Teaching Lab Specialist I

Position Title:

Teaching Lab Specialist I

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or a closely related field

Experience teaching at the post-secondary level, particularly in laboratory-based courses

Hands-on experience with laboratory operations, including equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting

Proficiency in preparing and maintaining bacterial cultures for instructional or research use

Experience developing and implementing laboratory safety protocols, including conducting safety evaluations, performing PPE assessments, providing safety training, and creating standard operating procedures

Job Description:

The Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology is seeking a Teaching Lab Specialist I to support the instruction of undergraduate microbiology labs. This position plays a key role in the preparation, maintenance, instruction, and daily operation of the microbiology teaching laboratories, working closely with the Teaching Professor to deliver a high-quality lab experience for students. The specialist will teach two sections of the introductory microbiology lab each semester, oversee end-of-day closing procedures, and may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.

This role requires hands-on work with technical lab equipment, as well as computer software and hardware used to support instruction in microbiological concepts. The specialist will be responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment and is expected to be physically present until the end of each lab session. The regular work schedule is Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The appointment runs for 9 months of the year, starting approximately three weeks before the beginning of each semester and continuing through 15-week sessions for a total of 36 weeks. Scheduled time off includes university breaks such as Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring, and Summer, offering predictable and generous time away from work.

If you are looking for a dynamic, student-focused role with a flexible and well-structured schedule, this position may be a perfect fit for you. The 9-month appointment gives you time off to pursue other interests, projects, or personal commitments, supporting a healthy work-life balance. You'll have the opportunity to help train the next generation of microbiologists, doctors, veterinarians, and researchers in a highly interactive, hands-on learning environment. Your responsibilities will rotate between teaching, lab preparation, and technical support—offering variety and a fresh pace each week. With a clear start and end to each semester, you'll enjoy a sense of structure and progress throughout the academic year. You'll be part of a vibrant, collaborative department that values student success, scientific excellence, and innovative teaching—and where your work will make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the preparation, maintenance, instruction, and set-up of MICRO 2010L and 3020L teaching labs

• Coordinate lab space usage and monitor utilization

• Instruct multiple lab sections per week

• Maintain, repair, and direct purchases for lab equipment and supplies

• Revise lab protocols and manuals in collaboration with the teaching professor

• Maintain safe and clean labs, enforce safety protocols, and conduct required training and recordkeeping

• Set up labs serving several hundred students each semester

• Remain present through the end of lab sessions to support students and maintain lab integrity

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

09 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS806

Application Instructions:

Original Posting Date:

June 10, 2025

Posting Close Date:

June 18, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R17212