TBR | The College System of Tennessee

Job Title: Natural Sciences Lab Learning Center Specialist

Job Grade: 114

Salary Range: $34,362 - $41,235

Campus Location: Walters State Community College - Morristown Campus (Employees are assigned to a “home” location but may occasionally or regularly be required to work at other WSCC locations.)

Job Purpose: The purpose of this position is to assure that the Natural Science, Introductory Biology, General Anatomy & Physiology, and Microbiology laboratory classes are prepared for students and instructors. Requires the supervision of student assistants within the department. Assists with planning and executing field trips for biology labs.

Essential Job Functions:

• Prepares maintenance media and bacteria cell structures for Microbiology labs. Prepares chemical solutions for Introductory and General Biology labs as well as Human Anatomy and Physiology labs.
• Maintains physical inventory of all laboratory supplies for all four campuses, including ordering, replenishing, and maintaining consumable supplies.
• Supervises and trains the student assistants within the department.
• Assists with health and safety oversight, waste management and disposal, chemical hygiene and general maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Organizes lab manuals, paperwork, and other clerical work as well as annual chemical inventory. 
• Assist with the planning, execution, and leading/teaching of field trips for biology labs.
• Travels between campuses to help transport equipment and supplies.
• May perform other duties as assigned, such as helping with laboratories for other disciplines.

Required Qualifications:

• At least a bachelor’s degree in Biology
  
• Two to four years of career experience in a highly related field
  
• Knowledge of specialized scientific techniques and advanced knowledge of natural sciences in order to prepare laboratory sessions
  
• Ability and knowledge to use and help maintain water distiller, autoclave machine, microscopes, hot plates, balances, spectroscopes, gel electrophoresis, and PCR machines
  
• Ability to multitask based on different experiments and student needs
  
• Must be able to communicate and coordinate with faculty regarding laboratory needs, schedule, and changes
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the role of a teaching assistant, lab associate, science tutor, or instructor of ecology

Behavioral Core Competencies:

• Works effectively as team member to achieve goals and objectives.
  
• Shares information readily with others and listens effectively, showing openness to new ideas
  
• Treats team members with dignity and trust and shows respect for others’ race, nationality, gender, age, background, perspectives, experience and style.
  
• Displays a high degree of personal effectiveness; pursues objectives with consistent determination. Willing and prepared to accept personal responsibility for actions, both positive and negative.
  
• Treats team members with respect. Willingly responds to requests for assistance from team members.
  
• Respects the College’s rich heritage and historical achievements by embracing important changes that advance the College’s mission while honoring the past.
  
• Exercises discretion and forethought in the efficient utilization of organizational resources, showing respect for the organization’s generous benefactors and supporters.
  

Leadership & Supervisory: The incumbent is responsible for directing and monitoring the work of two to five student assistants within the department.

The position operates with limited direct supervision, and most tasks are performed without consulting others. Resources, guidelines, and a supervisor are available as needed. Work is checked largely for progress toward completion of objectives.

Environment & Working Conditions: Occasional exposure to extreme heat, humidity, noise, temperature changes, and extreme cold during field laboratory sessions.

Due to the nature of the position, bodily injury could occur from mishandling heat sources, various chemical components, and bacterial organisms.

Physical Demands (including requirements for travel or working nights/weekends/holidays):

• Sight, color perception, and hearing are required to safely prepare laboratory
• Ability to lift equipment and various supplies to move them to different campus locations
• Travel between campus locations is required in order to prepare different laboratory lessons

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this job.

REQ#502050

Posting Closes: Saturday, November 22, 2025