Swarthmore College
Overview
Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The 425‑acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.
The opportunity The Collins lab in the Department of Biology is an interdisciplinary group of undergraduate students, postdocs, and research staff that thrives on teamwork and welcomes diverse candidates to join us. We value enthusiasm for science, a passion for learning, and excellent communication skills. We study the role of biomechanics on biological patterning and function, how the brain controls behavior, and the impact of environmental chemicals and drugs on behavior using freshwater invertebrates (hydra and planarians).
The lab seeks to hire a highly motivated laboratory aide. Primary responsibilities include overseeing maintenance, breeding, and organization of the animal colonies, assisting in the execution of chemical screens, and supporting other ongoing research in the lab. Animal maintenance includes preparing water, monitoring and maintaining the freshwater aquatic suite operation in collaboration with the departmental animal care staff, feeding and cleaning tanks and dishes, and generating gene knockdowns using RNA interference.
Additional duties include: preparing media and chemical stocks related to ongoing laboratory projects, performing routine laboratory maintenance tasks, and maintaining equipment. The lab aide will use standard molecular biology techniques to generate specific animal strains, including extracting genomic DNA, performing PCR and gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, and RNA interference. The role also involves verifying phenotypes using in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and RNA extraction for quantitative PCR.
An additional portion of the work involves updating and maintaining laboratory standard operating procedures and organizing laboratory inventory of experimental samples and supplies, as well as aiding the lab manager with lab operations and lab safety procedures. This includes collection and disposal of chemical and biological hazardous waste according to guidelines.
The Lab Aide communicates with the Principal Investigator and Lab Manager regularly. The Lab Aide may be required to work on some holidays including certain days during winter break to maintain animal care as part of the regular schedule.
For experience level II, additional tasks include supervision and training of student workers, including providing lab safety training. For experience level III, additional tasks include development of new protocols, participation in workshops to acquire new skills, and analysis and interpretation of research data. This is a 9‑month limited term position, with potential for renewal, pending external funding and job performance.
Levels and responsibilities Level I
Maintain, breed, and verify laboratory invertebrate animals and monitor freshwater aquatic suite operation (30%).
Assist with the preparation and execution of chemical screens and conduct screening following standard protocols (40%).
Prepare media and chemical stocks related to laboratory invertebrate animals and standard laboratory procedures (10%).
Perform routine laboratory protocols and maintain equipment in good working order (10%).
Update and maintain laboratory protocols and organize laboratory inventory of experimental samples and supplies (5%).
Assist with the organization of laboratory operations and lab safety procedures, including collection and disposal of chemical and biological hazardous waste according to guidelines (5%).
Level II
Maintain, breed, and verify laboratory invertebrate animals and monitor freshwater aquatic suite operation (25%).
Assist with the preparation and execution of chemical screens and conduct screening following standard protocols (35%).
Prepare media and chemical stocks related to laboratory invertebrate animals and standard laboratory procedures (10%).
Perform routine laboratory protocols and maintain equipment in good working order (10%).
Update and maintain laboratory protocols and organize laboratory inventory of experimental samples and supplies (5%).
Assist with the organization of laboratory operations and lab safety procedures, including collection and disposal of chemical and biological hazardous waste according to guidelines (5%).
Assist with the supervision and training of student workers, including providing lab safety training (10%).
Level III
Maintain, breed, and verify laboratory invertebrate animals and monitor freshwater aquatic suite operation (25%).
Assist with the preparation and execution of chemical screens and conduct screening following standard protocols (25%).
Prepare media and chemical stocks related to laboratory invertebrate animals and standard laboratory procedures (10%).
Perform routine laboratory protocols and maintain equipment in good working order (5%).
Develop, update, and maintain laboratory protocols and organize laboratory inventory of experimental samples and supplies (10%).
Assist with the organization of laboratory operations and lab safety procedures, including collection and disposal of chemical and biological hazardous waste and the inventory, handling, and disposal of regulated substances according to guidelines (5%).
Supervise and train student workers, including providing lab safety training (10%).
Assist with data collection, data analysis, and interpretation (10%).
What you bring Qualifications for Level I
Required
High school degree.
