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Taft College

Taft Community College was established on August 30, 1922, as part of the Taft Union High School District. The institution officially became Taft College on July 1, 1954, and in September 1956 opened its current campus at 29 Cougar Court, adjacent to Taft Union High School. The West Kern Community College District was later established as a single-college district governed by a five-member Board of Trustees. Through strong leadership and a commitment to student success, Taft College provides a high-quality academic experience and is recognized as one of California's premier small colleges.

Position Title

MESA Temporary Undergraduate Research and Lab Assistant (26/27)

Assignment duration: August 24, 2026 - June 30, 2027

Work Study Responsibilities

MESA Temporary Research and Lab Assistant (26/27)

Primary Function:
The MESA Temporary Undergraduate Research and Lab Assistant (26/27) is responsible for supporting the operations of the biology lab area and assisting with laboratory activities associated with MESA undergraduate research projects. The student worker will help maintain and organize laboratory equipment, supplies, and workspaces; assist with the development and testing of research-related lab protocols; and coordinate with faculty and students involved in MESA undergraduate research projects. The student worker will also serve as an ambassador for the MESA Program by promoting program services and participating in outreach and recruitment activities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist with the operation, organization, and upkeep of the laboratory spaces used for MESA undergraduate research projects.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment used to support MESA undergraduate research projects, following established procedures and safety protocols.
• Help maintain STEM laboratory equipment and other technology and research equipment used by students.
• Monitor equipment for routine maintenance needs, report issues to staff, and assist with basic troubleshooting under staff supervision.
• Organize, inventory, and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and reagents used for MESA undergraduate research projects.
• Track inventory levels, restock supplies and materials as needed, and notify staff when equipment, supplies, or reagents need to be replenished.
• Assist with the development, preparation, and testing of laboratory protocols related to MESA undergraduate research projects under the direction of faculty or staff.
• Assist students with locating and properly using laboratory equipment, supplies, and available research resources while following established safety procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory preparation areas, workstations, makerspace areas, and collaborative spaces.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of laboratory preparation areas used for MESA undergraduate research projects.
• Help prepare laboratory and STEM spaces for research activities, workshops, labs, demonstrations, and special events.
• Coordinate and communicate with faculty and students involved with MESA undergraduate research projects to support research activities, laboratory preparation, equipment needs, and project-related tasks.

Additional Responsibilities

• Represent the MESA Program at campus events, outreach activities, and recruitment opportunities.
• Promote MESA services and encourage student participation in program activities.
• Assist staff with planning and setting up events, workshops, and student engagement activities.
• Provide general office and administrative support, including data entry, answering inquiries, and organizing materials.
• Complete assigned projects and meet established deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

• Interest in STEM, technology, or laboratory research
• Interest in or experience with undergraduate research, laboratory procedures, or scientific equipment.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn the operation and maintenance of laboratory and other STEM equipment.
• Ability to follow laboratory protocols, safety procedures, and established equipment-use guidelines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when managing equipment, supplies, reagents, and inventory.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for laboratory equipment, computers, and technology.
• Ability to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming laboratory and STEM environment.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with faculty, students, MESA staff, and fellow student workers.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to manage multiple responsibilities