Instrument & Lab Specialist

Westminster University•Salt Lake City, UT

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Instrument and Laboratory Specialist supports the operations of the Meldrum Science Center by maintaining scientific equipment, instrumentation, computational software applications, stockroom and laboratory facilities. This role is responsible for preparing labs, managing stockroom functions, and providing training and technical support to faculty and students. The position also collaborates with vendors and campus partners to ensure equipment functionality, safety, and efficient lab operations. This is a full-time, 12-month position (40 hours per week), with the possibility of reduced hours during some summer months.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a science field, with preference of masters.
Experience in a modern scientific laboratory setting where required responsibilities include the operation, and routine maintenance of instruments (such as HPLC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, DART-TOF-MS, UV/Vis spectrophotometers, FT-IR, NMR, fluorometers, voltammeter, flame AA, PCR, Coulter counter, freeze dryer, microwave digestor, centrifuges, etc.).
Experience in troubleshooting and diagnosing instrument failures, as well as experience or formal training in the repair or rebuilding of a laboratory instrument or vacuum pump system.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to liaise with technical representatives from instrumentation companies.
Mathematical skills that are commensurate with the operation of advanced scientific equipment including the ability to calculate Std Error, tolerances, and quantitation for calibrating equipment according to NIST standards.
Knowledge of instrument/computer connectivity, instrument operating software systems, and instrument networking. Experience with Linux system administration is desirable.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience working in a modern scientific laboratory with hands-on experience maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing a wide range of scientific instruments currently used within the Meldrum Science Center.
Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field.
Strong knowledge of modern laboratory facility design.
Experience mentoring or working with students.
Excellent multitasking skills.

Responsibilities

Repair and maintain equipment and instrumentation for the Science Division. When repairs exceed the specialist’s current training or expertise, obtain appropriate training and coordinate with external vendors as necessary.
Edit existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for instruments for ease of use, clarity and instrument updates, creating SOP’s for newly acquired instruments and equipment.
Train faculty and students in the efficient and safe use of instruments.
Provide technical computer support for the Science Division, including instrument network connectivity, software installation, and system upgrades. When support requirements exceed the specialist’s current training or expertise, pursue appropriate training and coordinate with Information Services (IS) and external vendors as needed.
Order and install new equipment as faculty requires.
Provide assistance to science faculty in the preparation, teaching and breakdown of laboratory sections of science courses, particularly general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry.
Provide assistance to science faculty in the operation of instruments required for research work.
Manage and oversee the work of student employees and coordinate work with the Lab Manager.
Ensure laboratory safety is being followed in the various labs, stockroom and prep room spaces.
Manage the chemical inventory, disposing of all outdated reagents, chemicals and unwanted materials and ensuring that chemical inventories are updated on a regular basis.
Manage the stockroom and prep-room consumable and equipment inventory disposing of unrepairable, unreliable and unused items.
Act as liaison between scientific vendors and the Science Faculty of the Meldrum Science Center
Act as a liaison with the Legal, Risk Management and Safety Department for coordinating safety training and safety improvements.
Act as a liaison with accounting for verifying inventory.
Perform other duties as assigned.