Research Associate - Chemistry Teaching Lab

Staff Research Associate - Chemistry Teaching Lab

Join to apply for the Staff Research Associate - Chemistry Teaching Lab role at University of California, Santa Cruz.

Under the supervision of the Instructional Labs Manager, the incumbent will perform a wide variety of administrative and technical operations related to the general management and day‑to‑day operations of the Undergraduate Teaching Labs of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Primary assignment will be in the Natural Sciences II facility, which consists of 5 general chemistry labs, a stockroom, and 3 equipment rooms.

The incumbent may also be called to assist if support is needed in the Thimann Labs building.

• Salary: $26.93/hour
• Benefits Level: Full benefits
• Schedule: Full‑time, Fixed – 100%, 40 hours per week, Mon‑Fri, Day shift
• Classification: Career appointment
• Union Representation: RX Union
• Job End Date: None
• Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus
• Travel: Never or Rarely

• Instructional Laboratory Duties (50%)
  • Prepare materials and set up equipment and supplies for laboratory experiments in timely, safe, and economical fashion and/or oversee students who perform these tasks.
  • Prepare and standardize reagents and solutions.
  • Interact with faculty and TAs to work on and troubleshoot experiment problems.
  • Set‑up, test, calibrate and maintain (including minor repairs) laboratory instruments for instructional use.
  • Maintain supplies and general reagent inventories.
  • Communicate the efficient and safe use of hazardous materials to students. Clean and store equipment and materials following classes.
  • Maintain order and cleanliness in the teaching labs and prepare solutions as needed.
  • Notify students and instructors of the nature of any hazards in the lab and the safety precautions to take.
  • Implement appropriate procedures to monitor and decontaminate equipment and laboratories.
  • Clean or direct student employees to clean lab benches and wash glassware, thus keeping laboratories and lab prep areas clean and organized.
• Hazardous Waste Disposal and Maintenance (30%)
  • Implement appropriate procedures for disposal of chemical waste.
  • Organize and oversee hazardous waste collection, disposal and record‑keeping.
• Administrative Duties (20%)
  • Train, assign work, and oversee student employees.
  • Maintain laboratory chemical and equipment inventory.

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Knowledge of the general principles of chemistry and physics as attained through science coursework leading to a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related area.
• Knowledge of Environment Health and Safety policies regarding lab safety, safe reagent handling and storage, and waste handling and disposal procedures as obtained in classes at UCSC or from a related area.
• A theoretical and practical knowledge of modern laboratory instrumentation including the ability to use, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform routine repairs in such instruments as balances, pH meters, pipettors, spectrophotometers, etc.
• Laboratory skills sufficient to perform accurate weighing, mixing, and pH adjustment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer‑service skills.
• Ability to work directly and independently with solvents and chemicals in all facilities as the course syllabi requires.
• Ability to maintain organized records.
• Ability to use electronic mail, word processing, and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to prioritize and organize a variety of tasks from oral and written instructions in a manner that allows deadlines to be met.

• Ability to train, assign work and oversee student laboratory assistants.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to carry out repetitive laboratory procedures while paying close attention to detail.

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre‑employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Th…