Job Description

Widener University is currently seeking a part-time Laboratory Assistant in the College of Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry. This role provides support to the laboratory preparation staff. This position is hands‑on and supports an active laboratory environment.

This is a part-time position for the entire year (25 hours in Fall, 25 hours in Spring, and 20 hours in Summer) to cover Chemistry labs offered in the summer as well as the academic year.

Reporting to the Laboratory Manager and CHO, the Laboratory Assistant role involves a work environment which is fast‑paced, with frequent interruptions. Instructions are often delivered verbally, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and meet time‑sensitive deadlines is essential.

The Laboratory Assistant contributes to the efficient operation of teaching and research laboratories by supporting faculty, maintaining laboratory spaces and equipment, and preparing materials needed for instructional and scientific activities. The Laboratory Assistant ensures safe, organized, and well-stocked lab environments that enable high-quality student learning and faculty research.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to)

Essential Duties:

• Stocks laboratory supplies and maintains an organized, clean, and orderly workspace.
• Performs general lab upkeep and sanitation to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
• Assists with scientific tests, experiments, and analyses under the supervision of faculty or laboratory staff.
• Maintains laboratory equipment by cleaning, calibrating, and checking functionality in accordance with safety and operational protocols.
• Follows all laboratory safety procedures and supports compliance with departmental and university safety standards.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Works with science department faculty and staff to support projects or assignments as needed.
• Assists faculty with specialized laboratory tasks such as preparing Drosophila food or supporting animal care needs.
• Completes miscellaneous errands and operational tasks that support daily laboratory functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required)

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related science field.
• One year of related experience. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Ability to perform precise, repetitive manual tasks.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to performs basic calculations to support solution preparation, measurements, and laboratory setup.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and willingness to follow all safety protocols.
• Proficiency with applicable software such as Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred

• Experience in a laboratory setting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks with dexterity.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. regularly when moving equipment, supplies, or specimens between laboratory spaces.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and move quickly to set up, reset, and transition laboratory spaces in a timely manner.
• Ability to safely work around hazardous materials and laboratory equipment, requiring adequate sensory abilities including smell, vision, and hearing and excellent hand–eye coordination.
• Ability to be mobile between workstation and various campus buildings and all locations in the building.
• Ability to bend, reach, and maintain balance to perform tasks safely in a lab.
• Ability to handle and work around materials that may be extremely hot or cold, following proper safety procedures.
• Must be able to work in settings involving exposure to hazardous materials, following all safety protocols.
• Flexibility to arrive early or stay later based on laboratory schedules, equipment needs, or operational requirements, with occasional weekend or holiday hours when support for lab functions is needed.
• Reliable transportation is preferred for periodic errands to obtain supplies for departmental use.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D