Lab Assistant - Department of Biological Sciences

JOB SUMMARY:

Support field and laboratory tasks associated with an NSF PCE grant on the subject of woody invasive species. Outdoor activities include fieldwork in Clemson Experimental Forest. Lab and growth room activities may include plant growth measurements, chemical assays, construction of environmental sensors, and data entry. Other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

• 50% - Essential - Participate in field activities in Clemson University Forest, under the direction of PI and Lab Manager, alongside graduate students. Activities include leaf sampling, plant harvesting, herbivory measurements, experimental maintenance (weeding, mowing) and the use of portable handheld devices for measuring plant water status as needed.
• 40% - Essential - Conduct laboratory assays of leaf, stem, and root material, and build electronic sensors. Activities involve oven drying and weighing of all plant material, photographic analysis, and preparation of samples for chemical analysis. Sensors are built with existing protocols and require no specialized training. All activities under the direction of the lab manager.
• 10% - Essential - Assists with data entry, lab organization, and cleanliness protocols, under the direction of the supervisor and lab manager

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education - A high school diploma and work experience in a related health care setting or in a clinical or research laboratory setting; or 12 semester hours of academic training in biology and/or chemistry; or registration as a Certified Laboratory Assistant by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists or an equivalent registry; or successful completion of a formal program of instruction for laboratory assistants at a hospital or academic institution.

Work Experience 0+ years

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Education - Bachelor's Degree - Biology, Ecology, or related field
Work Experience 1+ years past fieldwork in outdoor settings preferred; driver's license and access to a personal vehicle preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 15% - Stand for prolonged period
• 15% - Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
• 20% - Walk or move about
• 10% - Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc
• 5% - Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl)
• 20% - Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
• 25% - Recognize or inspect visually
• 10% - Move, transport, raise or lower
• 20% - Extends hands or arms in any direction
• 30% - Perceive, observe, clarity of vision

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• 10% - Exposure to heat or cold
• 10% - Wet or humid

WORK SCHEDULE:
Standard Hours: 37.5
Approximate dates of this temporary assignment: May-November 2026