"Biological Sciences Instructional Support Associate"

Biological Sciences Instructional Support Associate

The Biological Sciences Instructional Support Associate will support the Biological Sciences Department by organizing and maintaining inventories of equipment, supplies and chemicals, and by assisting faculty in the preparation, set up and breakdown of undergraduate laboratory activities. The associate will oversee purchase of laboratory supplies and routine maintenance of equipment, supervise part-time workers including students, and maintain a clean and safe working environment.

Salary Range: $51,300 to $59,300

Major Responsibilities

Inventory and Purchasing:

• Prepare supplies, chemicals, and equipment to support science laboratory courses in coordination and collaboration with faculty and assist faculty in the setup and breakdown of undergraduate laboratory activities. This may include packing of materials for field courses, including those at Raquette Lake.
• Maintain inventory of glassware, chemicals and general supplies in laboratory teaching spaces and departmental storage. Order, receive, and stock supplies and equipment for specific use in teaching laboratories, with orders provided each semester by course instructors.
• Perform departmental purchasing using department budget funds (OTPS) with procurement card as required by the Business Office. Produce and maintain follow-up invoices, and perform on-line reconciliation as needed.

Laboratory Maintenance:

• Maintain computer inventory and schedule maintenance for departmental equipment. Perform routine cleaning and maintenance on standard equipment such as dissecting scopes, compound microscopes and pipettes. Serve as a contact point for vendors and service personnel to coordinate purchase, installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of scientific equipment.
• Maintain computer inventory of Biological Sciences' general stock of chemicals kept within the technician's areas. Maintain safe and proper storage and disposal of those chemicals in compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations. Coordinate inventories of chemicals stored throughout the department as needed. Interface with Environmental Health and Safety in response to questions from faculty regarding proper chemical handling within their areas, and to ensure safe disposal of chemical and biological waste.
• Provide proper pest management within the greenhouses potentially including but not limited to pesticide applications. Maintain proper safety equipment, storage facilities, signs and documentation to conform to EPA, state, and federal regulations for pesticide handling. Provide an informational training presentation on Worker Protection Standards for all employees required to work in the greenhouse and animal care facility.
• Consult with faculty to determine impact and needs when scheduled utility shutdown or interruption occur. Plan for alternate sources of power, water, etc. whenever possible.

Record Maintenance:

• Maintain records of purchases and mark equipment for property control purposes. Act as department property control contact between the department and the Property Control office. File updates with Property Control on equipment relocations, disposals, or acquisitions as needed.
• Maintain records of supply purchases and inventory, equipment maintenance and repair, and set-up procedures for teaching laboratories.

Training and Professional Development:

• Hire, train, and supervise Work Study, Temporary Service, and other workers.
• Complete necessary training to stay current on skills pertinent to the position.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships

Reports to Chair of Biological Sciences Department. Works closely with faculty and staff of Biological Sciences Department. Supervises student workers and part-time support staff in animal facility and greenhouse.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or related field.
• Experience with computer software for record keeping, including Excel.
• Experience with standard laboratory equipment in biology and chemistry and familiarity with procedures used in undergraduate laboratories.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years of related experience.
• Experience maintaining scientific equipment.
• Valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Willingness to work with biological materials and chemical agents used in undergraduate laboratories.
• Demonstrated ability to work collegially and effectively with faculty, staff, students and administrators.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and learn new technology.
• Work both independently with minimal supervision, and as a team member with faculty, staff and students.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both oral and written.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.