Job Description

Location: Worcester, MA Category: Staff Posted On: Fri Mar 28 2025 Job Description:

OFFICIAL TITLE: Technical Assistant II - Biology (10 months: Mid June-Mid August off)
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Biology Department Chair
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May supervise students and non-benefited personnel

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Technical Assistant II provides technical support for instructional activities involving preparation of samples, cultures, reagents, and other similar lab prep. The technician will work with professors directly to provide proper lab support. This position is also responsible for the scheduling of equipment usage, maintenance of equipment and supply inventories, ordering supplies, and interfacing with other department chairs for coordination of equipment and supplies. The Technical Assistant II reports to the Biology Department Chair, but day-to-day responsibilities are coordinated by the Staff Associate Laboratory Instructor.

Responsibilities:

(E) = Essential

1. (E) Prepares materials, samples, cultures, and reagents for laboratory tests and instruction.
2. (E) Adjusts, updates, calculates, and tests laboratory equipment according to technical manuals. 
3. (E) Assembles and installs lab equipment and apparatus in classrooms and laboratories to support instructional activities.
4. (E) Provides demonstration and instruction to laboratory users in proper operation of lab equipment but not during class or lab time.
5. (E) Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment and will order lab materials as needed.
6. (E) Provides supervision, job training, and assigns work to student workers.
7. (E) Formulates schedules for use and maintenance of lab facilities and equipment.
8. (E) Confers with faculty concerning methods, materials, and procedures.
9. (E) Responsible for plant and animal care, including the feeding and maintenance of the greenhouse and animal room. Limited to mice, rats, turtles, and snakes.
10. (E) Cleans, maintains, and repairs laboratory areas and equipment.
11. Performs other duties as assigned within the Technical Assistant classification.

• Class specifications may be found at

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• At least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in technical work supporting research, instructional or experimental activities or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
• An Associate's or higher degree with a major in a directly related scientific or technical field such as biology, botany, chemistry, biotechnology, horticulture, physiology, zoology, etc. may be substituted for the required experience. *

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

• Ability to use precision measuring equipment, gauges, and instrumentation.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as manuals, specifications, blueprints, drawings, plans, etc.
• Ability to give oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to operate standard lab equipment.
• Ability to prepare solutions, media and cultures for lab experiments.
• Ability to identify material needs and order necessary supplies.
• Ability to collect and analyze data.
• Knowledge of proper uses and storage of chemicals.
• Knowledge of animal handling techniques.
• Knowledge of fundamental principles and of laboratory procedures utilized in teaching and conducting research in biology, biochemistry, botany, chemistry, horticulture, microbiology, physiology, or zoology. 
• Knowledge of types, uses and operation of standard laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures used in connection with laboratory work, including the proper disposal of laboratory materials.
• Ability to prepare written reports and present facts clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan and prepare schedules for the use of equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• Ability to work under limited supervision.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Additional Information:

Worcester State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer which seeks to reflect the diversity of its community. 

Here at Worcester State University, it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment.

This is a grade 13, non-exempt, full-time (37.5 hours/week, 10-month), benefited AFSCME position. The bi-weekly salary is $1,857.51 (annual salary is $37,150.20). This position will have a 12-week, unpaid non-service period that runs from mid-June to mid-August. 

Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• a choice of 8 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options
• pension and supplemental plan retirement options
• life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
• long-term disability coverage
• dental insurance
• 10 vacation days accrued per year
• 15 sick days accrued per year 
• 5 personal days per year 
• paid holidays 
• tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children
• and more...

We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

About Worcester State University

WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY is a vibrant public university located in the residential west side of Worcester, Massachusetts, the second largest city in New England and home to 38,000 college students at more than a dozen colleges and universities. Situated on a compact 58-acre campus, the University offers 50 undergraduate and graduate academic programs to more than 6,400 students annually. The Princeton Review ranks us as one of the 75 "Best Value" public colleges in the country, as well as a "Best in the Northeast" college.

Connections working at Worcester State University

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Part time,

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