Job Title: Paraprofessional (Molecular Biology)

Department: Molecular Biology

Campus Location: Main Campus

FLSA Status: Nonexempt/ Hourly

Position Type/ Work Schedule

• 1462.5 Hours per year
• 9 Months per year
• 37.5 Hours per week (Estimated)

About Us

At Colorado College, 2,300 students learn and live on our beautiful 99-acre campus in downtown Colorado Springs. We attract top students seeking new perspectives with an array of experiential learning opportunities possible only in an immersive learning environment. Here, students take only one class at a time to facilitate deep exploration of a topic. We call this the Block Plan. This unique approach allows members of our campus community to share a rhythm of experience as we work together to fulfill our mission. 

Job Summary

The Paraprofessional (Molecular Biology) will provide a variety of support to department faculty, staff, and students.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the professor(s) to support lectures, discussions, laboratory sessions, and examinations; in classes where individual projects are required, advise students on their project design and assist them in locating supplies and equipment as requested.
• Work with the Technical Director and Laboratory Coordinator to ensure that classrooms and laboratories are ready for students and cleaning up after the students leave.
• Report for blockly duties and assignments in the following order: most recent past-block/ current-block professor(s), next block professor(s), lab preparation staff, department administrative assistant, department chair; assist the Technical Director and Laboratory Coordinator between blocks.
• Assist in field trips by coordinating logistics concerning scientific supplies & equipment; may include coordinating food purchases. Support field trips by driving vehicles, including 12-passenger vans.
• Read, study, and be familiar with textbooks, laboratory guides, and other materials used by the students; maintain knowledge of where supplies and equipment are located in the department and the procedure for ordering supplies and equipment; maintain up-to-date knowledge of laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, gel imagers, and spectrometers.
• Assist in preparations for all special events within the department, notably, assist with preparations for Molecular Biology Day, which includes preparing posters and programs, and working with students on their thesis presentations.
• Assist in department chores, which include recycling, updating department computers, delivering mail, running errands, maintaining the Molecular Biology Canvas page, and cleaning/maintaining large departmental equipment (incubators, refrigerators, and freezers).
• Promote a culture of safety and environmental protection by working in a safe manner; immediately reporting unsafe situations and accidents; following college procedures; and participating in appropriate safety training.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology or related field, and an outstanding academic record
• Basic knowledge of general biology plus extended knowledge of laboratory procedures
• Ability to work effectively with professors, students, staff, and the entire college community
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to take initiative, to be a self-starter, to make decisions as necessary, ability to communicate effectively and develop positive relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds; and work independently as a professional
• Basic first aid skills
• Ability to drive vehicles on field trips, including 12 passenger vans.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is insurable by Colorado College’s motor vehicle insurance carrier.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Colorado College Block Plan and the Department of Molecular Biology
• Ability to adapt to varying tasks and demands that change based on the current block; some experience in public speaking, including presenting materials to a class; basic research skills and experience in biological research.

Applicants are welcome to apply even if you do not meet the preferred qualifications. We value diverse perspectives and encourage individuals with a genuine interest in the role to submit their applications. 

Other Position Details:

• Does not supervise others
• Position requires driving CC vehicles (drivers must be eligible for coverage under CC's insurance plan)

Application Instructions

• Application Deadline - last day to submit an application: 3/23/2026
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.  

For priority consideration, please apply 3/11/2026.

In alignment with our commitment to reduce potential bias in hiring, applicants may redact any information that discloses their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from educational institutions on resumes, certifications, transcripts, or other application materials. There will be no penalties for the omission of such information.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:

• $20.03 per hour

What We Offer:

As part of the total compensation for Staff and Faculty roles, we offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation and sick time - accrual of 0.085 vacation hours for each hour worked and 0.0462 hours of sick time for each hour worked
• Paid seasonal breaks and holidays
• 403(b) retirement plans where employees contribute 5% of pay and CC contributes 10%
• Tuition benefits for employee and eligible dependents
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Assistance Program
• Wellness benefits include free access to the sports center, swimming pool, arts and crafts, outdoor programs, and financial consultants

Benefits and Wellness Information:

Please refer to our Benefits Page

Explore the Department:The CC Department of Molecular Biology focuses on the universal properties shared by all living things, such as the inheritance and use of genetic information. Follow this link to learn more: Department of Molecular Biology

Accommodation Statement:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Colorado College’s policies, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Colorado College, or if you cannot use the online application system, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (719) 389-6421 or HR@ColoradoCollege.edu

E-Verify Information:

This organization participates in E-Verify. For more information, visit www.e-verify.gov

Leave Information:

Please refer to https://www.coloradocollege.edu/basics/welcome/leadership/policies/vacation-leave-and-accrual.html