Biological Science Instructional Support Technician II

California State University, Fullerton•Fullerton, CA

2d•$4,595 - $6,694•Onsite

About The Position

The Biological Science Instructional Support Technician II provides instructional support for molecular biology, genetics, general, and nursing microbiology laboratory courses in the Department of Biological Science. Maintains and subcultures an extensive collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoans) stocks and cell cultures. Provides expertise in researching and gathering information on unique and specific materials for keeping microorganism stocks and cell cultures viable. Prepares and sterilizes media and chemical solutions for laboratories. Provides training and limited support for equipment used to sterilize media, solutions, and biological waste. Supports special student projects as needed in these areas, including research activities. Provides expertise in special handling of laboratory organisms and chemicals, proper storage of these items, and correct safety and disposal procedures. Provides instructional support on proper usage of large variety of laboratory equipment for teaching and research in these areas. Helps train Laboratory Teaching Associates (TAs) and supervises and trains Student Assistants working in instructional laboratories. Provides support for faculty and graduate students doing research in these areas. Works directly with faculty members to support the development and implementation of new laboratory courses. Assists faculty with solving problems related to laboratory experimental flaws, troubleshooting, or locating alternative materials. Works with faculty/lab coordinator to update and maintain preparatory and laboratory manuals. Serves as the backup to the other Instructional Support Technician II assigned classes to provide similar instructional support in cell biology, immunology, and physiology. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Three years or the equivalent of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline or in producing materials or repairing equipment in a discipline related to the assigned area.
Completion of two years of college from an accredited college or university including sixteen semester units in related courses involving the extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment used in the discipline may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
Completion of four years of college from an accredited college or university including sixteen semester units in related courses involving the extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment used in the discipline may be substituted for two years of the required experience.
Knowledge of the principles of performing support services.
Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques related to the discipline and the curriculum.
Knowledge of the materials and supplies used in the curriculum and their uses.
Ability to plan, organize, and schedule activities.
Ability to operate technical equipment related to the discipline.
Ability to maintain records.
Ability to adjust and perform simple maintenance of technical and scientific equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in Molecular Biology/Genetics/Microbiology.
The ability to practice aseptic techniques is necessary to care for organisms and provide the needed materials and cultures for instruction and research.
Familiarity with policies and procedures associated with Biosafety Level 2 microorganisms.
Work experience with scientific instrumentation, molecular biology, genetics, and microbiological materials.
Experience using balances, autoclaves (steam sterilization), pH meters, blenders, biosafety and laminar flow cabinets, incubators, pipettes including air displacement micropipettes, centrifuges, microplate readers, thermocyclers, gel imaging equipment, electrophoresis equipment, gel documentation systems, microscopes, computers, heating and stir plates, UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, and ultraviolet lightbox.

Responsibilities

Provides instructional support for molecular biology, genetics, general, and nursing microbiology laboratory courses.
Maintains and subcultures an extensive collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoans) stocks and cell cultures.
Provides expertise in researching and gathering information on unique and specific materials for keeping microorganism stocks and cell cultures viable.
Prepares and sterilizes media and chemical solutions for laboratories.
Provides training and limited support for equipment used to sterilize media, solutions, and biological waste.
Supports special student projects as needed in these areas, including research activities.
Provides expertise in special handling of laboratory organisms and chemicals, proper storage of these items, and correct safety and disposal procedures.
Provides instructional support on proper usage of large variety of laboratory equipment for teaching and research in these areas.
Helps train Laboratory Teaching Associates (TAs) and supervises and trains Student Assistants working in instructional laboratories.
Provides support for faculty and graduate students doing research in these areas.
Works directly with faculty members to support the development and implementation of new laboratory courses.
Assists faculty with solving problems related to laboratory experimental flaws, troubleshooting, or locating alternative materials.
Works with faculty/lab coordinator to update and maintain preparatory and laboratory manuals.
Serves as the backup to the other Instructional Support Technician II assigned classes to provide similar instructional support in cell biology, immunology, and physiology.
Other duties as assigned.