Biology Instructional Lab Technician

This position works both independently and collaboratively with a community of faculty, graduate students, and staff to support high-quality university education and general departmental operations.

Responsibilities include supporting biology courses across the curriculum, supervising undergraduate laboratory assistants, managing course budgets, curating instructional lab manuals, maintaining and training others on sophisticated scientific equipment and laboratory safety procedures and policies.

As a member of our team, the lab technician helps support the efforts of all constituents in the everyday operation of the department, stockroom, and research and teaching labs.

This is an in-person role at WWU’s main Bellingham campus, and is a 40-hour/week full-time, ten-month position. During the academic year (September to June) this position works eight (8) hours per day and during July and August there is the option of a few work hours each week. To provide gradual onboarding, the successful candidate will work up to 10 hours per week in the first summer.

The State HR classification for this position is Instructional & Classroom Support Technician 4.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field with three years of experience in instructional support or equivalent
• Proven ability to perform essential job functions including physical demands with or without reasonable accommodation
• Proven experience performing biological laboratory techniques and safety procedures
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a friendly and cooperative manner with students, staff, and faculty at all levels of the organization and in contacts with the public
• Commitment to supporting the department’s efforts to create an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming community for students, staff, and faculty
• Willingness and demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise independent judgement
• Demonstrated excellence and clarity in verbal and written communication skills
• Hold a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as scientific support staff at an educational institution
• Strong familiarity with upper-division Biology university lab instruction
• Experience with a broad array of biological lab equipment, techniques, and skills including those used in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, or Biochemistry
• Familiarity with purchasing and maintaining inventories of scientific equipment and supplies
• Experience or training associated with improving accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI)
• Proficiency in MS Office and ability to learn technical software