Experience with word processing software and digital spreadsheets.
Work experience with cell culture, molecular biology, microbiology, or similar field
Experience executing procedures and protocols according to set guidelines
Demonstrated excellent laboratory notebook skills.
Experience handling / making chemical solutions.
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in biology or related field.
Experience mentoring.
Experience working with and caring for aquatic animals.
Experience maintaining equipment.
Experience with lab safety procedures.
Additional qualifications for Level II
Required
Bachelor's degree in biology or related field.
Minimum 3 years working experience in a similar position to Level I.
Demonstrated experience mentoring students.
Work experience with cell culture, molecular biology, or microbiology, or similar field.
Experience handling / making chemical solutions and modifying Standard Operating Procedures.
Preferred
Experience maintaining equipment.
Experience with lab safety procedures.
Experience training others in laboratory safety and protocols.
Experience working with and caring for aquatic animals.
Additional qualifications for Level III
Required
Minimum 8 years working experience in a similar position to Level I or 3 years of experience in Level II.
Work experience with cell culture, molecular biology or microbiology, or similar field.
Experience maintaining equipment.
Experience with lab safety procedures.
Experience training others in laboratory safety and protocols.
Preferred
Master's degree in biology or related field.
Experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Experience with scientific writing and presentations.
Experience working with and caring for aquatic animals.
Physical Demands
Ability to lift and carry water tanks (~40 lbs) over short distances and to be able to bend and stretch to reach the various tanks in the aquatic suite.
Working Conditions / Environment
The position will require working with microscopes (light, fluorescence microscopy), fume hood, various small specialized laboratory equipment, and repetitive movements.
Compensation and benefits The market range for this position is $21.00-$26.00 per hour , which represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. The salary offered is determined based on factors including, but not limited to, experience and education of the final selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
Other requirements PA Criminal Clearance Required
Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.
Education Verification Required by Position
An education verification is required for this position because a college degree is a required qualification for this position.
Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost. Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.
Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences, exceptional qualifications, and a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy.
Advertised:
Dec 12 2025 Eastern Standard Time Applications close:
Open until filled
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The opportunity The Collins lab in the Department of Biology is an interdisciplinary group of undergraduate students, postdocs, and research staff that thrives on teamwork and welcomes diverse candidates to join us. We value enthusiasm for science, a passion for learning, and excellent communication skills. We study the role of biomechanics on biological patterning and function, how the brain controls behavior, and the impact of environmental chemicals and drugs on behavior using freshwater invertebrates (hydra and planarians).
The lab seeks to hire a highly motivated laboratory aide. Primary responsibilities include overseeing maintenance, breeding, and organization of the animal colonies, assisting in the execution of chemical screens, and supporting other ongoing research in the lab. Animal maintenance includes preparing water, monitoring and maintaining the freshwater aquatic suite operation in collaboration with the departmental animal care staff, feeding and cleaning tanks and dishes, and generating gene knockdowns using RNA interference.
Additional duties include: preparing media and chemical stocks related to ongoing laboratory projects, performing routine laboratory maintenance tasks, and maintaining equipment. The lab aide will use standard molecular biology techniques to generate specific animal strains, including extracting genomic DNA, performing PCR and gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, and RNA interference. The role also involves verifying phenotypes using in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and RNA extraction for quantitative PCR.
An additional portion of the work involves updating and maintaining laboratory standard operating procedures and organizing laboratory inventory of experimental samples and supplies, as well as aiding the lab manager with lab operations and lab safety procedures. This includes collection and disposal of chemical and biological hazardous waste according to guidelines.
The Lab Aide communicates with the Principal Investigator and Lab Manager regularly. The Lab Aide may be required to work on some holidays including certain days during winter break to maintain animal care as part of the regular schedule.
For experience level II, additional tasks include supervision and training of student workers, including providing lab safety training. For experience level III, additional tasks include development of new protocols, participation in workshops to acquire new skills, and analysis and interpretation of research data. This is a 9‑month limited term position, with potential for renewal, pending external funding and job performance.
Levels and responsibilities Level I
Maintain, breed, and verify laboratory invertebrate animals and monitor freshwater aquatic suite operation (30%).
