"College Laboratory Technician - Natural Sciences"

College Laboratory Technician - Natural Sciences

GENERAL DUTIES

Performs highly-skilled laboratory functions and other technical duties in support of coursework.

• Sets up, maintains, and organizes student laboratories
• Assists students with setting up experiments and other learning exercises, and with the use of equipment and materials
• Maintains appropriate safety and hygiene standards
• Maintains required documentation related to laboratory activities
• Manages equipment and materials inventories.

Job Title Name: College Laboratory Technician

CONTRACT TITLE: College Laboratory Technician

FLSA: Non-exempt

CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Founded in 1971 in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia Community College is one of seven community colleges of the City University of New York (CUNY). LaGuardia offers more than sixty associate degree programs and more than fifty workforce training, ESOL, GED, and pre-college programs. In 2023, LaGuardia served approximately 24,000 students. More than one-third of LaGuardia’s degree-seeking students are born outside the United States; they come from 136 countries and speak 43 heritage languages. Sixty percent are first-generation college students. Virtually all LaGuardia students are ethnic minorities (89 percent), 58 percent are women, 27 percent are over the age of 25. Forty-six percent of associate degree students are Hispanic. Upon graduation most students transfer to four-year colleges, typically in CUNY, to complete their baccalaureate degrees. Graduates of career programs such as Nursing, Computer Technology, and Veterinary Technology enter the workforce. LaGuardia ranked fifth among U.S. community colleges in economic mobility - moving low-income students into the middle class and beyond - in studies by Stanford University (2017) and the Brookings Institution (2020). Please visit www.laguardia.edu to learn more.

We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented College Lab Technician to support Natural Science lab classes by designing, maintaining, and facilitating hands-on laboratory experiences for undergraduates. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing, maintaining, and organizing labs for courses across various disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology, Environmental Sciences, Neurosciences, and Physics. The technician will work closely with faculty teaching courses to ensure the smooth operation of lab activities, maintain equipment, manage inventories, and collaborate with faculty to enhance student learning.

Specimen Preparation & Management

• Prepare and maintain dissection of specimens (minks, rats, organs) for instructional use.
• Safely manage and dispose of specimen waste according to institutional and regulatory guidelines.

Microbiology & Media Preparation

• Prepare culture media and solutions for laboratory experiments.
• Perform bacterial inoculation and related microbiological techniques.
• Manage bacterial waste and ensure proper sterilization and disposal procedures.

Laboratory Operations

• Conduct pipetting and solution preparation for various laboratory experiments.
• Assist with heavy lifting and delivery of laboratory materials and equipment.
• Maintain accurate inventory of supplies and reagents.
• Responsibilities include setting up practical exams with large anatomical models

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all safety protocols for handling biological materials and hazardous waste.
• Ensure compliance with institutional and environmental regulations.

Maintenance & Cleaning

• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of laboratory spaces and equipment.
• Maintain a sterile and organized work environment.

Working regularly on weekday afternoons and evenings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma with a minimum of four years' related experience. Additional education may be used to meet the experience requirement: an Associate degree may be substituted for two years experience, and a Bachelor's degree may be substituted for four years experience.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of two recommendation letters from previous employers or supervisors is required.
• Willing to work regularly in the afternoon, night, and weekends (Monday through Friday 2:30-10:30 pm and/or weekends)
• Knowledge of safety protocols and lab procedures.
• Excellent organizational and lab skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve technical problems in a laboratory setting.
• Previous experience in a college-level teaching lab setting preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other computer software.

COMPENSATION

$52,040 - $76,147
Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits, savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study, and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

BENEFITS

CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, go to www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.