Laboratory Technician (Full-time Temporary)

Windward School•Los Angeles, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Windward School, a grade 7-12 college-preparatory, independent day school, seeks an experienced and innovative educator to join our Science & Technology Department. This is a benefit-eligible, temporary position that will last from mid-May - Mid-August. Windward is committed to building a nurturing, inclusive culture and fostering a diverse school community. Teachers, parents, and administrators work together to inspire students to be responsible, caring, well-informed, ethical, prepared, and well-balanced young adults. In the Science & Technology Department, students and teachers work together to develop a growth mindset, and deepen skills and understandings in critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving. Laboratory and inquiry-based courses support and challenge students to better understand their own learning processes and to acquire increasingly sophisticated strategies as learners. Teachers in our department strongly value collaboration within the department and with colleagues across disciplines. The Science & Technology department utilizes cutting edge technologies for conducting research, running experiments, and otherwise implementing lab-based learning for all students, with assistance and material preparation from two full time lab technicians. Duties for the temporary Lab Technician primarily include lab preparation for high school and middle school life science classes; organization of the lab prep room spaces and lab supplies; and laboratory maintenance as needed. Laboratory maintenance usually involves inspection, cleaning, calibration, testing of lab equipment including sensors and probeware, and organization and cleaning of lab spaces and materials. In addition, the temporary Lab Technician will be asked to independently research new labs, test their viability and work collaboratively with teachers to implement workable lab experiences in the classroom. This includes preparation of materials, coordination of quantities of materials needed, and occasional presence and availability during lab experiments to ensure sensors and probeware are functioning correctly.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering (i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Biochemistry, Bioengineering) preferred
3-5 years experience working in a scientific wet lab environment preferred
Strong understanding of Safe Laboratory Practices and Procedures
Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize tasks, use electronic and in person communication to determine next steps, and follow through with constituents
Proficiency with basic computer operating systems and office software (e.g. Google Suite including Sheets and Docs, Vernier Graphical Analysis, Logger Pro)
The ideal candidate will be organized, detail oriented, and capable of balancing multiple deadlines by prioritizing and communicating effectively with colleagues and vendors

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot, set up, break down, and clean up all Life Science and Middle School Science labs for their courses (high school Biology, AP Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology & Evolution, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Plant Science, and Middle School Life Science and Physical Science lab experiments) in addition to helping with the Physics and Chemistry labs as assigned by the department chair and/or the permanent Lab Technician
Support the permanent Lab Technician in maintaining the order and organization of the prep rooms, lab rooms, classrooms, and all equipment used for labs and experiments
Calibrate, set up, test, clean, and store sensors and probeware before, during, and after experiments
Stock all clean glassware, ceramics, plastics, and metals in designated spaces
Work effectively and efficiently with little to no supervision after being provided with goals and tasks
Determine which tasks have higher priority, whether by urgency or importance
Communicate effectively with the permanent Lab Technician, Science & Technology Department, teachers, and other faculty and staff within the school
Accept calendar invites, zoom calls, and attend Science & Technology Department meetings
Support a professional workplace climate that contributes to a healthy and safe workplace
All other related duties as assigned

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision insurance
Paid Holidays and Wellness days
Retirement Plan, including up to 6% employer match
School-paid Life and Disability Insurance
Flexible Spending Account Plans
Lunch Allowance (Prorated)
MetLife Group Home & Auto
Group Discount
Access to Peak Performance Center to promote physical and mental health
Wellness Initiatives, including Chair Massages, free Wellness Coaching, Self-Care Reimbursement, and much more!
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition remission for their children (Upon acceptance to Windward School by the Admissions Committee)