Assist with the preparation and execution of chemical screens and conduct screening following standard protocols (40%).
Prepare media and chemical stocks related to laboratory invertebrate animals and standard laboratory procedures (10%).
Perform routine laboratory protocols and maintain equipment in good working order (10%).
Update and maintain laboratory protocols and organize laboratory inventory of experimental samples and supplies (5%).
Assist with the organization of laboratory operations and lab safety procedures, including collection and disposal of chemical and biological hazardous waste according to guidelines (5%).
Level II
Maintain, breed, and verify laboratory invertebrate animals and monitor freshwater aquatic suite operation (25%).
Assist with the preparation and execution of chemical screens and conduct screening following standard protocols (35%).
Prepare media and chemical stocks related to laboratory invertebrate animals and standard laboratory procedures (10%).
Perform routine laboratory protocols and maintain equipment in good working order (10%).
Update and maintain laboratory protocols and organize laboratory inventory of experimental samples and supplies (5%).
Assist with the organization of laboratory operations and lab safety procedures, including collection and disposal of chemical and biological hazardous waste according to guidelines (5%).
Assist with the supervision and training of student workers, including providing lab safety training (10%).
Level III
Maintain, breed, and verify laboratory invertebrate animals and monitor freshwater aquatic suite operation (25%).
Assist with the preparation and execution of chemical screens and conduct screening following standard protocols (25%).
Prepare media and chemical stocks related to laboratory invertebrate animals and standard laboratory procedures (10%).
Perform routine laboratory protocols and maintain equipment in good working order (5%).
Develop, update, and maintain laboratory protocols and organize laboratory inventory of experimental samples and supplies (10%).
Assist with the organization of laboratory operations and lab safety procedures, including collection and disposal of chemical and biological hazardous waste and the inventory, handling, and disposal of regulated substances according to guidelines (5%).
Supervise and train student workers, including providing lab safety training (10%).
Assist with data collection, data analysis, and interpretation (10%).
What you bring Qualifications for Level I
Required
High school degree.
Experience with word processing software and digital spreadsheets.
Work experience with cell culture, molecular biology, microbiology, or similar field
Experience executing procedures and protocols according to set guidelines
Demonstrated excellent laboratory notebook skills.
Experience handling / making chemical solutions.
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in biology or related field.
Experience mentoring.
Experience working with and caring for aquatic animals.
Experience maintaining equipment.
Experience with lab safety procedures.
Additional qualifications for Level II
Required
Bachelor's degree in biology or related field.
Minimum 3 years working experience in a similar position to Level I.
Demonstrated experience mentoring students.
Work experience with cell culture, molecular biology, or microbiology, or similar field.
Experience handling / making chemical solutions and modifying Standard Operating Procedures.
Preferred
Experience maintaining equipment.
Experience with lab safety procedures.
Experience training others in laboratory safety and protocols.
Experience working with and caring for aquatic animals.
Additional qualifications for Level III
Required
Minimum 8 years working experience in a similar position to Level I or 3 years of experience in Level II.
Work experience with cell culture, molecular biology or microbiology, or similar field.
Experience maintaining equipment.
Experience with lab safety procedures.
Experience training others in laboratory safety and protocols.
Preferred
Master's degree in biology or related field.
Experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Experience with scientific writing and presentations.
Experience working with and caring for aquatic animals.
Physical Demands
Ability to lift and carry water tanks (~40 lbs) over short distances and to be able to bend and stretch to reach the various tanks in the aquatic suite.
Working Conditions / Environment
The position will require working with microscopes (light, fluorescence microscopy), fume hood, various small specialized laboratory equipment, and repetitive movements.
Compensation and benefits The market range for this position is $21.00-$26.00 per hour , which represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. The salary offered is determined based on factors including, but not limited to, experience and education of the final selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
Other requirements PA Criminal Clearance Required
Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.
Education Verification Required by Position
An education verification is required for this position because a college degree is a required qualification for this position.
Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost. Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.
Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences, exceptional qualifications, and a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy.
Advertised:
Dec 12 2025 Eastern Standard Time Applications close:
Open until filled
#J-18808-Ljbffr