Microbiology Prep Room and Lab Assistant

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is September 17 2026 at 11:59PM.

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

Provides support to Lab Technicians and ensures the smooth daily operation of the Microbiology Preparation Rooms in Biology I and the Science Teaching Complex. This position is also responsible for assisting with one first or second year undergraduate course.

Key Accountabilities

Microbiology Preparation Rooms:

Decontaminates and sterilizes lab waste and requisite materials

Washes and prepares large volumes of laboratory glassware for all microbiology lab courses within a very short timeframe

Replenishes supplies in teaching labs before each laboratory session

Loads and unloads autoclave dishwasher and dryer

Maintains the organization of the glassware storage room

Maintains equipment and chemical inventory

Collects and distributes lab coats for all undergraduate microbiology courses in the STC building

Assists with end of term undergraduate lab cleanup

Undergraduate Course Assistance:

Prepares and provides requisite materials including media reagents cultures and solutions; pours large volumes of plates and culture maintenance

Subsequent clean-up of the laboratory space with the appropriate handling and disposal of used materials and cultures at the end of each laboratory exercise

Demonstrates proper and safe operation of equipment including: autoclave steamer centrifuge compound microscopes and fume hood

Anticipates stock levels and replenishes in a timely manner

Researches and orders course lab supplies

Prepares demo plates as required

Assisting Department Technicians:

Fills racks with test tubes and caps tubes

Pours petri plates aseptically

Packages pipettes for sterilization

Generally assists Lab Technicians when needed

Required Qualifications

Education

BSc or College Diploma in Biology or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

Two years experience in a related field. Requires intermediate knowledge of microbiology techniques.

Prior experience as a Teaching Assistant would be an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment is essential.

Excellent written and oral communication skills required.

Demonstrated proper and safe use of equipment: autoclave steamer centrifuge compound microscopes fume hood

Basic skill level using Microsoft Office Suite

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research learning teaching and community building and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students faculty and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity anti-racism and inclusion. As such we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized including applicants who identify as First Nations Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit) Black racialized a person with a disability women and/or 2SLGBTQ.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application interview or workplace accommodation requests please contact Human Resources or ext. 45935.