Laboratory Technician - Pierce College

POSITION SUMMARY

Amgen Biotech Experience Los Angeles (ABE-LA), funded by the Amgen Foundation, is an innovative science education program that provides teacher professional development, teaching materials, and research-grade equipment and supplies to secondary schools free of charge and features a hand-on molecular biology curriculum that introduces students to the excitement of scientific discovery through cutting edge in-person and online lab experiences. 

To learn more about Amgen Biotech Experience visit: www.amgenbiotechexperience.net/losangeles/

The part-time Laboratory Technician is the supporting staff person at the Pierce College ABE distribution center, having responsibility for daily workings of the program, and is the secondary contact for teachers. This is a part-time, non-exempt, hourly position starting September 2026 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The part-time ABE Laboratory Technician  will: 

• Serve as an ABE-LA representative and secondary liaison with teachers and ABE program partners on behalf of the distribution center
• Work directly with the ABE-LA team, under the supervision of the ABE-LA Site Director and Pierce College site coordinator, to ensure the quality and outcomes of the work are accomplished in a timely and professional manner 
• Coordinate lab materials preparation, equipment maintenance and distribution to teachers
• Provide technical assistance for participating teachers
• Assist in training student interns on weekend workdays
• Provide support and assist with the planning and implementation of the ABE-LA teacher training workshops and other ABE-LA teacher events as needed
• Serve as a lab technician for professional development workshops
• Provide program expertise and advice to ABE-LA site staff 
• Prepare and submit reports in a timely manner
• Perform other duties as assigned

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Be a current student in the Pierce CollegeBiotechnology Certificate Program or Bachelor’s degree with demonstrated lab experience in Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a related science field 
• 1 year of experience working in a biology laboratory setting 
• Applicants with graduate teaching assistantship experience are encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated proficiency using computer applications, online resources, and other technologies for the classroom preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of laboratory procedures, and experience with laboratory equipment, techniques and safety.
• High-standard of “Principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) in a lab environment.
• Essential biotechnology labs skills required:
  • Micropipetting, Solution Preparation, Basic microbiology culture  techniques,  Gel Electrophoresis, Molecular Cloning (restriction digest/ligation), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Bacterial Transformation and protein purification.
• Ability to communicate technical information explicitly, troubleshoot and conduct/record quality control.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to efficiently evaluate, prioritize, and handle multiple and changing projects and priorities.
• Able to communicate positively and effectively with school administrators, teachers, students, and LA Promise Fund staff.
• Ability to work with limited supervision as well as in a collaborative team setting.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, as needed by the program, including occasional after-hours and weekends.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth 
• Comfortable receiving input from many sources and able to analyze and formulate disparate information into a sound, well-organized plan 
• Innovative thinker who can contribute to continuous improvement of protocols, policies and operating procedures 
• Flexible and adaptable individual willing to learn new systems and approaches as technology and platforms change 
• Fluent computer skills including database, word processing, spreadsheets, and online communications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom)
• Commitment to LA Promise Fund mission and Core Values of Integrity, Accountability, Collaboration, Professionalism, Excellence, and Fairness
• Must clear a Live Scan criminal background check 
• Must clear a TB Risk Assessment 
• Must complete Mandated Reporter training