Staff Scientist, Chemistry – Full Time

A full-time, non-exempt position reporting to the Sr. Scientist of Computer Science and Technology, located in Phoenix, Arizona.

About the Role

Join the Arizona Science Center as a Staff Scientist specializing in Chemistry. Your role will include developing content and delivering onsite engagement through demonstrations, workshops, hands-on activities, and educational programming. You will assist in maintaining chemical inventory, handling, and conducting chemical training for staff, ensuring content creation aligns with exhibits and relevant STEM holidays. This position plays a crucial role in training full-time and part-time science interpreters and communicators, making complex chemistry concepts accessible and exciting for guests of all ages.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, research, and develop new programs, workshops, and demonstrations in chemistry, ensuring they are age-appropriate and align with current curriculum standards and learning theories.
• Deliver, train, and oversee the implementation of chemistry programs by team members.
• Plan, organize, and deliver workshops, programs, and initiatives, collaborating with other departments to enhance the overall visitor experience.
• Develop, implement, train, and deliver specific content that aligns with STEM holidays and Arizona Science Center STEM programming.
• Create stage demonstrations and activations that align with exhibits related to chemistry.
• Provide and evaluate current, relevant, and compelling science content pertaining to Chemistry that is hands-on and aligns with floor exhibits.
• Continuously assess scientific content to verify its alignment with the latest scientific advancements.
• Anticipate needs/issues related to chemistry programming, identify solutions, and respond to guest/visitor complaints/concerns.
• Assist in other areas of Arizona Science Center as needed.
• Safely handle, store, and dispose of chemicals by OSHA regulations.
• Implement proper labeling and storage procedures for chemicals to ensure safety and compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or at least four years of related experience or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with standard computer applications; proficient in MS Office skills, including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Skill in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to adapt program content and complexity to the ages and interests of youth and adults.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to present effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage and engage small and large groups in learning activities.
• Ability to engage the audience in higher-level thinking through inquiry-based questioning and discussion.
• Ability to multitask and adjust quickly to changing priorities or organizational needs.
• Experience engaging people in interactive, hands-on, engaging learning experiences.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.

Skills

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to read, write, and converse in Spanish, Navajo, or Diné preferred.
• Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions in practical situations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to stand.
• Frequently lift or move up to 30 pounds; occasionally lift up to 65 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Necessary keyboard and computer mouse skills and the ability to read a color monitor.

Work Environment

• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.

Benefits

• 21 paid days off annually, including holidays, birthdays, and vacation days.
• 10 days of accrued sick time.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Life and Long Term Disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Professional Development Opportunities.
• Family membership to Arizona Science Center and 600+ Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC).
• Admission Exchange Program: Year-round complimentary admission for the employee and one guest to visit the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, etc.