Temporary Laboratory Technician

Harvey Mudd College•Cleveland, OH

8d•$22 - $24•Hybrid

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician provides technical lab support to an introductory biology laboratory course by performing a variety of routine and moderately complex laboratory responsibilities. This role will also assist chemistry faculty with the set-up and preparation of instructional chemistry labs. The Laboratory Technician works independently, reporting directly to the Chair of the Biology Department or another designated biology faculty member.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field.
Coursework should include molecular biology and/or biochemistry labs.
A combination of undergraduate coursework and related experience may be considered.
Requires the wearing of personal protective equipment including safety glasses or goggles, lab coats, rubber or plastic gloves, respirators, or face shields.
Vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; to operate assigned equipment; and to distinguish color.
Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Nice To Haves

One to two years’ experience with modern biological/biochemical instrumentation, molecular biological, microbiological, and/or cell biological techniques highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Organizes, sets-up, and breaks down laboratory equipment for faculty and student use, and maintains laboratory equipment; coordinates the use of labs and equipment.
Assists in the set-up, execution, and break down of experiments in teaching laboratories.
Prepares chemical reagents, solutions, and culture media.
Ensures the safe storage of biological and chemical materials.
Sterilizes equipment, glassware, and media.
Monitors inventories of expendable supplies (e.g., chemicals, reagents, plasticware, glassware) and advises faculty or staff of reordering needs. May be responsible for ordering materials in consultation with faculty and other staff.
Troubleshoots experiments using current methods in biochemistry and molecular biology; assists in evaluating methods, procedures and techniques used in experiments.
Assists faculty with developing new teaching laboratory experiences.
Supervises and trains research students in lab methods and procedures, working and consulting with faculty in support of laboratory curriculum.
Assists in the proper collection and disposal of waste materials according to regulations and department policy.
Participates in and contributes to a safe environment by keeping current with safety regulations, checking and maintaining equipment, orienting student assistants to the proper use of materials and equipment, and overseeing compliance with regulations.
Prepares the equipment, reagents, solutions, and student work areas for the general chemistry laboratory course and other chemistry laboratory courses, including physical chemistry laboratory, as needed, working from a written protocol.
Consults with the faculty teaching laboratory courses regarding the set-up and safe practices in the teaching laboratories.
May lead and/or guide the work of student employees.
Performs other related duties as required as a member of the Chemistry Department support staff.