Laboratory Technician I

Description

Position Summary :

The Laboratory Technician I provides technical lab support to an introductory biology laboratory course by performing a variety of routine and moderately complex laboratory responsibilities.

The Laboratory Technician I works independently, reporting directly to the Chair of the Biology Department or another designated biology faculty member.

About Harvey Mudd College :

Located in the heart of Claremont, California, 35 miles east of Los Angeles, Harvey Mudd College is a highly selective undergraduate liberal arts college offering degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

HMC enrolls about 900 students and is a member of The Claremont Colleges, which comprises five undergraduate colleges and two graduate institutions.

According to students, professors, and alumni, what makes Harvey Mudd distinctive is its collaborative, cross-disciplinary nature.

The working environment is built on collaborative relationships between and among all members of the campus community and a deep commitment to the College’s mission to educate students so that they may assume leadership in their fields with a clear understanding of the impact of their work on society.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Prepares labs for faculty and student use by organizing, setting-up and breaking down and maintaining 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.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions can be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to work independently and cooperatively.
• Good manual dexterity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to use modern laboratory equipment in the general areas of biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology.
• Ability to communicate, in English, with faculty members and students who are well versed in various scientific fields, primarily biology and chemistry.
• Knowledge of and experience with extraction, PCR amplification, and sub-cloning of DNA preferred.
• Knowledge of appropriate / applicable safety standards.

Required Qualifications :

Education : 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.

Preferred Qualifications :

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

Physical Requirements :

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a classroom / laboratory setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time;

to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and / or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (e.

g. 20 lbs.); to operate laboratory and office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard;

and to verbally communicate to exchange information; requires the wearing of personal protective equipment including safety glasses or goggles, lab coats, rubber or plastic gloves, respirators, or face shields.

See in the normal visual range with or without correction; 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.

Hours :

The regular daily hours for this position will be four hours each weekday (Monday Friday) within the 8 : 00 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.

m. period; specific hours are to be determined (for example, 9 : 00 a.m. to 1 : 00 p.m.) Hours may vary due to the needs of the department or College.

Classification :

This is a non-exempt, part-time, benefits-eligible position.

Salary :

The anticipated starting salary is $21 / hour.

Reporting :

Reports to the Biology Department Chair, or to another faculty member designated by the chair.

Additional Information :

Harvey Mudd College is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be given consideration for employment without regard to age, race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran’s status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Harvey Mudd College you must apply for each position for which you believe you are qualified.