Scientific Glassblower (Research Machinist)

Job Summary

The Scientific Glassblower is responsible in assisting the manager of the Glass Shop with the design, construction, and repair of scientific glassware to support the teaching and research mission of the Department of Chemistry.

This position is also responsible for assisting with inventory, equipment, and records in relation to scientific glassblowing.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Collaborates with researcher (Faculty / Postdoc / Graduate Student) to develop a drawing for fabricating specialized glassware for a research project.
• Discusses and researches materials (including quartz and graded seals) needed for a successful end-product.
• Communicates with researcher about their idea to help in making design decisions (i.e., what can / cannot be done with glass).
• Compares items in a catalog to determine if it would be more cost effective to make the item locally; works with the researcher to determine if they want to modify an existing purchased glass item.
• Provides expertise in helping to make critical decisions about design.
• Provides consultations that include training research workers in basic glassblowing.
• Repairs broken glassware and / or modifies existing specialized scientific glassware; the decision to repair broken glassware is based upon the cost effectiveness of making the repair vs rebuilding.
• Works with manager of Glass Shop to give an estimate on the cost of a project based upon time and materials to present to the researcher.
• Sends bill to the researcher in a timely manner.
• Responsible for purchasing materials and supplies used for various projects and replacement parts needed to maintain equipment in good working order at all times.
• Keeps notes of special designs regarding materials, drawings, vendors, etc. to review for similar future projects.
• Demonstrates scientific glassblowing techniques during Chemistry orientations, ScienceFest, school trips and tours of facilities by prospective undergraduate and graduate students.
• Participates in educational workshops that are arranged for graduate students to experience basic scientific glassblowing techniques;

many students will use this knowledge in their careers when a glassblowing shop is not available, and they need to make alterations or minor repairs to their glassware.

Performs routine lubrication of lathes, saws, etc.; replace belts; change blades; routine cleaning of equipment; changes water used by equipment that cuts or grinds glass;

replaces oven element as needed.

General Responsibilities

• Designs, fabricates, installs, maintains, and repairs new or unique scientific laboratory devices, equipment, components and precision instruments for research and teaching purposes.
• Consults with equipment end-users regarding design material selection and application; manages inventory of necessary supplies.
• Reads and interprets blueprints and hand-drawn sketches and oral instructions; measures to desired degree of accuracy.
• Uses computer software / programs to design parts and generate specifications needed to fabricate devices (such as CNC codes for machine tools).
• Tests and debugs prototypes and finished products; troubleshoots and diagnoses equipment failure and prescribes and makes necessary repairs or modifications.
• Oversees non-shop / lab personnel when in the shop / lab as to use of machines or tools; provides training and education resources as needed.
• Modifies purchased and existing equipment to meet experimental / research needs.
• May provide daily oversight and guidance to less experienced staff.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience.

Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED).

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 years of formal training in machine trades.
• 3 years of experience as a machinist.

Preferred

• 4 years of apprenticeship under a Master Glassblower, plus 4 years of additional Glassblowing.
• Experience in a research environment.

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Highly thorough and dependable
• Possesses a high degree of initiative
• Ability to build strong customer relationships
• Quickly troubleshoots and resolves problems
• Strong mechanical skills
• Possesses strong technical aptitude
• Ability to work in a safe and efficient manner
• Knowledge of the tools, materials, methods, and techniques of the machinist trade, such as : operation and programming of CNC machines (mill and lathe);

set-up and use of metal working machines (mills, lathes, band saw, drill press); maintenance and use of welding equipment (MIG, TIG, Acetylene, etc.

maintenance and use of wood working machines both stationary (table saw, drill press, chop saw, jointer, surface planer, drum stander, vertical sander, router table / shaper, etc.

and both power and manual hand tools (drills, grinders, biscuit jointer, saws, routers, etc.); various design software.

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the machinist trade.
• Ability to design delicate scientific apparatus from verbal instructions and rough sketches.
• Ability to maintain close tolerance precision work from oral or written instructions, sketches, blueprints, and models.
• Ability to use the precision tools and equipment common to the machinist trade.

Preferred

• Demonstrates understanding of the technical requirements of the instrument they are constructing or repairing.
• Demonstrates understanding of different types of measurements.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the properties of the specialized glasses and other materials that are used.
• Master of basic vacuum technology.
• Possesses creativity and innovation in turning goals into tangible reality.
• Excellent decision-making skills.

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires the ability to remain in a stationary position as well as the ability to move about the workplace for long durations.

It requires effective communication, the ability to operate machinery, tools, and controls. The role requires the ability to ascend / descend ladders / stairs, and to position one's self in low level positions, detect a variety of chemicals and / or gases.

The role requires the ability to ascend to rooftops and move in tight spaces to perform and complete inspections. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Advertised Salary

$60,000 - $62,000 per year based on experience

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including :

• Multiple plan options for medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
• Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
• Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
• Additional supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition benefit for IU classes
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level : Mastery

FLSA : Nonexempt

Job Function : Research

Job Family : Research Machinists

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Posting Disclaimer

This posting is scheduled to close at 11 : 59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days.

To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications.

Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX.

Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator.

See Indiana University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.