Laboratory Specialist Biology

Why choose the College of Lake County for your next opportunity? The College of Lake County (CLC) offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits that includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois health, Delta Dental and Superior Vision insurance plans, tuition support for employees and qualified family members, three retirement plans, disability, group and supplemental life insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending account plans, a compressed work week in the summer (Closed Fridays!), generous vacation, sick and personal time off and 14 paid holidays each year. Some benefits will not be available for Part-Time or Part Time Staff Under 20 Hours (ex: health insurance). Position Title: Laboratory Specialist Biology Job Summary: The Laboratory Specialist, under the supervision of the Laboratory Operations Manager, oversees operation of biology lab facilities: prepares and sets up all supplies and equipment needed for laboratories, assists instructors in dispensing special equipment, coordinates and supervises student workers, assists in preparing the budget, orders supplies as needed, maintains inventory of supplies and equipment, and maintains and monitors the security and safety of the stockroom and laboratories. The Laboratory Specialist's duties include the necessary preparation, inventory control, cleanup, etc. for the labs at the Grayslake campus. *** Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV), unofficial transcripts, AND a cover letter outlining their interest in the position and relevant qualifications *** Job Description: Department Operations and Procedures - 80% Oversees operation of all biology laboratories, preparation and storage rooms, and ensures proper functioning and maintenance at Grayslake campus. Prepares, sets up, and breaks down all supplies and equipment required for scheduled laboratory activities, and monitors inventory levels to ensure timely replenishment of materials as needed. Prepares all solutions and media required for all biology lab courses. Maintains current knowledge of the operation of equipment and of laboratory techniques used in the biology labs. Performs minor, periodic maintenance of microscopes and other equipment; arranges for service calls when necessary. Assists the instructors in dispensing special equipment and replacing equipment for students during lab periods. Assists instructors in operating equipment and locating supplies. Maintains computerized inventory of supplies and equipment, orders laboratory supplies as needed, maintains contact with suppliers, and receives all items purchased by the area. Travels to local suppliers to pick up materials as needed. Maintains and monitors security and safety of stockroom and laboratories, including storage and use of hazardous chemicals and potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Maintains semester schedule of laboratory experiments for all classes. Assists instructors in development of new laboratory experiments and equipment. Personnel Management - 10% Coordinates, trains, and supervises student workers. Cares for plants and animals and supervises student workers assisting with their care. Other - 10% Performs other related duties as assigned by the Laboratory Operations Manager. Required Qualifications Associate degree or higher with emphasis in Biology. Background in microbiology techniques. Good organization skills, interpersonal skills and knowledge of scientific experiments and equipment required. Knowledge of safe laboratory practice and handling hazardous materials required. Ability to work with the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff, including those with disabilities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Desired Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field. Work experience in a lab, preferably academic lab. Experience in inventory control. Bilingual in Spanish and English. Work Schedule 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday Pay $20.76/hour Full-Time/Part-Time: Full time Total Hours Per Week: 40 Position Type: Staff Job Family: Specialist Posting Date: 04/30/2026 Expected Start Date: 07/13/2026 Compensation Grade: B22 Location: Grayslake Campus Department: Laboratory Services Department EEO Statement College of Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a policy of non-discrimination. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history). Please log into your Workday account to submit your application. Applications submitted outside of your Workday employee or student account will not be considered. College of Lake County (CLC) is a comprehensive community college located in northeastern Illinois committed to being an innovative educational institution providing life-changing paths for our students by offering exceptional learning experiences. CLC aspires to be a place where every student succeeds, every employee thrives, so that every business achieves and every community grows. Our mission is to be innovative and value-driven in supporting student success through developing and encouraging employees of all backgrounds on their journey toward achieving personal and professional growth. CLC achieved a milestone in 2025 with its designation as a Leader College of Distinction. CLC is part of the Achieving the Dream (ATD) Network, made up of 300+ colleges committed to supporting student success at their institutions and promoting economic vitality throughout their communities. CLC has been a member of the ATD Network since 2019 and has held Leader College status since 2023.