Inside Higher Ed
Job no:
495775 Work type:
Limited Term Full Time Location:
Swarthmore Categories:
Staff, Hourly (Non-Exempt), On Campus
Who We Are Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The 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 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).
Responsibilities
Maintain, breed, and verify laboratory invertebrate animals and monitor freshwater aquatic suite operation (varies by level).
Assist with the preparation and execution of chemical screens and conduct screening following standard protocols.
Prepare media and chemical stocks related to laboratory invertebrate animals and standard laboratory procedures.
Perform routine laboratory protocols and maintain equipment in good working order.
Update and maintain laboratory protocols and organize laboratory inventory of experimental samples and supplies.
Assist with the organization of laboratory operations and lab safety procedures, including the collection and disposal of chemical and biological hazardous waste according to guidelines.
Assist with the supervision and training of student workers, including providing lab safety training (only at levels II and III).
Supervise and train student workers, including providing lab safety training (level III).
Assist with data collection, data analysis, and interpretation (level III).
Qualifications
High school degree (Level I). Bachelor's degree in biology or related field (Levels II and III).
Experience with word processing software and digital spreadsheets.
Work experience with cell culture, molecular biology, microbiology, or similar field.
Teamwork experience.
Experience executing procedures and protocols according to set guidelines.
Demonstrated excellent laboratory notebook skills.
Experience handling/making chemical solutions.
Minimum 3 years working experience in a similar position to Level I (Level II).
Minimum 8 years working experience in a similar position to Level I or 3 years of experience in Level II (Level III).
Experience developing Standard Operating Procedures.
Experience with lab safety procedures.
Experience training others in laboratory safety and protocols.
Experience working with and caring for aquatic animals.
Experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation (Level III).
Physical Demands
Ability to lift and carry water tanks (~40 lbs) over short distances and to bend and stretch to reach various tanks in the aquatic suite.
Working Conditions / Environment
Position will require working with microscopes (light, fluorescence microscopy), fume hood, various small specialized laboratory equipment, and repetitive movements.
What You Will Get You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.
Salary & Benefits Salary range: $21.00–$26.00 per hour (2026). Benefits: Retirement plans, tuition grant program, tuition reimbursement program, paid time off (Staff), holiday schedule. 10% employer contribution to retirement account upon participation.
Application Instructions Submit applications with an uploaded resume and cover letter by January 7, 2026. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
PA Criminal Clearance Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.
Education Verification An education verification is required for this position because a college degree is a required qualification for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy.
Applications Close Open until filled
Location & Compensation Swarthmore, PA $21.00–$26.00 per hour (2026)
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495775 Work type:
Limited Term Full Time Location:
Swarthmore Categories:
Staff, Hourly (Non-Exempt), On Campus
Who We Are Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The 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 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).
Responsibilities
Maintain, breed, and verify laboratory invertebrate animals and monitor freshwater aquatic suite operation (varies by level).
Assist with the preparation and execution of chemical screens and conduct screening following standard protocols.
Prepare media and chemical stocks related to laboratory invertebrate animals and standard laboratory procedures.
Perform routine laboratory protocols and maintain equipment in good working order.
Update and maintain laboratory protocols and organize laboratory inventory of experimental samples and supplies.
Assist with the organization of laboratory operations and lab safety procedures, including the collection and disposal of chemical and biological hazardous waste according to guidelines.
Assist with the supervision and training of student workers, including providing lab safety training (only at levels II and III).
Supervise and train student workers, including providing lab safety training (level III).
Assist with data collection, data analysis, and interpretation (level III).
Qualifications
High school degree (Level I). Bachelor's degree in biology or related field (Levels II and III).
Experience with word processing software and digital spreadsheets.
Work experience with cell culture, molecular biology, microbiology, or similar field.
Teamwork experience.
Experience executing procedures and protocols according to set guidelines.
Demonstrated excellent laboratory notebook skills.
Experience handling/making chemical solutions.
Minimum 3 years working experience in a similar position to Level I (Level II).
Minimum 8 years working experience in a similar position to Level I or 3 years of experience in Level II (Level III).
Experience developing Standard Operating Procedures.
Experience with lab safety procedures.
Experience training others in laboratory safety and protocols.
Experience working with and caring for aquatic animals.
Experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation (Level III).
Physical Demands
Ability to lift and carry water tanks (~40 lbs) over short distances and to bend and stretch to reach various tanks in the aquatic suite.
Working Conditions / Environment
Position will require working with microscopes (light, fluorescence microscopy), fume hood, various small specialized laboratory equipment, and repetitive movements.
What You Will Get You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.
Salary & Benefits Salary range: $21.00–$26.00 per hour (2026). Benefits: Retirement plans, tuition grant program, tuition reimbursement program, paid time off (Staff), holiday schedule. 10% employer contribution to retirement account upon participation.
Application Instructions Submit applications with an uploaded resume and cover letter by January 7, 2026. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
PA Criminal Clearance Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.
Education Verification An education verification is required for this position because a college degree is a required qualification for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy.
Applications Close Open until filled
Location & Compensation Swarthmore, PA $21.00–$26.00 per hour (2026)
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