Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement:
The Manager is responsible for the daily operations of the Teaching Laboratory stockrooms located in two buildings Edward St. John and Chemistry which provides materials and supplies for over 3500 students/semester. Train and supervise personnel, including Coordinator, Instructional Laboratory Technicians. Oversight of teaching assistants and work-study students assigned to the Stockroom. Responsible for the training of all in proper handling and storage procedures for chemicals, solutions, supplies and equipment.
Additionally, the Manager will monitor performance, implement process improvements, resolve issues, and ensure adherence to unit policies and procedures. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for success in this role.
Responsible for the purchase of chemicals, glassware, equipment, and expendable materials for assigned courses. Obtains quotes from vendors and collaborates with Supervisor to ensure purchasing decisions account for financial or budgetary constraints. Inspects orders for accuracy.
The position is responsible for ensuring laboratory safety compliance, waste management and the upkeep of the two stockrooms, as well as being fiscally responsible for the acquisition and inventory of materials and supplies for the teaching labs.
Physical Demands:
Dexterity and patience when using or maintaining delicate scientific instruments. Strength and ability to lift heavy and/or bulky containers. Freedom from allergies or sensitivities to chemicals. Work Environment: Chemical odors may be present.
Licenses/Certifications: N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Three (3) years of experience in laboratory or waste management. One (1) year of experience leading or supervising professional staff.
Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of laboratory operations, workflows, and best practices appropriate to the discipline.
Knowledge of laboratory safety standards, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Knowledge of chemical laboratory safety.
Knowledge of chemicals, general laboratory techniques, experimental methods, supplies, and equipment used in an undergraduate chemistry laboratory.
Skill in managing day-to-day laboratory operations to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance.
Skill in troubleshooting equipment issues and coordinating repairs or replacements.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office or Google Workspace products.
Ability to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to promote a culture of laboratory safety.
Ability to adapt to changing research, instructional, or operational needs.
Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.
Additional Job Details
Preferences: Instructional laboratory experience preferred.
Required Application Materials: Cover letter, list of references and resume
Best Consideration Date: 08/08/2026
Posting Close Date: NA
Open Until Filled: yes
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Financial Disclosure Required
Yes
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
CMNS-Chemistry & Biochemistry
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
78400 -82000
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
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