Lab Technician II

About the Role

The Laboratory Technician II provides operation and maintenance of teaching laboratory facilities and equipment in the Department of Biological Sciences. Performs all procedures necessary to maintain a safe, uninterrupted work environment in accordance with departmental, university, and national safety guidelines. Supports student success by contributing to the creation of a high-quality learning environment and continuous improvement and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and maintains laboratories facilities for teaching instruction.
• Prepares solvents, solutions, reagents, and apparatuses according to faculty guidelines.
• Maintains clean laboratories facilities.
• Responsible for set up and breakdown of equipment.
• Participates in environmental health and safety audits, maintains accurate records, and ensures compliance with safety regulations of science laboratories.
• Provides training on proper usage of laboratory equipment and safe laboratory practices including safe handling and disposal of biohazardous materials, and standard policies and protocols for reporting unusual events.
• Performs routine maintenance and inspections to ensure optimum calibration and condition of equipment.
• Maintains supplies for laboratory courses and replenish stocks of solvents, reagents, and solutions.
• Ensures chemicals are stored in the correct manner according to safety codes, regulations, and best practices.
• Maintains accurate records on equipment maintenance and acquisition of supplies.
• Trains and supervises student lab assistants on the proper use of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and all applicable safety protocols.
• Assists in the development of laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma and four years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Relevant experience in a laboratory setting.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Marine Science, Chemistry, or other appropriate Natural or Physical Science.
• Laboratory experience in an academic setting.
• Experience with microbiology, genetics, cellular biology, and/or molecular biology preparations.
• Experience working with students.

Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.
• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory and experimental protocols and procedures.
• Knowledge of inventory control principles and methods.
• Knowledge of applicable safety standards, guidelines, and protocols.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects within deadlines.
• Ability to prepare stock chemicals according to given standards.
• Ability to understand and follow directions.
• Ability to maintain records and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to collaborate with classroom instructors to ensure delivery of a quality laboratory experience to students in a laboratory/classroom setting.
• Ability to prepare and set-up appropriate laboratory materials and equipment for various laboratory activities.
• Ability to utilize, calibrate, configure, and/or troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Able to work an irregular schedule as needed, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate class scheduling.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.