A Biology Laboratory Technician helps with the performance of laboratory tests, which provide information for biological research. Sets up, operates, and maintains laboratory equipment, makes observations, and calculates and records results; receives, types, tests, and records blood bank inventories. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
The Lab Technician supports Olin College's hands-on, project-based learning by providing day-to-day technical, operational, and instructional support for science laboratories serving undergraduate courses in biology. Reporting to the Director of Lab Operations, the Lab Technician works closely with faculty, students, course assistants, and other laboratory staff to ensure laboratory spaces, equipment, supplies, and materials are prepared, maintained, organized, and ready to support teaching and student projects. Through daily interaction with students and faculty, the Technician contributes to a welcoming, safe, organized, and empowering learning environment and promotes responsible stewardship of Olin's shared spaces, equipment, materials, and resources. This is a full-year, in-person/on-campus position based in Needham, MA.
RESPONSIBILITIES
: Academic and Laboratory Support Provide day-to-day technical and operational support for Olin's science laboratories and project spaces. Prepare laboratory spaces, materials, chemicals, samples, equipment, and instrumentation for undergraduate courses, laboratory exercises, demonstrations, and project activities. Work closely with faculty and the Director of Lab Operations to understand course requirements, anticipate laboratory needs, and ensure spaces, materials, and equipment are appropriately prepared for scheduled activities. Perform standard molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to DNA/RNA extraction, PCR techniques and primer development, electrophoresis, standard cloning techniques, preparation of plasmid mini-preps, characterization of products, and selection techniques, and DNA sequence analysis. Assist faculty with the design and execution of laboratory experiments, including preparing protocols and reagents and providing technical and teaching assistance during undergraduate laboratory sections. Maintain accurate and detailed academic laboratory records, including experimental data, laboratory notebooks, protocols, and sample tracking logs. Support undergraduate courses in biology and related areas by providing hands-on laboratory preparation and technical assistance. Provide students and course assistants with instruction and guidance on the safe and appropriate use of laboratory equipment, instrumentation, tools, materials, and facilities. Assist students, faculty, and staff with the technical aspects of academic projects. Assist with grading student deliverables related to laboratory activities and provide other course support as requested by faculty. Laboratory Operations and Equipment Maintain laboratories as clean, organized, functional, and appropriately stocked environments that are ready for academic and project use. Order and manage laboratory supplies and inventory and coordinate equipment repairs and services as needed. Perform routine inspection, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment and instrumentation, including thermocyclers, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, microscopes, and other laboratory equipment. Identify equipment problems and safety concerns and communicate them promptly to the Director of Lab Operations. Complete routine equipment repairs within the Technician's area of expertise and assist the Director with coordinating external service and repairs when necessary. Maintain equipment records, maintenance logs, service documentation, warranties, manuals, and other assigned laboratory operational records. Support the setup, installation, relocation, and decommissioning of laboratory equipment. Maintain laboratory computers and equipment-related software in coordination with the Director of Lab Operations and appropriate campus partners. Laboratory Safety and Chemical Management Follow and reinforce Olin's laboratory safety policies, Chemical Hygiene Plan, standard operating procedures, biosafety guidelines, and applicable environmental health and safety requirements. Support the Director of Lab Operations in their role as Olin's Chemical Hygiene Officer. Assist with maintaining chemical inventories, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), chemical labeling, storage, segregation, and related safety documentation. Assist with the safe receipt, handling, storage, and distribution of chemicals, biological materials, and hazardous materials. Support established procedures for the collection, labeling, storage, and disposal of chemical, biological, and hazardous waste. Conduct routine laboratory safety inspections and promptly report hazards, unsafe conditions, spills, equipment concerns, or other issues to the Director of Lab Operations. Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment and safety supplies are available and properly maintained. Assist with implementing corrective actions identified through safety inspections, incident reviews, or operational assessments. Participate in laboratory safety training, emergency preparedness activities, and other required environmental health and safety programs. Model safe laboratory practices and help foster a culture in which students take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. Facilities and Laboratory Stewardship Conduct routine inspections of laboratory spaces and identify maintenance, infrastructure, housekeeping, and repair needs. Coordinate routine laboratory-related requests with Facilities Services under the direction of the Director of Lab Operations. Assist with laboratory moves, renovations, infrastructure improvements, and space improvement projects. Maintain organized storage areas for chemicals, equipment, tools, materials, and supplies. Foster a culture of responsible stewardship by encouraging students to appropriately care for laboratory spaces, equipment, tools, materials, and shared resources. Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Director of Lab Operations.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Frequently required to stand, walk, bend, reach above shoulder level, use a keyboard/mouse, demonstrate hand dexterity and grasping, and perform light lifting and pushing/pulling of up to 30 pounds. May occasionally work in laboratory environments involving controlled exposure to chemicals, dust, fumes, gases, biological materials, or other laboratory hazards while using required engineering controls and personal protective equipment. Must be able to safely perform the essential physical and technical functions of the position, including laboratory setup, materials handling, and laboratory operations, with or without reasonable accommodation
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in biology with relevant laboratory experience. Master's degree in biology preferred. A minimum of 4-6 years of experience working in a laboratory, academic laboratory, research facility, manufacturing laboratory, testing laboratory, or similar technical environment preferred. Familiarity with and demonstrated sterile technique skills in mammalian cell culture and the characterization of cell lines. Familiarity with and demonstrated aseptic technique skills working with microorganisms such as E. coli . Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strong interpersonal and communication skills Willingness to independently learn and develop protocols for new laboratory techniques. Company Description Olin College of Engineering seeks employees who are passionate about working collaboratively within and outside of the Olin community to support the College's mission and vision for the future. At Olin, we are educating the next generation of engineering innovators and shifting the definition of engineering. Not only do our students ask, "Who are we designing this for, and what are their values?" They also ask questions about the impact of their work on society. As Olin evolves under new leadership, we seek to become a more representative and aware community, a place where everyone is a learner and where everyone is an educator . Olin will become a place where experimentation—including making and learning from mistakes—will be embraced across the institution, not just in the classroom. Collaboration is key to Olin's curriculum and culture, and we will work intentionally to reinforce the values and culture to which we aspire. We are a community that thrives on being together; we value trust. The College supports teams to collaboratively decide how they can best do their work, and display a commitment to the community, all while providing individuals with overall work-life flexibility. Olin College is situated on 75 acres in Needham, Massachusetts. We are approximately ten miles from Boston, one mile from the MBTA Commuter Rail train station, and approximately four miles from the Woodland Station from the MBTA Green Line. We have plenty of free parking on campus. You can find more details on our Visiting Campus page. Olin College is committed to supporting an innovative, integrated learning and working environment. As a small campus, the in-person experience and cross-team collaboration is what helps build a strong, dynamic community for our students, faculty and staff. Typically, most roles at Olin College are intended to be in-person and on-campus. Certain paid positions may be eligible for flexible working arrangements, at the College's sole discretion. Any approved remote work arrangement for pay must be performed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts where Olin is registered to do business. Individual flexible and remote work options can be discussed during the interview process. Benefits Olin College prides itself on offering to faculty and staff comprehensive benefits that provide both choice and value. These benefits are an important part of total compensation. Full-time employees scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week may be eligible for the following benefits: Core Benefits Medical (three different options) Dental Vision Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (company paid) Paid Family Medical Leave Long Term Disability (company paid) 403(b) Retirement Plan with company match Liberal sick and vacation time and paid holidays Free parking Additional Benefits Health Savings Account (HSA) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Voluntary Life Insurance Business Travel Insurance Supplemental 403(b) Retirement Plan Travel Assistance Services (company paid) Pet Insurance Please note that benefits are subject to change at any time. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement At Olin College we seek to become a more representative and aware community. If you're excited about a role and have relevant experience, but your work history doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we'd nevertheless encourage you to apply. Olin College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from candidates belonging to groups that have historically been underrepresented in higher education, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA people, and people with disabilities. Employees of the College who have a disability are welcome to request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at HR@olin.edu.
