Science Department Specialist

About This Role

Responsible for daily operations of the laboratories including preparing experiments, laboratory apparatus, equipment, materials, and reagents. Performs clerical and administrative tasks, inventory, purchases, and supervising work-study students. Maintains the lab and equipment, participates in meetings and special projects, and assists faculty and students.

What a day of a Science Department Specialist looks like

• Prepares solutions and lab chemicals, obtains specimens, and operates the lab equipment
• Manages, controls, and disposes of hazardous and biohazardous materials
• Maintains current records of hazardous and biohazardous waste removal
• Inspects laboratory equipment and machinery for safe operation
• Reports any observed problems to the supervisor
• Performs minor repairs and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Arranges for the maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment and machinery
• Keeps and updates records for out-of-service and in-service facilities, plants, and equipment due to maintenance, including performance records
• Maintains a library of technical reference materials
• Actively participates in the inventory control activities of the department
• Prepares purchase orders for needed supplies, materials, and equipment and submits to supervisor for processing
• Assists with budgeting for laboratory needs, recommends the purchase of equipment and supplies, and maintains inventories
• Assists with developing, evaluating, and purchasing lab and program materials and resources
• Coordinates resources with laboratory textbooks and course syllabus to ensure a successful program meets student learning outcomes
• Reviews laboratory materials and evaluates the usefulness of lab resources periodically to ensure the accuracy of information
• Assists course instructors with keeping equipment operational and replenishing reagents
• Interacts with students, faculty, staff, and suppliers, answers questions and resolves issues
• Serves as lead worker to other laboratory staff
• Trains and oversees work-study students and assigns tasks
• Maintains and performs in a safe workplace and follows established safety practices
• Stays current with required lab safety training
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• One year of related experience, to include hands-on research lab experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Professional or similar application
• Skilled in attention to detail while maintaining effective time and task management
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, competing priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing on a regular basis with internal and external customers, build relationships, manage customer expectations, and take responsibility for a high level of service

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Reach and grasp objects - Daily
• Repetitive movement of wrists, hands, fingers - Weekly
• Stand for extended periods of time - Daily
• Use of video display terminal - Daily
• Receive and understand information through oral and written communication - Daily
• Proofread and check documents for accuracy - Daily
• Work with equipment or perform procedures where carelessness may result in injury - Daily
• Lift or carry objects weighing 10 to 25 pounds - Occasionally
• Work a fluctuating work schedule - Occasionally

Benefits and Culture

• Culture: Be part of an inclusive, Panther First environment where every role has a purpose, and employees have a sense of belonging
• Education Benefits: Tuition fee waiver at PBSC, tuition reimbursement, degree recognition award, educational leave, and more. Public Service Loan Forgiveness institution
• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, parental leave, and more
• Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, holidays, and spring and winter breaks offering additional paid time off
• Panther Perks: Potential remote or hybrid opportunities, wellness programs, and apps related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more
• Professional Development: Leadership programs, professional learning workshops, and more
• Retirement Investments: State retirement plan options and voluntary 403(b) and 457 plans

Pay

The minimum base pay for this position starts at $19.52/hr, however, the offer may vary based on the candidate's education and experience.