Molecular and Microbiology Instructional Support Technician II

Job no: 562266
Work type: Staff
Location: San José
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Education Support Professionals

Reporting to the Director of Resources and Operations and receiving work lead direction from the Chair of the Biological Sciences Department, the Molecular and Microbiology Biology Instructional Support Technician II supports the daily operations of the Microbiology Service Center and provides comprehensive laboratory support for lower- and upper-division microbiology and molecular biology courses. Working independently under limited supervision, this position prepares teaching laboratories, procures and prepares reagents and materials, maintains scientific equipment, supports laboratory safety and waste procedures, and communicates with faculty regarding instructional support needs.

• Plan and coordinate semester laboratory preparation by reviewing course schedules and developing calendars for reagents, media, equipment, supplies, and technical support needs
• Procure, prepare, and aliquot laboratory supplies, materials, services, chemicals, biological reagents, and media from SJSU-approved vendors; maintain inventories and reorder materials as needed
• Operate and maintain scientific instrumentation used in microbiology and molecular biology courses, coordinate equipment scheduling and repairs, and assist faculty with developing laboratory exercises
• Support daily Microbiology Service Center operations, including handling and disposing of biological and chemical waste, supporting projects, and training or overseeing student assistants
• Maintain required safety training and compliance, initiate and track routine repairs and minor facilities modifications, participate on the Building Evacuation Team, and complete required People Soft, respirator protection, and hazardous materials training

• General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices.
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Working knowledge of, and ability to operate, scientific instrumentation used in molecular and microbiology
• Working knowledge of the use of aseptic technique
• Solid content knowledge of microbiology and molecular biology
• Ability to prepare chemical and biological reagents
• Ability to calibrate and maintain scientific instrumentation
• Ability to translate laboratory exercises into needs for supplies, equipment, reagents, and technical support
• Ability to wear a respirator during an emergency situation
• Ability to handle multiple work priorities, organize, and plan work
• Ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports (requires knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as professional writing)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications
• Working knowledge of common software applications for word processing and spreadsheet production
• Ability to quickly learn and apply a variety of federal, state, county, CSU, and SJSU laws, policies and procedures, especially as regards the proper handling and disposal of microorganisms and chemicals

• A combination of education and experience will be considered
• Equivalent to three (3) years of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline, or in producing materials or supplies or repairing equipment in a discipline related to the area to which…