Lab Technician

The laboratory fellow supports three lab managers in the Biology and Environmental Studies Departments. Lab managers and the fellow will work collaboratively to support and prepare teaching laboratories for lab courses.

Application review will begin immediately, and applications received by March 31 will receive full consideration.

Description:  The laboratory fellow supports three lab managers in the Biology and Environmental Studies Departments. Lab managers and the fellow will work collaboratively to support and prepare teaching laboratories for lab courses.

Application review will begin immediately, and applications received by March 31 will receive full consideration.

Job Summary/Basic Function:

• Prepare equipment, materials, and chemicals for laboratories (e.g., label tubes or other supplies, mix and aliquot reagents, pour agar plates).
• Keep laboratories stocked with supplies (e.g., refill bottles, paper towels, pipet tips, ice).
• Organize and care for equipment, supplies, and spaces (e.g., wash dishes, clean lab spaces).
• Participate in equipment sharing and record-keeping Biology Department.
• Share joint responsibility with professors and lab managers for ensuring laboratory safety and equipment care and maintenance.
• Help lab managers with field work (samples collection, field site preparation) and field equipment management.
• Communicate with lab managers to ensure efficient management and completion of tasks on time.
• Perform chemical and equipment inventory as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental studies (with a focus on natural science), or a related field.
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods. 
• Ability to lift 50lbs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Training:

• Above average interest and competence in biology techniques (laboratory and field).
• Strong communication and organization skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well with multiple supervisors (lab managers, faculty) and peers.
• Ability to take initiative in finding ways to be helpful and increase efficiency.

Job Duties (with % time):

• 30% Equipment movement and lab setup. Contribute to annual equipment and/or chemical inventories. Communicate sharing of instrumentation and prep spaces with lab managers.
• 40% Preparing materials for laboratories to include but not limited to: reagents, media, solutions, dilutions, aliquots.
• 30% Participate in Biology meetings, planning, committees, etc. Work with the Environmental Health & Safety Manager to support safe learning environments. Work with the Science Instrumentation Specialist and building services to maintain and repair lab equipment. Work with Animal Care staff to support safe and humane practices. Work with the Biology Administrative Assistant to support accurate records and budgets. Collaborate with staff and faculty for department events. Work with staff members in other science departments to establish best practices, enhance efficiencies, ensure safety, share knowledge, share equipment, etc. 

Expected Time Commitment: 

• Full time twelve month position
• Hours must be worked at an agreed upon schedule, which is dictated by the needs of the Lab Managers. Hours will typically happen Monday through Friday.
• Workload may vary week to week and across times of year, depending on number of courses offered and time of year (academic year vs. summer)

Responsibilities:

• Set up equipment for experiments, label tubes, aliquot reagents, pour plates.
• Refill bottles, replenish paper towels, fill pipet tips, wash dishes, and put out ice as needed
• Prepare materials, chemicals, and equipment as requested.
• Participate in equipment sharing and annual inventories for the Biology Department.
• Help maintain clean laboratory spaces as assigned.
• Complete all general tasks in the lab and those assigned specifically by the Lab Managers and/or professors.
• Share joint responsibility with professors and lab managers for safely maintaining equipment and environment of assigned biology labs.
• Help lab managers with field site collection and clean up.
• Continual communication with laboratory managers regarding task status.
• Perform chemical and equipment inventory as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills: 

• Above average interest and competence in biology and laboratory techniques.
• Desire to assist Lab Managers in preparing experiments with care and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well with supervising lab managers, faculty, and peers.
• Take initiative in finding ways to be helpful
• Organized, responsive, and efficient

In your application, please include a cover letter addressing how your knowledge, skills, and experience align with the job requirements as described above.