This position is split between the Biology and Physical Sciences Departments approximately 27 hours/week are spent working in the Biology Department and approximately 13 hours/week are spent working in the Physical Sciences Department. This position plays a crucial role in maintaining GRCC’s Lakeshore campus laboratory stockroom and provides operational support for all biology and chemistry instructional laboratory courses and classrooms. The position also provides additional operational support for other laboratory activities and community service events.

 

Requisition ID: 99

Employee Group: Professional, Management, & Administration (PMA)

Schedule: 40 hours/52 week

Compensation: AP2, $19.83

Benefits: Full Time

Reports to: Biology and Physical Sciences Lab Coordinators

Posting Opens: 10/16/2024

Posting Closes: 10/29/2024

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

Laboratory Activity Preparation

• Set up weekly carts of laboratory course activities that use laboratory reagents, stockroom glassware and/or equipment via following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) written by a lab coordinator.
• Prepare laboratory classrooms for weekly activities from prepared carts following SOP.

 

Laboratory Classroom Dismantling:

• Take down weekly laboratory activities from laboratory classrooms and places used reagent s, used stockroom glassware, lab waste and/or lab equipment on carts following SOP.
• Take down weekly carts containing laboratory course activities by

(1) preparing chemical solutions and laboratory reagents and refilling depleted reagent s,

(2) placing laboratory waste into allocated collection (s),

(3) washing student glassware,

(4) inspecting lab equipment, and

(5) returning all laboratory materials back to their appropriate storage locations according to SOP.

 

Stockroom Maintenance (Lakeshore Campus):

• Prepare and place orders for chemicals, supplies, equipment, and dissection specimens for the biology and chemistry laboratories and stockroom.
• Reconcile invoices and maintain department purchasing records.
• Create and maintain inventories of chemicals, equipment, and dissection specimens.
• Create and maintain a library of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and laboratory equipment instruction manuals.
• Maintain laboratory course prep books and update preparation notes to reflect storage locations at the Lakeshore campus.
• Organize the stockroom and chemical storage areas so compatible chemicals are stored together according to the Flinn catalog’s Suggested Chemical and Shelf Storage Patterns.

 

Prep Room Maintenance (Media and Reagents):

• Prepare microbiological media, chemical solutions, and laboratory reagents according to SOP written by a lab coordinator and/or protocols provided by a lab coordinator.
• Follow laboratory preparation notes to formulate, prepare, and package chemical and biological reagents, solutions, solids, stains, media, and unknown samples for biology and chemistry laboratory experiments and demonstrations.
• Laboratory Classroom Maintenance:
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the laboratory classroom environment, including stocking student stations and laboratory kits each semester.
• Assemble and calibrate scientific equipment and instruments, and provide routine maintenance and troubleshooting as needed.

 

Laboratory Safety:

• Follow safety procedures related to biology and chemistry instructional laboratory classrooms, stockrooms, and preparation areas.
• Maintain security, practice safe handling, proper storage, and labeling of chemicals, reagents, and biological specimens.
• Utilize the Flinn catalog’s Laboratory Waste Disposal methods guide to characterize, lab pack, treat, and/or properly dispose all laboratory waste generated by the biology and chemistry laboratory experiments and demonstrations.
• Maintain proper housekeeping in the biology and chemistry instructional laboratory classrooms, stockrooms, and preparation areas as required.
• Clean laboratory glassware, tables, equipment, etc.

 

Other:

• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required.
• Train and monitor student workers and other laboratory assistants in collaboration with the instructional laboratory coordinators.
• Engage in professional development activities (i.e., laboratory safety training, bloodborne pathogen training, annual GRCC compliance training, etc.).
• May require occasional evening and/or weekend duties.
• Execute other related duties as assigned by the laboratory coordinators.

 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• Educational Credentials
• Associate’s degree with an emphasis in biology or chemistry required, or equivlaent.
  Work Experience
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, devices, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Knowledge of common chemical reactions.
• Must possess basic laboratory skills consistent with biology and chemistry laboratory courses, including the ability to calculate and prepare chemical solutions and reagents to exact standards without supervision.

 

Skills

• Attention to Detail
• Laboratory Equipment and Reagents Handling
• Safety and Compliance
• Organizational and Inventory Management
• Team Collaboration and Training

 

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time
• Standing for an hour or more during presentations and events

 

Mental Demands

• Must demonstrate attention to detail, organizational skills, financial accountability, strategic thinking, sound decision-making, and problem-solving ability
• Ability to work under pressure and in an environment with frequent interruptions
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive, confidential, or difficult situations in a pleasant and professional manner
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to take direction, use discretion, and maintain a high degree of professionalism and responsiveness in daily interactions with a broad range of stakeholders
• Willingness to work as a part of a team and lead projects

 

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
  Laboratory environment in an academic setting.
• Work with chemicals and potentially hazardous conditions on a routine basis.
• Travel to Lakeshore campus often transporting lab supplies and equipment.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed. May require occasional evening and weekend hours.

 

BENEFITS

Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums.

Time off: Enjoy substantial vacation time.

Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.

Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities.

Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options, including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

 

NEXT STEPS / APPLICATION PROCESS

Please fill out an application at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter and resume. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.

Predictive Index Assessment (behavioral & cognitive) REQUIRED: In order to have your application considered, you must complete the

assessments: https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/8MMT/Laboratory_assistant

 

HIRING PROCESS

GRCC uses an Evidence Based Selection Process, where we make data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in assessments (cognitive and behavioral), reference checks and interviews.

Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

 

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.

 

Contact Info
Grand Rapids Community College

143 Bostwick Avenue NE
Grand Rapids MI 49503-3295

(616) 234-4000

contact@grcc.edu

Lakeshore Campus

 

Campus Safety Info & Resources

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Budget and Performance Transparency Reporting

GRCC is an institution committed to accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity. Learn more about our mission and accreditation.