Paper Machine and Laboratory Specialist

University of Wisconsin Stout•Stevens Point, WI

8d•$50,000

About The Position

This hands-on laboratory and pilot-plant based position will provide laboratory support to the Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department and assist the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology. Primary responsibilities are to maintain a safe working environment, operate the pilot paper machine as needed, perform maintenance of paper machine and other laboratory equipment, and support student learning in all department laboratories. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: A. Laboratory Safety Establish, post, and enforce all safety procedures in areas of work. Maintain all safety equipment in the laboratory areas in good working order. Keep SDS sheets for all chemicals in an easily accessible location. Label all chemicals properly. Discard and replace broken glassware. Store all chemicals, equipment, and glassware properly. Ensure all safety and housekeeping standards are met. Manage the inventory and storage of chemicals and major laboratory materials B. Laboratory Activities Ensure that all laboratory procedures and products meet relevant safety standards. Ensure that all consumable materials (pulp, chemicals, etc.) are on hand when needed. Operate the UW-Stevens Point’s pilot paper machine and allied equipment in support of the Paper Science & Chemical Engineering Department’s undergraduate programs and WIST industry-focused contract research and laboratory projects. Experiment with different raw materials, chemicals, and techniques to enhance paper quality and sustainability. Conduct physical and chemical tests on paper products to assess their quality, strength, and durability. Answers questions and provides technical information regarding instrumentation to staff, researchers, clients, and students. Investigates new research processes and technology solutions in collaboration with research staff, students, and clients. C. Maintenance of Paper Machine, Allied Equipment, and Testing Instruments Perform routine preventative maintenance. Interface with UWSP maintenance staff and/or outside contractors for all major repairs and maintenance of the paper machine. Develop and maintain a schedule for the calibration of paper testing equipment. Calibrate all instruments to appropriate standards as necessary. Troubleshoot and correct all operational difficulties as necessary. Maintain all operation manuals; keep them available and in good condition. Full position description is available upon request. Key Job Responsibilities: Provides technical expertise to staff, researchers, clients, and students in the installation and use of equipment and instruments, exercising discretion and independent judgment to meet unit goals Investigates new research processes and technology solutions in collaboration with research/clinical staff, students, and clients Assists with the preparation of grant proposals and applicable documentation Answers questions and provides technical information regarding instrumentation to staff, researchers, clients, and students Designs, plans, and performs preventative and reactive maintenance on equipment to ensure optimal and safe operation Develops, integrates, tests, and modifies sophisticated scientific equipment to support research/clinical initiatives and unit directives

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering or a field related to the duties of the position.
Ability to train and supervise students, staff, faculty, and visitors in the operation of paper machines and testing equipment.
Understanding of papermaking processes, materials, and equipment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of work experience in pulp and paper, laboratory and /or pilot scale equipment.
Knowledge of the forest products industry in Wisconsin.

Responsibilities

Establish, post, and enforce all safety procedures in areas of work.
Maintain all safety equipment in the laboratory areas in good working order.
Keep SDS sheets for all chemicals in an easily accessible location.
Label all chemicals properly.
Discard and replace broken glassware.
Store all chemicals, equipment, and glassware properly.
Ensure all safety and housekeeping standards are met.
Manage the inventory and storage of chemicals and major laboratory materials
Ensure that all laboratory procedures and products meet relevant safety standards.
Ensure that all consumable materials (pulp, chemicals, etc.) are on hand when needed.
Operate the UW-Stevens Point’s pilot paper machine and allied equipment in support of the Paper Science & Chemical Engineering Department’s undergraduate programs and WIST industry-focused contract research and laboratory projects.
Experiment with different raw materials, chemicals, and techniques to enhance paper quality and sustainability.
Conduct physical and chemical tests on paper products to assess their quality, strength, and durability.
Answers questions and provides technical information regarding instrumentation to staff, researchers, clients, and students.
Investigates new research processes and technology solutions in collaboration with research staff, students, and clients.
Perform routine preventative maintenance.
Interface with UWSP maintenance staff and/or outside contractors for all major repairs and maintenance of the paper machine.
Develop and maintain a schedule for the calibration of paper testing equipment.
Calibrate all instruments to appropriate standards as necessary.
Troubleshoot and correct all operational difficulties as necessary.
Maintain all operation manuals; keep them available and in good condition.
Provides technical expertise to staff, researchers, clients, and students in the installation and use of equipment and instruments, exercising discretion and independent judgment to meet unit goals
Investigates new research processes and technology solutions in collaboration with research/clinical staff, students, and clients
Assists with the preparation of grant proposals and applicable documentation
Designs, plans, and performs preventative and reactive maintenance on equipment to ensure optimal and safe operation
Develops, integrates, tests, and modifies sophisticated scientific equipment to support research/clinical initiatives and unit directives