Scientific Lab Technician

University of North Texas System•Denton, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Scientific Lab Technician prepares microbiology and related teaching laboratories for student use under the guidance of the Instructional Lab Supervisor. The technician oversees and participates in preparation work performed by prep personnel, prepares media, maintains inventories of chemicals, supplies, materials, instrumentation, and equipment, and assists the Instructional Lab Supervisor as requested. The role also serves as a point of contact for graduate services assistants and student workers. The position is in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of North Texas in Denton. The department supports research and teaching across areas including ecology, environmental science, biochemistry and molecular biology, physiology, neuroscience, plant biology, and organismal-environment interactions. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional early mornings and evenings. The position involves physical activities including lifting and moving objects up to 50 pounds, operating machinery or power tools, sitting and standing, and repeated wrist, hand, or finger motions. No adverse environmental conditions are expected.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field and one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
General understanding of the field of science or engineering related to the position.
Knowledge of special equipment used in teaching laboratories and/or test instruments, repair equipment, tools, and parts used in the field.
Ability to teach and/or supervise others through demonstration and verbal communication.
Knowledge of scientific techniques, methods, and procedures.
Ability to locate and replace defective parts and troubleshoot technical equipment.
Ability to prepare accurate assays or samples, or perform arithmetical computations, and maintain detailed records.

Nice To Haves

Degree or specialized training in Microbiology or Molecular Biology.
Three years of experience preparing laboratories for use in a teaching or research environment.
Experience with and ability to troubleshoot microbiology or molecular biology laboratory instrumentation.
Knowledge of laboratory and chemical safety, aseptic technique, and disposal of biohazardous waste.
Self-starter who contributes to the work environment and department's success by seeking solutions to challenges.

Responsibilities

Maintain inventory and update inventory lists and preparation notes or manuals.
Prepare, maintain, and remediate microbiology laboratories daily.
Break down, clean, and set up laboratory spaces biweekly.
Prepare media and cultures in a timely manner for laboratory use.
Organize and maintain the preparation area and materials.
Regularly check for and remediate safety hazards to maintain safe environments.
Clean, test, and troubleshoot instrumentation and equipment.
Oversee and help schedule Graduate Services Assistants and student workers.
Assign work to preparation assistants.
Oversee and participate in preparation of materials and spaces by prep personnel.
Prepare and maintain chemical, supply, material, instrumentation, and equipment inventories for microbiology and related laboratories.
Assist the Instructional Lab Supervisor as requested.
Act as a point of contact for graduate services assistants and student workers.