Hiring now for the 2026-27 Academic Year!
Application review will start June 15 and continue until all positions are filled.
Job Duties: The Science Laboratory Prep Assistant is an hourly worker who will work with science faculty and the Biology and Chemistry Lab Coordinators to maintain, organize, prepare, and clean up materials for science labs.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Set up and take down science labs
- Make video recordings or other presentations of activities
- Organize and monitor supplies and equipment for science teaching labs.
- Prepare reagents and biological cultures for science labs under the direction of the supervisor.
- Maintain living organisms used in biology labs. This might include work in the greenhouse.
- Organize and monitor equipment and supplies in the greenhouse; help with regular greenhouse maintenance.
- Dispose of chemical and biological waste following appropriate protocols under the guidance of the supervisor.
- Clean teaching labs and prep rooms, including washing glassware and other laboratory supplies
- Other duties as assigned
The position is for one academic year, with approximately 17 weeks of work per semester. Students will not work on university holidays.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Current WSU undergraduate student on the Tri-Cities campus
- Must have completed one chemistry course (CHEM 101, 105, or 106) OR one biology course (BIOL 102, 106, or 107) with a grade B- or better.
- Able to work 8-10 hours per week during the semester
- Able to work independently and precisely, to follow instructions, and pay attention to detail
- Computer skills including working with databases, spread sheets, and word processing.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Have completed one chemistry course (CHEM 101, 105, or 106) AND one biology course (BIOL 102, 106, or 107) with a grade B- or better in each.
- Work-study eligible (this is not a requirement)
Learning Competencies Addressed:
This position offers student employees with meaningful work experience and the opportunity to develop professional and technical skills, including:
- Technical laboratory skills, like making solutions, using scientific equipment, preparing microbiological cultures, and maintaining living organisms
- Greenhouse management
- Procedures to properly store, use, and dispose of biological organisms and chemicals
- Time management and the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work
- Professional communication in a workplace setting
