Temporary Hourly: Centennial Science Lab Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Temporary Hourly: Centennial Science Lab Assistant

Position Type: Temp Hourly

College: Pikes Peak State College

Campus: Centennial Campus

Location: Colorado Springs

Salary Range: $19.00 per hour

 

Who We Are:

Pikes Peak State College is the largest and most diverse college in the Pikes Peak region, serving students with a wide range of goals, experiences, and responsibilities. Our students include recent high school graduates, working adults, military-affiliated students, parents, first-generation students, career changers, transfer students, and lifelong learners.

Our mission is to provide high-quality educational opportunities to all, with a focus on student success and community needs. We fulfill that mission by creating affordable, flexible, and accessible pathways that help students transfer to four-year institutions, enter the workforce, advance their careers, and build better futures close to home.

As the needs of our students, employers, and communities continue to evolve, so do we. PPSC embraces innovation that is human-centered, ethical, and focused on student learning. Through strong workforce partnerships and the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, we prepare students not only for today's opportunities, but for what's next.

We're looking for people who are passionate about access, collaboration, innovation, and student success. Whether you work in the classroom or behind the scenes, your contributions help create opportunities that change lives. At PPSC, our vision is simple: Students Succeed at PPSC.

 

Job Summary:

The Science Lab Assistant is responsible for ensuring the safe, compliant, and highly organized operation of instructional science laboratories. This role is essential to maintaining a controlled laboratory environment that supports high-quality instruction, protects student and employee safety, and ensures adherence to all institutional, state, and federal regulations. The position requires consistent attention to detail, strong technical knowledge, and a proactive commitment to laboratory safety and preparedness.

Ability to work evenings and travel to multiple campuses to support student and department needs.

This position is temporary part-time, not to exceed 28 hours per week.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Prepare, organize, and set up laboratory materials, chemicals, equipment, and instructional activities for biology and chemistry courses, ensuring all laboratories are fully operational prior to class.

Prepare chemical reagents, microbiological media, biological specimens, and laboratory solutions accurately using established protocols, calculations, and safety procedures.

Safely handle, store, label, transport, and maintain chemical, biological, and hazardous materials in compliance with institutional policies and applicable OSHA, EPA, CDC, and state regulations.

Identify, classify, collect, and manage chemical and biological hazardous waste, maintaining proper documentation and coordinating disposal through approved hazardous waste vendors.

Work routinely with hazardous chemicals, biological agents, sharps, compressed gases, and other laboratory hazards while following appropriate PPE, biosafety, and chemical hygiene protocols.

Maintain accurate inventories of chemicals, laboratory supplies, and equipment; monitor stock levels, rotate inventory, and recommend purchases to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.

Inspect, troubleshoot, calibrate, clean, and perform preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and scientific instrumentation, documenting maintenance and coordinating repairs when necessary.

Operate and maintain specialized laboratory equipment, including autoclaves, biosafety equipment, fume hoods, and other scientific instrumentation used for instructional laboratories.

Maintain laboratory safety systems by conducting routine inspections of emergency equipment, safety documentation, SDS records, spill response supplies, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory and preparation areas through proper sanitation, decontamination, and adherence to laboratory safety standards.

Respond appropriately to laboratory incidents, including chemical spills, biological exposures, equipment malfunctions, and other emergencies while following established emergency procedures.

Provide technical support to faculty during laboratory instruction by troubleshooting experiments, equipment, instructional technology, and laboratory procedures.

Assist with developing, testing, and improving laboratory exercises, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operational workflows to enhance efficiency, safety, and instructional quality.

Train and mentor student employees and new laboratory staff on laboratory operations, safety procedures, hazardous waste management, and proper equipment use.

Care for instructional laboratory plants, animals, and biological specimens in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

Maintain detailed records of laboratory operations, including safety inspections, equipment maintenance, chemical inventories, hazardous waste, incident reports, and regulatory documentation.

Exercise sound independent judgment, maintain strict confidentiality where appropriate, prioritize multiple competing deadlines, and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and vendors.

Participate in required safety training and professional development to remain current on laboratory techniques, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of science laboratories

Competencies/KSAs:

Excellent computer skills in Microsoft 365.

Skills in organization with strict attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.

Position requires willingness to learn lab preparation in biology or chemistry. Willing to work with others lab personnel and faculty.

Minimum Qualifications:

Completed Associate degree.

One year of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, research, clinical, industrial, manufacturing laboratory, or directly related laboratory experience or four semesters of successful science lab courses.

Demonstrated intermediate mathematical proficiency, including algebraic problem-solving, solution preparation, concentration calculations, unit conversions, and quantitative reasoning required for laboratory work.

Preferred Qualifications:

Completed Bachelors Degree.

Two years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, research, clinical, industrial, or manufacturing laboratory, directly related laboratory experience or four semesters of successful science lab courses

Selection Process:

Applications are accepted until position is filled. This is a temporary part-time hourly position, not to exceed 28 hours per week.

Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.

Visa support is not available for this position.

Application Instructions: 

Application must be submitted online.  Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration.  A complete application will include:

Cover letter - Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.

Resume - Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.  

Unofficial Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred.  Official transcripts are required if hired for the position.  

Professional References - Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position.

Additional Information/Benefits:

Retirement

Pikes Peak State College participates in Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA)  contribution rates. State employees are required to a mandatory contribution of a percentage of their salary to the plan, and the college contributes a percentage as well. While you are enrolled in PERA, you do not pay Social Security. In addition, there are supplemental retirement plans available through three other vendors.

Leave Programs

Temporary hourly employees earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked.

Temporary hourly employees are eligible for the Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI).