Technical Assistant III (Educ)

Job Summary

The Laboratory Technician supports Introductory Biology courses by preparing materials, equipment, and reagents for lab sessions and ensuring all instruments and supplies are ready and functioning. The role assists faculty and teaching assistants, troubleshoots lab issues, and maintains compliance with safety standards.

Essential Functions

• Prepares and sets up for laboratory components of Biology courses, including but not restricted to Bio 151, Bio 152, and Bio 153 Introductory Biology.
• Operates and demonstrates the use of technical equipment and instrumentation.
• Inspects to assure that equipment and computer programs are in working order and assigns or performs repairs, maintenance and calibrations necessary to make them lab ready.
• Purchases and maintains laboratory equipment, supplies and chemicals.
• Maintains cultures or stocks of bacteria.
• Ensures that the lab and all personnel are compliant with Federal, State, and University guidelines for the safe use of hazardous chemicals.
• Handles and disposes of said chemicals and waste in accordance with EH&S and federal regulations.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience using modern molecular biology, cell biology, and microscopy/imaging techniques.
• An associate's degree or above can substitute for the required experience.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation including but not limited to microscopes, balances, pH meters, centrifuges, autoclaves, laminar flow hoods, and spectrophotometers.
• Knowledge of chemistry required to prepare solutions and reagents.
• Ability to plan, organize and troubleshoot scientific procedures for the operation of laboratory exercises.
• Knowledge of Macintosh computers.
• Ability to work well in a team and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to train others in the use of equipment and performance of laboratory exercises.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Life Sciences.

Additional Details

• UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued.
• Working Conditions: Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.
• Work Schedule and Work Arrangement: Mondays and Tuesday; 1pm-9PM Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9am-5pm.

Salary Information

• Pay Grade: USA/MTA Grade 15
• Click here to view the Classified Step Scale

Special Instructions for Applicants

• Along with the application, please submit a resume.
• References will be checked at the finalist stage.
• Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

Application Information

• This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified.
• Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.