Laboratory Prep Technician

South Dakota State University ( SDSU ) is currently seeking a self-motivated and customer-service oriented Laboratory Program Assistant to join the Department of Biology and Microbiology within the College of Natural Sciences

This Department of Biology and Microbiology offers a variety of undergraduate degree programs including Human Biology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology. Together these majors train over 500 undergraduates for admission to professional programs in healthcare domains, graduate school, careers in industry, and a variety of other career paths. The Department is a key driver of South Dakota State University’s R1 Our Way mission to expand federally funded research and has active research and graduate programs focused on mammalian physiology and cell biology, microbial biology, plant physiology and molecular biology, and bioprocessing biotechnology.

Department members lead or contribute to large research programs including multiple federally-funded research centers and engage in STEM outreach and workforce development. South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position provides technical support for the academic and instructional labs within the department. Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Communicating closely with instructors to ensure teaching lab needs are met
• Working effectively as a team member in supporting general laboratory operation
• Timely preparation of laboratories including set-up and take-down of teaching materials and equipment and cleaning and organizing of teaching labs.
• Maintenance of lab prep room including keeping inventory of and ordering supplies as needed as well as proper disposal of all waste (biohazard, chemical, etc.)
• Training and managing graduate and undergraduate laboratory assistants
• Adherence to and education of others on appropriate safety standards and protocols

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

Knowledge of:

• Safe handling and cleaning of common laboratory tools (pipettes, microscopes, centrifuges, etc.)
• OSHA guidelines and safe laboratory practices
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in laboratory testing
• Basic laboratory principles, practices and procedures including equipment operation and general terminology
• Inventory Management
• Microsoft Office Suite

Skill & Ability to:

• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Effective organizational, time-management and record-keeping
• Understand and interpret laboratory protocols and procedures including chemical and biological safety standards
• Train, supervise and/or direct the work of others effectively
• Working effectively in a team environment as well as independently

• Bachelor’s degree by start date

This position is classified as a Laboratory Program Assistant.

Cognitive Requirements

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