Temporary Laboratory Technician

NOTE TO APPLICANT: Some positions require a resume, cover letter and/or other documents to be submitted with your application. Please submit these as one attachment in the My Experience section of the application under the “resume/CV” upload section. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to attach additional documents.

Laboratory Technician provides technical lab support to an introductory biology laboratory course by performing a variety of routine and moderately complex laboratory responsibilities & will assist chemistry faculty with the set-up and preparation of instructional chemistry labs. The Laboratory Technician works independently, reporting directly to the Chair of the Biology Department or another designated biology faculty member.

• Prepares labs for faculty and student use by organizing, setting-up and breaking down and maintaining laboratory equipment; coordinates the use of labs and equipment.
• Assists in the set-up, execution, and break down of experiments in teaching laboratories.
• Prepares chemical reagents, solutions, and culture media.
• Ensures the safe storage of biological and chemical materials.
• Sterilizes equipment, glassware, and media.
• Monitors inventories of expendable supplies (e.g., chemicals, reagents, plasticware, glassware) and advises faculty or staff of reordering needs. May be responsible for ordering materials in consultation with faculty and other staff.
• Troubleshoots experiments using current methods in biochemistry and molecular biology; assists in evaluating methods, procedures and techniques used in experiments.
• Assists faculty with developing new teaching laboratory experiences.
• Supervises and trains research students in lab methods and procedures, working and consulting with faculty in support of laboratory curriculum.
• Assists in the proper collection and disposal of waste materials according to regulations and department policy.
• Participates in and contributes to a safe environment by keeping current with safety regulations, checking and maintaining equipment, orienting student assistants to the proper use of materials and equipment, and overseeing compliance with regulations.
• Working from a written protocol, prepares the equipment, reagents, solutions, and student work areas for the general chemistry laboratory course and other chemistry laboratory courses, including physical chemistry laboratory, as needed.
• Consults with the faculty teaching laboratory courses regarding the set-up and safe practices in the teaching laboratories.
• May lead and/or guide the work of student employees.
• Performs other related duties as required as a member of the Chemistry Department support staff.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field. Coursework should include molecular biology and/or biochemistry labs. A combination of undergraduate coursework and related experience may be considered.

One to two years’ experience with modern biological/biochemical instrumentation, molecular biological, microbiological, and/or cell biological techniques highly desirable.

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a classroom/laboratory setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (e.g. 20 lbs.); to operate laboratory and office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a…