OPS Laboratory Technician

This position is responsible for providing general research support for multiple research labs within the department as well as assisting with set up and operations of teaching labs for courses within the department, as needed. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, able to work independently with little direction, and comfortable with a workload that changes from day to day. The position requires working with multiple faculty, graduate students, bio-scientists, and technicians in the department. Responsibilities include equipment maintenance, housekeeping duties, and providing technical and scientific support.

- Provide General Research Support
Help Faculty researchers within the department with lab set up, organization, lab closing, and housekeeping (e.g. autoclaving supplies and biohazard waste, following EHS protocols). Strong communication and personal ability to work with lab manager, professors and students at all times to ensure accuracy.
Provide benchtop and other scientific support to faculty researchers needing additional support in their labs, including helping with time-sensitive research

- Assist with Animal Experiments
Assist with in vivo studies involving dogs, cats, mice, or chickens
Help maintain and clean non-ACS animal facilities

- Assist with Teaching Labs
Assist with set up, organization, and clean up of teaching labs for courses within the department

- Other duties as assigned

General direction is provided by the Department Chair on a daily to weekly basis. Considerable independence and initiative are expected of this position. The employee is expected to plan and organize their assignments independently with moderate direction from the supervisor. The employee is also expected to advise their supervisors of any changes or updates related to the various programs they support.

This position may require lengthy periods of time typing on a computer keyboard, using a mouse, reading a computer monitor, using a desktop phone, and sitting at a desk. The employee is also required to clean and disinfect animal isolators, which is a laborious task, and organize -80C freezers in the department.

The employee should be able to communicate/work effectively and professionally (both verbally and in writing) with the administrators, faculty, students, residents, and staff within the department and other units.

Employee will not have monetary responsibility in terms of purchasing or budgeting, but will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of shared laboratory equipment.

Monday - Friday, between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; some weekend or after-hours work may be required to check on alarming equipment. Approximately 30 hours a week.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
-Self-motivated
-Practices excellent customer service
-Takes ownership of the resolution of problems
-Remains flexible and accountable
-Manages conflicting responsibilities
-Prioritizes tasks
-Consistently meets deadlines
-Uses good judgment to reduce duplicity within the workplace
-Finds additional tasks as needed

Ability to strategically plan each day to ensure all demands are met with organization and ease.

$18.00 - $20.00 an hour

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related life science field; or associate degree in biology or a closely related field plus two years of relevant experience.

Preference will be given to those with a demonstrable background in general benchtop lab skills (preparing laboratory media, serological assays, cell culture techniques, and basic molecular biological techniques, including gel-based and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and experience in working with laboratory animals.

SKILLS:
Exceptional organizational and time management skills, high levels of attention to detail, reliability, and professionalism in communications, personal conduct, and personal presentation.
Basic computer skills and capable of impeccable record keeping and data recording.

ABILITIES:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and interact cordially with co-workers to accomplish common tasks.
Basic computer skills and capable of impeccable recordkeeping and data recording.
Listen and follow directions, and use good judgment to plan, organize, coordinate, and prioritize multiple work assignments and meet deadlines.
Ability to conduct scientific experiments independently or with minimum supervision, following established protocols and adhering to all safety standards.
Function under highly stressful circumstances and efficiently and accurately complete work under sometimes very short time constraints.
Communicate well both verbally and in writing with faculty, staff, graduate students, and residents; including handling telephone calls and emails in a courteous and efficient manner.
Maintain effective communication with supervisor.
Maintain confidentiality with sensitive materials and act with discretion.
Physically able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

This is a time-limited position. 

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.