Lab & Research Specialist II - Fauquier Campus

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Working Title Lab & Research Specialist II - Fauquier Campus Role Title Lab & Research Specialist II Role Code 59074-SW FLSA Nonexempt Pay Band 04 Position Number 29800022 Agency Laurel Ridge Community College Division Laurel Ridge Community College (Div) Work Location Fauquier - 061 Hiring Range The hiring range for this position is $49,239.90-$66,473.10. Emergency/Essential Personnel No EEO Category 3-Technicians Full Time or Part Time Full Time Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs- Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference? Work Schedule

This is a quasi-full time position, scheduled for 36 hours per week over 12 months of the year.

Flexibility is required to accommodate changing lab schedules between semesters (fall, spring, and summer). Up to 4 late evenings per week may be required during peak academic terms. Limited or occasional weekend work may be required for special events, deep cleaning, inventory, or preparation activities.

• Early morning start times (as early as 7:30 AM) for lab preparation
• Daytime hours aligned with scheduled laboratory courses
• Evening hours as needed, including coverage for labs that may run as late as 9:00-10:00 PM on select days.
• Occasional extended days depending on lab scheduling needs

This position requires a consistent on-site presence to support lab instruction, preparation, safety compliance, and operational needs.

Sensitive Position No Job Description

This is a quasi-full time position, scheduled for 36 hours per week over 12 months of the year. Please note that this is not a research-focused position.

This position supports faculty in delivering science laboratory instruction by preparing materials, setting up and breaking down lab activities, and assisting during class sessions. Key responsibilities include preparing chemical solutions, culturing bacteria, cultivating lab materials, and operating specialized equipment such as autoclaves, incinerators, and incubators. The role also involves hazardous waste disposal and maintaining compliance with safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment. Procurement through eVa is a minimal backup responsibility, performed with supervisor approval. The employee works collaboratively with other lab staff to ensure all lab preparation is covered and that faculty feel supported across instructional activities. Work hours may include daytime, evenings, and weekends, and duties may extend to other college locations as needed. The schedule is subject to change each semester based on class offerings and instructional needs.

Compensation and Benefits

The hiring range for this position is $49,239.90-$66,473.10. The position is quasi-full time classified staff and as such is eligible for the benefits package offered by the Commonwealth of Virginia for state agencies. For more information, please visit www.dhrm.virginia.gov.

Click here to learn about Laurel Ridge Community College.

Laurel Ridge Community College is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment, and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Laurel Ridge will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in order to provide access to the application, interviewing, and selection process. Please email eeo@laurelridge.edu for further information.

Sponsorship of an employee's work authorization takes time and requires an ongoing financial investment. Therefore, Laurel Ridge Community College does not have funding to sponsor potential employees in the US on a work visa. We consistently follow this funding model to ensure our practices are not discriminatory. Exceptions would require approval from the college president.

Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. While honoring bona fide occupational exceptions as needed, the college shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including lactation, age, status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. The college also promotes a safe working environment and prohibits sexual misconduct, including sexual violence and harassment. Know your rights!

Special Assignments

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications

1. Laboratory Operations and Technical Competence

Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory procedures, scientific principles, and technical practices necessary to support instructional science laboratories.

Measurable Indicators:

Accurately prepares laboratory materials, reagents, cultures, solutions, and equipment according to established protocols.

Demonstrates working knowledge of laboratory techniques used in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology, and related science disciplines.

Operates laboratory equipment safely and effectively following standard operating procedures.

Maintains laboratory readiness to support scheduled instructional activities.

Performs laboratory preparation and support activities with minimal errors and limited supervision.

2. Laboratory Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Demonstrated ability to maintain a safe laboratory environment and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, safety protocols, and institutional procedures.

Measurable Indicators:

Consistently follows laboratory safety procedures and utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Demonstrates knowledge of chemical hygiene, SDS documentation, hazardous materials management, and waste disposal requirements.

Identifies potential safety hazards and initiates corrective action or escalation as appropriate.

Maintains required safety documentation, records, and inspections in an accurate and timely manner.

Promotes and supports a culture of safety among faculty, staff, and students.

3. Organization, Planning, and Resource Management

Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage laboratory resources to support efficient instructional operations.

Measurable Indicators:

Maintains accurate inventory records for laboratory equipment, supplies, chemicals, and consumable materials.

Effectively prioritizes multiple assignments and competing deadlines.

Ensures laboratory materials and supplies are available and prepared in advance of scheduled instructional activities.

Maintains organized storage, workspaces, and records consistent with operational and safety requirements.

Anticipates resource needs and communicates shortages or procurement needs proactively.

4. Communication and Customer Service

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and provide professional support to faculty, staff, students, vendors, and external partners.

Measurable Indicators:

Communicates clearly, professionally, and respectfully in both written and verbal formats.

Effectively collaborates with faculty to support instructional needs and laboratory operations.

Provides timely and accurate information regarding laboratory activities, inventory concerns, safety issues, and operational needs.

Demonstrates professionalism when addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, or responding to changing priorities.

Builds and maintains positive working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.

5. Initiative, Independent Judgment, and Problem Solving

Demonstrated ability to independently identify operational needs, prioritize work, and take appropriate action to support laboratory operations with minimal supervision following training.

