab equipment and lab software;
arrange repairs and service; recommend replacements and upgrades;
and train students, faculty, and staff on required class
equipment.

• Instructional & Research Support: Support labs and

course-based research in consultation with Biology department
professors or assigned faculty leads, including setting up and
breaking down class experiments, instructing students in laboratory
procedures as needed, and working with student class groups on
independent projects.

• Facility & Physical Plant Coordination: Coordinate

with Buildings and Grounds and custodial staff to facilitate
building repairs, laboratory maintenance, and other
facility-related needs.

• Student Worker Supervision: Supervise and support

student workers by developing task assignments, providing training,
and ensuring that laboratory equipment and procedures are used
correctly and safely.

• Field Experience Transportation: Operate university

vehicles to safely transport students to and from off-campus
laboratory and field experiences, as needed.

• Departmental Event & Search Support: Assist the

Administrative Department Coordinator ( ADC ) with the setup and
breakdown of departmental events, with particular emphasis on
summer research programs and student activities. Participate in
departmental searches as requested (e.g., meeting with candidates
during campus visits).

• Professional Development & Protocol Testing: Engage

in ongoing professional development and departmental learning,
including attending departmental lectures and student research
symposia. Collaborate with faculty to investigate, evaluate, and
test new laboratory protocols for potential use in courses.

• Responsible for immediately reporting any unsafe conditions to

the supervisor and/or Environmental Health and Safety.

Members of our community are expected to foster a culture of
belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across
differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming;
showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting
others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when
others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and
supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Job Open Date

11/02/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions Summary

A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your
experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in
the role are required for consideration.

EEO Statement

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can
only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy
of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train
employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the
job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any
characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal
laws.

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