What are the responsibilities and job description for the Co-Op Teaching Assistant & Lab Technician position at Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute?
- Work Location: 55 Blackburn Center, Gloucester, MA, 01930 / Boston, MA (TBD)
- Division/Department: Academy
- Reports to: Biotechnology Instructor
- Full-time: 40 hours per week beginning July 7, 2025
Academy Description
Gloucester Biotechnology Academy offers innovative education programs based on molecular biology, cell culture, and biomanufacturing. Our nine-month adult vocational training program prepares high school graduates for careers as entry-level technicians in biotechnology and life science laboratories. The curriculum emphasizes immersive, hands-on application of the techniques, instrumentation, and career skills necessary for success in a professional laboratory.
In addition to the vocational program, the Academy offers STEM Enrichment courses to middle school and high school students that foster exploration, discovery, and problem-solving skills using cutting-edge molecular biology and cell culture. The Academy strives to instill a sense of curiosity about the natural world and a love of science, technology, engineering, and math in all its students.
Position Summary
Are you passionate about science with deep ties to the Gloucester or Boston communities, and looking for hands-on teaching experience? Gloucester Biotechnology Academy is expanding its immersive, lab-based STEM curriculum to Boston, and we’re seeking enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our team!
This six-month, full-time opportunity (July–December) is perfect for recent graduates, emerging educators, or aspiring scientists who want to gain real-world teaching experience while making a meaningful impact.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Teach & Mentor: Help deliver cutting-edge STEM education in Summer STEM Enrichment courses for Boston youth (ages 12–17) and adult vocational training (ages 18–30) in Gloucester.
- Train with Experts: Work alongside veteran lab professionals to develop your teaching skills and deepen your knowledge of modern biotechnology methods.
- Build Your Career: Gain mentorship, hands-on experience, and professional development—with potential opportunities for full-time employment at the Academy after the program.
Ideal candidates will have experience in molecular biology and biotech workflows and are eager to bring energy, professionalism, and curiosity into the lab and classroom.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with instruction of laboratory technique and instrumentation.
- Lead classroom instruction (when and where comfort level permits).
- Prepare materials for instructors and students.
- Set up labs for daily experiments including reagents and equipment.
- Maintain chemical, consumable, and equipment inventory.
- Manage waste streams including consumables recycling and biohazardous materials disposal.
- Perform routine, periodic maintenance of instruments and safety equipment.
- Assist in review of curricula for improvement and help test new protocols.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Working toward an associate or bachelor’s degree with related lab experience in biology, chemistry, molecular biology, or biotechnology.
- Experience conducting experiments with modern biotechnology instrumentation and methods.
- Sound understanding of accepted laboratory techniques and practices.
- Ability to interpret and present scientific data to individuals with a non-science background.
- Passion and enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring students.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- High energy, can-do attitude, capable of working in a dynamic environment.
- Self-starter, takes initiative with little need for prompting.
- Committed to the GMGI mission of innovative science and education.
- Supports GMGI’s pledge to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Other
- Travel support will be provided to offset cost of commute to Gloucester and Boston.
