Title: Biology Lab Technician

Unit: MCCC Professional Staff

Department: Science Department

Reports to: Science Laboratory Manager

Supervision Exercised: Work Study Students

The Biology Lab Technician will provide laboratory assistance and supports the Science Department. The Lab Technician performs laboratory and administrative work and is responsible for setting up laboratory experiments and related equipment/supplies for science labs; maintains inventory of laboratory equipment, materials and supplies; orders new/replacement materials; maintains/cares for laboratory equipment; assists the safety officer with compliance with state and federal guidelines; ensures the proper labeling and disposal of hazardous and biological laboratory wastes; performs general lab maintenance (i.e. cleanliness) and other pertinent duties as assigned.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Must have a flexible schedule; depending on laboratory schedules, must be available in the mornings, or evenings and Saturday.
• Laboratory responsibilities may include Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, General Science, Energy, Nutrition, Biotechnology, or Physics classes.
• Prepares materials for science laboratory sections as needed; sets up laboratory experiments and related equipment and supplies for these labs (e.g. prepares solutions, reagents, buffers, and microbiology media for nucleic acid and protein manipulations; maintains microorganisms, mammalian and other cell cultures), and performs breakdown and cleanup of laboratory sections.
• Must be able to operate biotechnology and science laboratory equipment.
• Consults with faculty regarding laboratory scheduling, supplies to be ordered, laboratory protocols and prep sheets.
• Maintains inventory of laboratory equipment, supplies and chemicals to ensure availability of adequate supplies, live materials, and other supplies to perform laboratory activities.
• Sets up new laboratory equipment, computer and audio/visual equipment and ensures it is functional. Receives training on new procedures and equipment as needed.
• Initiates orders for new/replacement materials; receives and processes ordered material; ensures proper documentation of orders; picks up lab supplies at local suppliers and transports items to lab as needed.
• Maintains professional knowledge in applicable areas and certifications.
• Conducts informal training of laboratory staff and faculty on new equipment. .
• Assists with in-house and vendor servicing of lab equipment annually. Notifies proper personnel of needed repairs; and follows through ensuring completion of required repairs/maintenance.
• Ensures proper care, organization and maintenance of laboratory equipment and of live materials; cleans/prepares laboratories and prep areas before each semester; cleans/disinfects all lab benches, glassware, utensils, and paraphernalia used in labs; cleans lab bench drawers; cleans/maintains microscopes.
• Ensures laboratory safety. Maintains first aid kits, spill kits, laboratory safety equipment, and an updated MSDS book. Takes part in proper disposal of all hazardous wastes. Boxes biological waste for disposal; manages chemical waste; coordinates transportation of waste for disposal. Maintains disposal records.
• Maintains laboratory safety procedures and regulations and responsible for departmental compliance with EPA, DOT, DEP,RCRA and OSHA regulations for storage, labeling, handling and disposal of chemicals.
• Performs administrative tasks associated with the science lab activities.
• Attend laboratory and department meetings.
• Submits lab receipts and paperwork for processing.
• Updates and creates laboratory signage as needed
• Prepares lists, inventory reports, disposal records, service contracts, reports, forms, and general correspondence.
• Provide supervision to work study students when asked.
• Communicates and coordinates with supervisor, employees, other departments, students, faculty members, suppliers and vendors.
• Maintains professional knowledge in applicable areas and certifications. Receives training on new procedures and equipment as needed.
• Performs related duties as directed.

• Bachelor's degree in Science field
• Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts Driver's License.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent public relations and customer service skills.
• Familiarity and experience working in a diverse environment

Preferred

• Master's degree in Science field
• (1) year experience and/or training involving laboratory operations; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Higher education or industry experience.
• Working knowledge and experience with procedures performed in biotechnology laboratories (e.g. chromatography, molecular methods, protein purification, etc.) and the mathematical calculations frequently used in such laboratory applications.

Compensation: (Commensurate with experience, qualifications and the MCCC Professional Staff Salary Grid)

• Employees of Roxbury Community College are considered employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and receive benefits that include:
• High quality and affordable health insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission (GIC)
• Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Medical Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance Account
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension or Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan or 403(b).
• 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time
• Tuition Benefit for employees and dependents at state colleges and universities
• Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Cell Phone Bill Discounts with Verizon and T-Mobile Cell Phone Carriers
• Access to the Commonwealth's Mass4You, employee assistance program
• Free employee parking on the Roxbury Campus
• Public Transportation is available to the College via the MBTA Orange Line Roxbury Crossing Station & connecting bus stops, an eight-minute walk to the campus.

Location: Roxbury campus

Unit Status: MCCC Professional Staff

Hours: 37.5 hours per week.

Expected Start Date: November 2024