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The Microbiology Laboratory Technician III supports the operation and maintenance of teaching laboratory facilities and equipment within the Department of Biological Sciences. This role is responsible for preparing, distributing, setting up, and breaking down laboratory materials for microbiology and immunology core courses, as well as upper-division elective laboratories. The position also assists faculty with instructional laboratory needs, coordinates the acquisition and maintenance of supplies and equipment, and ensures compliance with departmental, university, and applicable local, state, and federal safety regulations. The Laboratory Technician III contributes to student success by fostering a high-quality learning environment, supporting continuous improvement and innovation, and serving as a team lead to resolve escalated issues and ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
Job Description Typical duties include but are not limited to:
- Prepares solvents, solutions, reagents, and maintains bacterial stock cultures, and apparatuses according to course schedules and proper scientific guidelines for microbiology and immunology-focused courses.
- Ensures chemicals are stored in the correct manner according to safety codes, regulations, and best practices.
- Prepares and maintains laboratories facilities for teaching instruction for microbiology and immunology courses to ensure safety, organization, and proper use of equipment for effective scientific operations.
- Responsible for set up and breakdown of equipment.
- Oversees safe handling and disposal of biohazardous materials, chemical waste, and sharps.
- Participates in environmental health and safety audits, maintains accurate records, and ensures compliance with safety regulations of science laboratories.
- Provides training on proper usage of laboratory equipment and safe laboratory practices including safe handling and disposal of biohazardous materials, and standard policies and protocols for reporting unusual events.
- Performs routine maintenance and inspections to ensure optimum calibration and condition of equipment.
- Develops and updates laboratory standard operating procedures and preparation protocols to meet evolving requirements related to student success and learning in supported courses.
- Works with faculty teaching supported courses to ensure the efficacy, effectiveness, and viability of alternative laboratory preparations.
- Demonstrates and troubleshoots new laboratory preparations in partnership with teaching faculty to ensure protocols are usable and meet college-level standards and the course's learning objective.
- Maintains accurate records on equipment maintenance and acquisition of supplies.
- Trains and supervises student lab assistants on the proper use of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and all applicable safety protocols.
- Supervises and trains graduate assistants who support laboratory preparations that could include laboratory set-ups and breakdowns as well as media and solution preparations
- Purchases and orders materials and supplies used in supported courses. Tracks expenditures in supported courses.
Other Duties
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Additional Job Description Required Qualifications:
- This position requires either six years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, an Associate's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization (or equivalent coursework in a relevant field of study) and four years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
- Full-time experience in a laboratory setting.
- Experience generating microbiological media, familiarity with autoclaving materials, maintenance of bacterial stock cultures, and basic molecular techniques including PCR and gel electrophoresis.
- Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, and Outlook).
- Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelors' Degree from an accredited institution in Microbiology, or other appropriate Natural Science.
- Two years of experience in a microbiology laboratory.
- Laboratory experience in an academic setting.
- Experience with microbiology, genetics, cellular biology, and/or molecular biology preparations.
- Experience working with students.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment.
- Knowledge of laboratory and experimental protocols and procedures.
- Knowledge of inventory control principles and methods.
- Knowledge of applicable safety standards, guidelines, and protocols.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects within deadlines.
- Ability to prepare stock chemicals according to given standards.
- Ability to understand and follow directions.
- Ability to maintain records and perform basic mathematical calculations.
- Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
- Ability to collaborate with classroom instructors to ensure delivery of a quality laboratory experience to students in a laboratory/classroom setting.
- Ability to prepare and set-up appropriate laboratory materials and equipment for various laboratory activities.
- Ability to utilize, calibrate, configure and/or troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instruments.
- Ability to work an irregular schedule as needed, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate class scheduling.
Pay Grade 15 FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
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Florida Gulf Coast University
Jan 26, 2026