Laboratory Assistant EDGE Intern

LABORATORY ASSISTANT EDGE INTERN

About the Converse EDGE Internship Program

The Converse EDGE Internship Program provides students with meaningful, career-connected experiences that integrate professional skill development with hands-on workplace learning. Through mentorship, reflection, assessment, and practical application, EDGE Interns develop the career readiness competencies employers seek while making valuable contributions to campus departments and programs.

Position Description

The Laboratory Assistant EDGE Intern supports the daily and weekly operations of the chemistry teaching laboratories by helping prepare experiments, maintain laboratory readiness, support inventory management, and contribute to a safe and efficient learning environment. This position provides hands-on experience in laboratory operations, safety procedures, inventory systems, technical documentation, and quality control.

Through faculty-guided training and practical application, interns develop transferable skills that are valuable in a variety of laboratory settings, including industrial, medical, forensic, environmental, research, and quality-control laboratories. Students gain experience supporting laboratory operations while learning the organizational, technical, and safety practices required in professional laboratory environments.

Professional Development Outcomes (What You Will Gain)

By participating in this internship, students will:

• Develop experience preparing laboratory materials, solutions, and equipment using established procedures and protocols.
• Strengthen technical skills related to laboratory operations, safety practices, and quality control.
• Gain experience using inventory management systems and maintaining accurate laboratory records.
• Build organizational and problem-solving skills through laboratory preparation, documentation, and operational planning.
• Develop professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail in a laboratory environment where accuracy is essential.
• Learn how professional laboratories maintain safe, efficient, and well-documented operations.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Preparation

• Prepare solutions, materials, equipment, and software needed for chemistry laboratory experiments by following established laboratory protocols.
• Set up laboratory experiments and instructional activities to ensure classes are prepared and ready for use.
• Take down laboratory equipment, confirm that materials have been properly cleaned, and return items to appropriate storage locations following laboratory sessions.
• Support the daily and weekly operational tasks necessary to maintain safe and efficient laboratory environments.

Inventory & Safety Management

• Assist in maintaining accurate chemical inventory records using the Chemventory system.
• Support inventory management activities by verifying chemical locations, quantities, and storage requirements.
• Contribute to laboratory safety efforts by helping maintain supplies, equipment, and operational readiness.
• Assist with routine laboratory maintenance activities that support safety and efficiency.

Documentation & Process Improvement

• Create and update laboratory preparation manuals and operational documentation for chemistry laboratory courses.
• Edit and maintain existing preparation manuals as laboratory procedures and course activities evolve.
• Identify laboratory needs and communicate observations, recommendations, and operational concerns to faculty supervisors.
• Contribute ideas that improve laboratory organization, efficiency, and preparedness.

Special Projects

• Participate in department projects that support student recruitment, laboratory operations, and program visibility.
• Collaborate with departmental partners on projects such as admissions and outreach materials highlighting academic programs, student experiences, research opportunities, and alumni accomplishments.
• Exceptional students may have opportunities to assist with instructional support activities within chemistry laboratories under faculty supervision.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

EDGE Interns gain hands-on experience in laboratory operations, inventory management, technical documentation, safety compliance, quality control, and process improvement.

Project opportunities may include developing laboratory preparation manuals, maintaining inventory records through Chemventory, supporting laboratory readiness initiatives, and contributing to departmental outreach and recruitment materials.

Career Readiness Competencies Developed

Communication

• Communicate effectively with faculty and laboratory staff regarding operational needs, scheduling changes, laboratory observations, and procedural questions.

Critical Thinking

• Apply scientific reasoning, calculations, and problem-solving skills to laboratory preparation, inventory management, and operational planning.

Professionalism

• Demonstrate reliability, accountability, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols while working in a professional laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• Enrolled Converse University student in good academic standing.
• Preferred majors: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related scientific disciplines.
• Sophomore, junior, or senior standing preferred.
• Ability to safely and independently complete laboratory tasks following established procedures.
• Ability to perform calculations and prepare solutions accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Reliable attendance and effective communication regarding scheduling changes.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Standing for extended periods.
• Lifting and carrying materials.
• Participation in event setup and breakdown activities.

Supervision, Mentorship & Evaluation

EDGE Interns receive ongoing coaching, mentorship, and feedback throughout the academic year. Supervisors provide guidance on laboratory procedures, safety practices, professional development, and workplace expectations.

As part of the Converse EDGE Internship Program, interns participate in a structured assessment process designed to measure growth in career readiness competencies and professional development.

Position Details

• Position Type: EDGE Intern
• Department: Natural Sciences (Chemistry)
• Duration: Academic Year
• Pay Rate: $12.00 per hour
• Time: 10 hours per week
• Schedule: Determined in coordination with faculty supervisors
• Positions will remain open until filled. Hiring timelines vary by department, and some supervisors may move more quickly through the interview and selection process than others. Early application is encouraged.