Hourly Computer Science Bioinformatics Jobs in McAllen, TX

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Job Description

What We Want

The ideal candidate is a dependable, organized, and detail-oriented laboratory professional with experience supporting instructional laboratories in biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, or related biomedical sciences. The candidate should possess strong knowledge of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and laboratory safety practices. The ideal candidate is able to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty, staff, and students to ensure laboratories are fully prepared and operational. They should demonstrate excellent communication, problem-solving, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced academic environment. Experience preparing laboratory materials, maintaining laboratory equipment, supporting undergraduate laboratory instruction, and complying with environmental health and safety regulations is highly desirable. A commitment to maintaining a safe, organized, and student-focused laboratory environment is essential.

What You Need To Know

Salary: $18.67/hourly

Cover Letter & Resume: Acover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Other Requirements and Factors:

• Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as needed based on laboratory schedule and operational needs.

• Ability to travel as needed to support laboratory operations and coordination with Texas A&M University-College Station.

Essential Duties/Tasks

• Laboratory Operations and Technical Support - Supports day-to-day biomedical science laboratory operations for anatomy and physiology, biology, microbiology, and related STEM laboratory courses, including introductory and advanced laboratory sections. Prepares, sets up, and turns over laboratory spaces, materials, and equipment to ensure readiness for scheduled laboratory activities. Tests, evaluates, and troubleshoots laboratory exercises and procedures to ensure proper function and reliability. Modifies, assembles, and operates scientific laboratory equipment and instrumentation used in biomedical science laboratories. Prepares biological reagents, solutions, and materials by measuring, weighing, and dispensing according to established procedures. Maintains laboratory safety and biosafety practices during operations and ensures adherence to established protocols. Supports biological and chemical waste handling and disposal in accordance with federal, state, and university regulations. Assists the Laboratory Manager with preparation for biosafety inspections, including verification of laboratory safety equipment, documentation, and laboratory readiness. Supports laboratory activities in up to Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) environments in accordance with established safety protocols. Travels to Texas A&M University-College Station as needed for coordination and training. Adheres to standard safety and biosafety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Coordinates with faculty, staff, and laboratory personnel to ensure safe and efficient laboratory operations. Prepares solutions, reagents, biological materials, and laboratory supplies for instructional laboratory courses. Supports preparation and maintenance of microbiological cultures and laboratory media as required for instructional laboratory activities. Assists with sterilization of equipment, materials, and media using autoclaves and approved sterilization methods.

• Inventory and Laboratory Supply Management - Maintains inventory of biological materials, chemicals, reagents, supplies, and laboratory equipment. Assists with ordering, receiving, storing, and organizing laboratory materials and supplies. Communicates supply needs to the Laboratory Manager to ensure timely procurement of materials required for laboratory operations. Maintains accurate records related to inventory and laboratory operations. Ensures proper labeling, storage, and handling of biological and chemical materials. Assists with setup and breakdown of laboratory exercises and ensures proper turnover between lab sessions.

• Equipment Maintenance and Technical Support - Inspects, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory equipment and instrumentation used in biomedical science laboratories to ensure proper functionality. Performs routine maintenance and coordinates repairs or service requests with appropriate personnel and vendors. Monitors laboratory equipment performance and supports implementation of improvements as needed. Utilizes computer systems for equipment operation, data tracking, and laboratory documentation. Maintains a clean and organized laboratory environment, proper handling, storage, and disposal of biological and chemical materials in accordance with established safety protocols, routine cleaning and decontamination of laboratory glassware and equipment, and may include assisting with anatomical specimen preparation and dissections in support of instructional laboratory exercises.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Three years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology or related course work.

• 2 years of laboratory experience.

• 2 years working in a clinical setting.

• Experience in a science laboratory, clinical laboratory, medical laboratory, or other related technical laboratory environment. Experience in higher education instructional laboratories is preferred.

• Experience in microbiology, anatomy and physiology, or biology laboratory environments.

• Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance, troubleshooting experimental procedures, and development of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• OSHA 10 and Basic Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory training or HAZWOPER certification preferred.

• Preferred coursework in anatomy and physiology, biology, and microbiology.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with a science laboratory, including safety and standard precautions.

• Knowledge of biology, microbiology, and anatomy and physiology laboratory procedures, environments, and equipment.

• Knowledge of biological sample handling, preparation, and associated biosafety practices.

• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental standards and requirements.

• Ability to identify, assess, and solve technical and operational problems in a laboratory environment.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a laboratory team.

• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, safety procedures, and operating and maintenance instructions.

• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks with accuracy and attention to detail while meeting deadlines.

• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to inquiries from faculty, staff, students, and the public.

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations including ratios, proportions, and data interpretation.

• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations and standards, including EPA, OSHA, BHOP and Globally Harmonized System (GHS) requirements.

• Knowledge of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and hazardous material reference resources.

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard biosafety practices, including handling and disposal of biological and chemical waste.

• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, Windows-based environments, and internet research tools.

• Ability to operate specialized laboratory instruments, equipment, and software used in instructional laboratory settings.

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting the mission of Texas A&M University.

• Ability to adapt to changing laboratory needs, operational demands, and high-volume periods.

Machines or equipment used in the performance of essential duties:

• General office equipment including computer, telephone, and calculator.

• Laboratory safety equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE), eyewash stations, safety showers, and biological safety cabinets.

• Laboratory instrumentation and equipment including autoclaves, incubators, shaking incubators, refrigerators and freezers, analytical and top-loading balances, micropipettes, hot plates, drying ovens, PCR-related equipment, gel electrophoresis systems, and anatomy and physiology instructional laboratory equipment including PowerLab systems, as well as standard biological and chemistry laboratory glassware and preparation equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally or constantly lift, carry, stoop, push, pull, or move objects as required.

• Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.

• Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

• Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

• Standing for sustained periods of time.

• Close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.

• Close visual acuity to perform activities such as visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and operation of laboratory equipment, using measurement devices, and assembly or fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

• Mobility to accomplish tasks, including movement between work sites and laboratory areas.

Who We Are

The Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen opened in Fall 2018 to expand access by bringing top-tier Texas A&M academic programs to the Rio Grande Valley. The Center supports student success through high-quality programs aligned with career goals and partnerships that strengthen regional workforce development and economic growth.

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month.

• Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas.

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time.

• Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.

• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experience. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.