Laboratory Technician- Department of Biological Sciences

Duquesne University•Pittsburgh, PA

64d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a laboratory technician position for the Department of Biological Sciences (DBS). The primary role of this position is to support the instruction of multiple sections of undergraduate laboratory courses in microbiology and general biology. These courses service a range of majors across campus including those in the schools of Nursing and Health Sciences. Position duties for laboratory course support are varied and include those listed under I and II below. Additional duties associated with this position may include assistance in the maintenance of common floor and equipment areas as directed by the DBS Senior Laboratory Technician and Department Chair. The position will report to the Department Chair.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology or closely related field from an accredited educational institution along with prior laboratory experience.

Nice To Haves

Alternatively, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions.
Experience with a variety of microbiology and molecular techniques, a broad knowledge of biology, or any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions is a plus.
Ability to be responsible and detail oriented;
Ability to work with others in a team environment;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the department and University Community.
Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

Responsibilities

Preparing reagents and materials for microbiology and general biology laboratories (i.e., aliquoting, making reagents, racking and sterilizing micropipette tips, etc.).
Media prep, sterilizing media and supplements.
Microbial strain maintenance.
Setting up and tearing down laboratories (i.e., autoclaving waste, cleaning benches/glassware, etc.).
Ordering items for microbiology laboratories.
Attending weekly meetings with TAs and/or professors to coordinate teaching lab exercises.
Testing and troubleshooting new protocols for microbiology
Maintaining laboratory equipment.
Maintaining Mellon Hall laboratory rooms
Updating chemical inventory and equipment inventory for rooms listed above.
Dispose of toxic chemicals and biological waste in compliance with University policy and procedures.
Animal and plant care and maintenance.
Interact with Facilities Management, Housekeeping, Equipment
Report any laboratory room problems (i.e., lights out, heating/cooling complaints, leaks, door/lock problems, fume hood malfunctions etc.).
Follow-up on subsequent repairs for laboratory room problems.
Act as the contact person for cleaning and maintenance crew.
Facilitate departmental package delivery.
Completes other duties as assigned by the laboratory manager and department chair.