Instructional Lab Specialist

About the role

This position plays a key role in supporting excellence in undergraduate general chemistry education. The Instructional Lab Specialist works with the senior instructional lab specialist and lab directors to oversee the General Chemistry Stockroom, provides oversight of student workers, and works closely with dozens of teaching assistants and thousands of students. Responsibilities include preparation and storage of chemicals, supplies, and instrumentation used in the general chemistry instructional laboratories, as well as assisting with acquisition, technical preparation, and organization of laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the acquisition, technical preparation, and organization of laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment used in the instructional laboratories of the Department of Chemistry
• Support and participate in the educational mission of the Department of Chemistry by directly providing safety and laboratory material assistance to students and teaching assistants in the instructional laboratory
• Support the operations of the instructional program by participating in various trainings and committee meetings
• Assist in the supervision, training, and management of undergraduate assistants, hourly student workers, and temporary employees
• Develop and maintain safety protocols and staff notes for experiment preparation
• Inspect, maintain, and repair equipment and instrumentation used in instructional laboratories
• Oversee stockroom operations and inventory
• Assist with the design and development of engaging, effective learning experiences which may be face-to-face, blended, and/or online
• Complete initial edits, reviews, and updates of existing instructional materials
• Provide support for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and disseminating data to identify instructional program needs and enhance effectiveness
• Contribute to researching, designing, and/or acquiring learning resources, technologies, materials, and/or processes to support learning
• Assist with providing basic training and technical support to learners in settings such as classrooms, labs, clinics, and distance learning mediums
• Assist with the design and development of multimedia learning materials
• Provide consultation, training, and/or support for learning technology tools and platforms
• Provide support for faculty development and engagement programs and activities
• Analyze, test, troubleshoot, resolve issues, and provide feedback regarding learning technologies

Schedule

This is a second shift position with a typical schedule of 12 pm to 9 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 12 pm to 6 pm on Friday.

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $53,000 up to $63,000 annually, for highly experienced candidates. Actual pay within this range will depend on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Competitive insurances and savings accounts
• Retirement benefits

Requirements

• Technical knowledge associated with safely preparing and measuring properties of chemicals, as well as special handling, storage, and disposal requirements for both chemicals and equipment
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with students, teaching assistants, lab directors, external service providers, and fellow stockroom personnel

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with maintenance of current state-of-the-art laboratory practices, protocols, instrumentation, and equipment
• Ability to write clear instructional notes and technical documents explaining laboratory techniques and set-up procedures for the purpose of preparing experiments in an instructional setting
• Knowledge of computer operations (e.g., Windows/iOS) and inventory database upkeep

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred, in chemistry or a closely related discipline, such as biochemistry or molecular biology.