Fall 2026 Microbiology Laboratory Assistant (BIOL 356)

OVERVIEW

JOB TITLE: Fall 2026 Microbiology Laboratory Assistant (BIOL 356)LOCATION: St. Paul CampusPAY RATE: $16.50/hrHOURS: Average of 6-8 hours per week throughout the Fall 2026 semester (see below for details)

Job Summary:

The Biology Department is currently recruiting 1-2 student laboratory assistants for BIOL 356 (Microbiology) for Fall 2026. The student(s) will work directly with the course instructor, Dr. Carolyn Zeiner.

Essential Functions:

The lab assistant’s primary responsibility will be preparation of all lab materials for class each week. You will be provided with clear instructions for all tasks each week. Routine tasks include:

• Preparation of live bacterial cultures
• Preparation of agar plates (petri dishes)
• Preparation of liquid bacterial growth media (nutrient-rich chemical mixtures)
• Maintenance of a bacterial culture collection of about 20 species
• Weekly coordination meetings with Dr. Zeiner

Time Commitment:

• Average of 6-8 hours per week throughout the Fall 2026 semester
• Some weeks will be more hours (up to 10), some will be fewer
• If 2 students are hired, hours will be split between them
• BIOL 356 labs are on Wed and Thurs afternoons, so supplies will need to be ready by then
• Some tasks are time sensitive and will need to be done on specific days/times

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications:

This job involves keeping track of many small details on a tight schedule. Successful applicants will have:

• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent planning and time management skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to communicate clearly and openly
• Ability to work independently
• Availability in your fall schedule for the required hours

Preferred Qualifications:

• Junior or senior biology, chemistry, biochemistry, neuroscience, or environmental science major
• Experience with aseptic (sterile) technique in a class and/or research
• Experience working with microorganisms in a class and/or research

Students of all backgrounds and levels of experience are encouraged to apply. Training will be provided for all tasks. No previous microbiology-related lab experience is required (although it is preferred). You do not need to have taken BIOL 356 or any other microbiology class to apply.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following materials by Monday, May 4, 2026:

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email Dr. Zeiner at carolyn.zeiner@stthomas.edu.

Thank you for your interest!

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for student employment, St. Thomas students must be degree seeking at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Students must be actively enrolled at least part-time in courses for credit. For further information on eligibility please see the Student Employee Toolkit on One StThomas.

The University of St. Thomas is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CANDIDATES