SENIOR LABORATORY ASSISTANT (GRADE 4) (TEMPORARY)

Faculty: Medical Sciences
Global School of Medicine


Deadline Date: Friday, September 25, 2026

Applications are invited to apply for the post of Senior Laboratory Assistant (Grade 4) (Temporary One-Year Fixed Term Contract) in the Director’s Office, Global School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences.

Duties of the post include:

 

1.       Assisting the Chief Technician and Laboratory Technicians with the preparation of materials, reagents, equipment and specimens required for undergraduate laboratory practicals.

2.       Setting up and dismantling laboratory exercises and demonstrations in Biology, Ecology, Mycology, Biochemistry and related disciplines.

3.       Assisting with the cleaning, maintenance, storage and inventory control of laboratory equipment, glassware and consumables.

4.       Preparing routine laboratory solutions and reagents according to established protocols and under appropriate supervision.

5.       Assisting with the collection, preservation, transportation and preparation of biological specimens for teaching and research activities.

6.       Ensuring laboratories, preparation rooms and storage areas are maintained in a clean, safe and orderly condition.

7.       Assisting with waste management and the proper disposal of biological, chemical and other laboratory materials in accordance with University safety guidelines.

8.       Monitoring stock levels and reporting shortages of consumables, chemicals and supplies to the Chief Technician.

9.       Assisting with receiving, unpacking, labelling and storing laboratory supplies and equipment.

10.   Supporting laboratory safety initiatives by following established safety procedures and reporting hazards or equipment malfunctions.

11.   Assisting academic staff, technicians and students during laboratory practical sessions as required.

12.   Maintaining simple records related to laboratory supplies, equipment usage and specimen inventories.

13.   Participating in mandatory, job-related and developmental training, coaching and briefing sessions as required by the University, Department or Supervisor, and applying the knowledge and skills gained to support effective performance, compliance with policies and procedures, and improved service delivery.

 

14.   Performing routine maintenance checks on laboratory equipment and reporting faults to the Chief Technician.

15.   Performing any other related duties as assigned by the Chief Technician and/or the Head of Department.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Applicants should have knowledge and familiarity with the University’s mission, regulations, structure, policies, and procedures. Applicants should have a basic understanding of laboratory operations and safety practices, possess knowledge of handling and caring for laboratory equipment, glassware and biological specimens and be capable of preparing simple laboratory solutions and performing basic laboratory calculations. Applicants should demonstrate a high level of attention to detail and accuracy, be able to follow written and verbal instructions effectively and possess good organizational and record-keeping skills. Applicants should have basic computer literacy and familiarity with common office software applications. Applicants must be capable of lifting and moving laboratory supplies and equipment safely. Applicants must possess a valid driver's permit and should have at least two (2) years driving experience (an asset). Applicants must be willing to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends, when required.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

Candidates must possess a minimum of five (5) GCE 'O' Levels or CXC/CSEC passes (Grades I, II or III from 1998), including passes in English Language, Mathematics and Biology or Chemistry.

OR

An approved Laboratory Assistant Certificate, Pre-Medical Sciences Certificate, Associate Degree in a science discipline, or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.

 

Preferred:

An Associate Degree or Diploma in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biotechnology or a related scientific discipline from a recognized institution.

 

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

At least one (1) year of relevant experience in a laboratory, scientific, educational, environmental or related setting.

 

Preferred:

Experience supporting teaching laboratories in Biology, Ecology, Mycology, Biochemistry or related disciplines.

Experience handling laboratory chemicals, biological materials and scientific equipment

 

COMPETENCIES

Interactive Communication                            Client Focus

Using Information Technology                      Work Ethics and Values

Planning and Organizing                                Problem Solving

Adaptability                                                    Attention to Detail

Continuous Learning                                      Concern for Safety

Teamwork                                                       Initiative

                                                                                               

Salary will be fixed in accordance with Grade 4 of the salary scale.

 

You are required to submit an updated resume to STA-Recruitments.ATSS@sta.uwi.edu with the position as the subject title of your email. 

 

The Human Resources Division would like to thank all applicants for their interest. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged or contacted.