Measurable Indicators:

Independently identifies tasks, projects, and operational needs without requiring continual direction.

Anticipates laboratory, inventory, equipment, and safety needs before they negatively impact instruction.

Applies sound judgment when resolving routine operational issues and determining when supervisory guidance is necessary.

Demonstrates initiative by recommending and implementing improvements to laboratory operations, safety or organization.

Maintains productive use of work time by proactively identifying and completing ongoing work, projects, and operational needs.

Additional Considerations

The following are preferred qualifications for this role:

1. Advanced Scientific Knowledge

Advanced knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a closely related scientific discipline.

Measurable Indicators:

Demonstrates advanced understanding of scientific concepts relevant to instructional laboratories.

Applies scientific knowledge to support faculty and laboratory operations.

Demonstrates familiarity with college-level laboratory coursework and instructional environments.

Supports multiple science disciplines with limited guidance.

2. Instructional Laboratory Preparation Experience

Experience preparing and supporting instructional science laboratories in educational, research, healthcare, government, or industry settings.

Measurable Indicators:

Demonstrated laboratory work experience outside academic coursework.

Experience preparing laboratory exercises, reagents, cultures, and materials.

Experience supporting multiple laboratory courses or disciplines simultaneously.

Demonstrates understanding of laboratory workflow and instructional timelines.

Experience providing direct support to instructors, researchers, or laboratory personnel.

3. Scientific Equipment Operation and Maintenance

Experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and calibrating laboratory instrumentation and equipment.

Measurable Indicators:

Demonstrates proficiency operating common laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

Performs routine maintenance, calibration, and quality control procedures.

Troubleshoots equipment issues and identifies appropriate corrective actions.

Maintains equipment records, service logs, and documentation.

Demonstrates familiarity with equipment used in biology, chemistry, and microbiology laboratories.

Examples may include:

Autoclaves , Incubators, Spectrophotometers, Microscopes, Centrifuges, Balances, Electrophoresis equipment

Micropipettes

4. Procurement, Inventory, and Budget Support

Experience supporting inventory management, purchasing, budget monitoring, and procurement activities.

Measurable Indicators:

Experience maintaining inventory databases or inventory management systems.

Processes purchase requests and supply orders accurately and efficiently.

Demonstrates familiarity with state purchasing requirements, eVa, or similar procurement systems.

Monitors inventory usage trends and assists with budget planning.

Maintains accurate purchasing documentation and records.

5. Hazardous Materials and Chemical Management Experience

Experience managing chemical inventories and hazardous materials in accordance with laboratory safety regulations and best practices.

Measurable Indicators:

Maintains chemical inventories and hazardous material records.

Demonstrates experience handling, storing, transporting, and disposing of hazardous materials.

Maintains SDS documentation and compliance records.

Participates in laboratory inspections, safety audits, or compliance reviews.

Demonstrates knowledge of applicable OSHA, EPA, VOSH, DOT, or laboratory safety requirements.

Operation of a State Vehicle No Supervises Employees No Required Travel

Travel as per any required duties of the position, such as to sites/campuses and any training. Ability to cover assignments throughout the college service region as necessary for the job is required.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number CLS_4635P Recruitment Type General Public - G Number of Vacancies 1 Position End Date (if temporary) Job Open Date 08/06/2026 Job Close Date 09/06/2026 Open Until Filled Agency Website https://laurelridge.edu/ Contact Name Kris Iden Email kiden@laurelridge.edu Phone Number Special Instructions to Applicants

Candidates interested in being considered for a posted position are required to submit an application to the posted position via the VCCS Career Portal. Upload cover letter (this is optional, but recommended) and resume (this is optional but recommended) and unofficial transcripts (this is optional for all positions except faculty, clinical instructors and tutors). Reference checks, background screenings, and eVerify are required for all Laurel Ridge positions. Satisfactory reference, background screenings are a condition of employment.

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth's Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155

Additional Information Background Check Statement Disclaimer

The selected candidate's offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth's Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

EEO Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.

ADA Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.

E-Verify Statement

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.

Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/99353

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • How much professional laboratory experience do you have (excluding college coursework)? RESPONSE KEY: None Demonstrated (1-3 years of experience) Considerable (4-7 years of experience) Significant (8+ years of experience)

• I have no professional laboratory experience (excluding college coursework).

• I have a demonstrated level of professional laboratory experience (excluding college coursework).

• I have a considerable level of professional laboratory experience (excluding college coursework).

• I have a significant level of professional laboratory experience (excluding college coursework).

• • How much experience do you have preparing chemical solutions in a professional work environment (not including academic coursework)?

• I have no experience preparing chemical solutions in a professional work environment (not including academic coursework).

• I have demonstrated experience preparing chemical solutions in a professional work environment (not including academic coursework).

• I have considerable experience preparing chemical solutions in a professional work environment (not including academic coursework).

• I have significant experience preparing chemical solutions in a professional work environment (not including academic coursework).

• • Please describe why you are interested in this position and how your background aligns with the role.

(Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Other Document
• Alternative Hiring Process Letter
• SF-50 (Documentation of involuntary separation from Federal Agency)