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, and cleanup for the labs at the Southlake and Lakeshore campuses. Work at the Grayslake campus will also be required each week.

1.Associate degree or higher with emphasis in Biology or Chemistry.

2. Background in microbiology techniques.

3. Good organization skills, interpersonal skills and knowledge of scientific experiments and equipment required.

4. Knowledge of safe laboratory practice and handling hazardous materials required.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field.

2. Work experience in a lab, preferably academic lab.

3. Experience in inventory control.

Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May vary in accordance with the needs of the College. Work at all three campuses (Grayslake, Southlake, and Lakeshore) is required.

The College of Lake County is an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to diversity. In that spirit, it seeks a broad spectrum of candidates including minorities, women and people with disabilities.

Department Operations and Procedures (80%)
1. Oversees operation of all biology laboratories, chemistry laboratories, preparation and storage rooms, and ensures proper functioning and maintenance at Southlake and Lakeshore campuses.

2. Prepares and sets up all supplies and equipment needed for laboratories; monitors and replenishes supplies as needed.

3. Maintains current knowledge of the operation of equipment and of laboratory techniques used in the biology labs and chemistry labs.

4. Performs minor, periodic maintenance of microscopes and other equipment; arranges for service calls when necessary.

5. Assists the instructors in dispensing special equipment and replacing equipment for students during lab periods.

6. Assists instructors in operating equipment and locating supplies.

7. 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.

8. Maintains and monitors security and safety of stockroom and laboratories, including storage and use of hazardous chemicals and potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

9. Maintains semester schedule of laboratory experiments for all classes.

10. Assists instructors in development of new laboratory experiments and equipment.

Management and Supervision (10%)
11. Coordinates and supervises student workers.

12. Cares for plants and animals and supervises student workers assisting with their care.

Other (10%)
13. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Laboratory Operations Manager.