Jobs in the Swarthmore Biology Department

Academic Year Positions

Biology 001 or 002 Catalyst

• Hours per week: 7-10 hours per week average during Fall/Spring semesters
• Qualifications: Selection criteria include compassion, comprehension and communication skills. Completion of BIO 01 and/or BIO 02 or AP credit required. Previous or concurrent enrollment in at least one intermediate-level biology course preferred.
• Position Description: Catalysts conduct evening study group meetings, also called Reaction Centers (RC's) that focus on collaborative problem solving using lecture-based material. They attend lectures and assist during active-learning exercises, and attend weekly content meetings led by faculty and weekly pedagogical meetings led by Professor Ben Geller. These are part-time, hourly paid positions.
• Application: The Bio 1 or 2 catalyst and lab teaching assistant application (depending on semester) can be found here. Interested students are directed to apply the semester preceding employment at posted times. Applications may also be obtained from the Biology Department not during the posted hiring times by contacting the Administrative Coordinator.

Laboratory Teaching Assistant (Lab TA)

• Hours per week: 5-8 hours per week average during Fall/Spring semesters
• Qualifications: Selection criteria include prior experience in the course, laboratory expertise and communication skills.
• Position Description: Laboratory Teaching Assistant (Lab TA) positions are available for Biology 001 and 002 and certain intermediate-level courses (Genetics, Marine Biology, and Animal Physiology, for example). Each semester, approximately 5 students are selected by faculty and instructional staff members to assist in Biology 001 and Biology 002. Each Lab TA attends one preparatory meeting per week and assists in one laboratory section per week. Biology 001 and 002 Lab TA's also conduct evening laboratory help sessions, also called GRASSS,  on Sunday evenings during the semester. Responsibilities for intermediate-level courses vary and will be described by individual faculty. These are part time, hourly paid positions.
• Application: The Bio 1 or 2 catalyst and lab teaching assistant application (depending on semester) can be found here.  Interested students are directed to apply the semester preceding employment at posted times. Applications may also be obtained from the Biology Department not during the posted hiring times by contacting the Administrative Coordinator.

Biology department support positions

Laboratory Instructor in Biology

The Swarthmore College Biology Department seeks one or more full-time Laboratory Instructors beginning Fall semester 2025.  Responsibilities include assisting faculty in the development,  instruction and preparation of laboratories and field trips for introductory and intermediate classes as well as attending lectures, interacting with students, guiding scientific writing, and grading. Our curriculum is student-centered and Laboratory Instructors mentor and support students in their learning.  We seek an individual with broad training in biology including lab experience with a preference for individuals with molecular biology expertise.  This is an academic-year position (responsibilities from mid-August through mid-May, with salary and benefits paid over 12 months) and renewable contingent on a positive review.

Field work experience is a plus but not required. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's or Master’s degree and bring enthusiasm for learning new concepts and techniques, strong communication skills, and an ability to work collaboratively. Flexibility, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and comfort driving a full-size van and working with a wide range of instrumentation and animals are required. More information and instructions to apply here.

Temporary Animal Care Technician

The Temporary Animal Care Technician ((T)ACT) will be responsible for ensuring good husbandry and upkeep of various vertebrate and invertebrate species (if needed) within their respective labs in Swarthmore College’s Biology department. The Temporary Animal Care Technician will also be responsible for monitoring animal welfare and compliance with institutional animal care and use policies, as well as federal laws.

The Temporary Animal Care Technician will work under the direction of the Animal Care Technician and Principle Investigators with research animals but will be supervised by the Chair of the Biology Department. The core responsibilities of the (T)ACT are focused on animal husbandry, including daily health and welfare checks, providing food, water, and enrichment, and changing animal cages, tanks, and terrariums. Priority for vertebrate species will be necessary but the incumbent will also perform husbandry for invertebrate species including insects and aquatic invertebrates if needed. The Animal Care Technician will be required to operate equipment such as cage washers, sanitizers, foggers, and autoclaves. This is a limited-term, full-time, non-exempt, 35 hour per week position. The (T)ACT will be required to work weekends and holidays including winter break as part of their regular schedule. More information and instructions to apply here.

Frequently, there are positions available to help support the department in our greenhouse, media room, shop, intermediate and upper level courses, and other aspects of the department operations. Contact the Administrative Coordinator to learn more.