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Biology Laboratory Teaching Assistant (TA)

Position Summary:

Biology Lab TAs assist in a specific class and lab section. This position is available to current Albright biology-oriented majors who meet the course and grade requirements described in the Education component of the position description. TAs answer student questions about biological concepts, laboratory techniques, experimental design, data collection and statistical analysis using Excel, dissection, and other aspects of working in a laboratory. They have a good understanding of how to work safely in a laboratory, and model these behaviors to the students taking the lab. Although lab TAs work under the supervision of the laboratory instructor, they are expected to be able to operate independently, and provide direction and instruction to students on how to accomplish laboratory objectives. Lab TAs may also be involved in testing the development of new lab activities, cleaning and organizing the laboratory, assembling and testing laboratory equipment, and monitoring student compliance with safe laboratory practices.

Essential Job Functions:

Students must have shown enthusiasm and a passion for biology in their lab courses, and have been reliable in completing course requirements (safety, on-time arrival and regular class attendance, assignments turned in on time, working well as part of a team) in their biology classes. Biology Lab TAs assist in performing a variety of laboratory tasks, including but not limited to, using laboratory equipment (such as spectrophotometers, micropipettes, laboratory glassware, gel electrophoresis apparatuses, microscopes, dissecting tools, as well as other equipment for specialized laboratory tasks), performing laboratory techniques (such as microscopy, gel electrophoresis, pipetting, measuring, dissection, and identification of organisms), and answering student questions. Lab TAs should be comfortable working with a variety of living and dead organisms. Some lab activities will require working outside with live organisms in a variety of weather conditions. Occasional preparatory tasks for future lab activities may also be required, within the confines of the scheduled lab time of the TA. TAs also assist with lab practical exams.

Qualifications/Prerequisites:

1. SKILLS

The employee should have good spoken and written English communication skills, feel comfortable explaining biological concepts, and be proficient at public speaking with small groups. The employee should be proficient in laboratory skills, including microscopy, pipetting, gel electrophoresis, sterile technique, spectrophotometry, measurement, dissecting, organism identification, basic Excel functions including graphing and statistical analysis, and reading and following directions from written scientific communications.

2. EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

Although no actual previous paid employment is required for this position, a student can only TA in Bio 151 or 152 for a course they have completed. Students who have completed either Bio 151 or 152 can TA for Bio 101. TAs for upper level courses may have additional requirements as indicated by the instructor of that course.

3. EDUCATION

Required:

• Must be a current student in good standing at Albright College.
• Must be a sophomore, junior, or senior as of the fall semester first day of classes for the semester of hire.
• Must be a current biology major, interdisciplinary biology major (Biochemistry, Psychobiology, Secondary Education with a biology focus), or biology co-major.
• Must have completed a minimum of two semesters of introductory biology courses (Bio 151, Bio 152, and/or Bio 203), and completed a minimum of one semester of an introductory lab course (Bio 151 or Bio 152).
• Grades in the above courses must be a minimum of a B+ in the combined course (lecture plus lab). Students with a course grade of a B can be considered if their lab grades are in the A range (A-, A, or A+). Grade requirements for this position may also be met by students who have completed the introductory courses, and later earned a grade in the A range in at least one upper division biology course with a lab.

Preferred:

Completed both Bio 151 and 152. Ideally grades in the combined course (lecture plus lab) in the A range (A-, A, or A+).