Instrument Specialist

Instrument Specialist

Company:
Villanova University

Job Location:
Villanova, 19085

Category:
Laboratory and Research

Type:
Full-Time

Posting Number: 20260080S

Location
Villanova, PA

Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Department: 184-Chemistry

Position Summary

Why work at Villanova?

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

The Instrument Specialist manages and coordinates resources related to instrumentation and equipment used for research and instructional labs. This includes, but is not limited to, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of equipment, the design/codesign/fabrication of one-of-a-kind instruments, mechanical and electronic parts, and CAD models, as well as the preparation of drawings for publications, presentations and vendors. The Instrument Specialist supports instrument-driven research and instruction, as well as publication and grant-writing activity of the department.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Instrument Support, Development, Maintenance, and Repair: Develop and/or modify scientific instruments. Maintain and repair various laboratory equipment and instrumentation including (but not limited to) gas and liquid chromatographs, melting point apparatus, spectrophotometers, hot plate stirrers, vacuum pumps, centrifuges, lab ovens, shakers, incubators, and Vernier instructional instrumentation. Instrument support will require familiarity with software installation, instrument configuration, etc. and working with various information technology (IT) units on campus. Works with faculty, staff (including the instrument scientist and the director of the NMR lab), instrument manufacturers, and managed maintenance provider(s) to troubleshoot instruments (both hardware and software), and coordinate service calls and preventative maintenance visits. Existing lab equipment must be repaired as needed, and new lab equipment identified/evaluated for purchase.
2. Fabrication: Fabricate specialized items in the machine shop to support research instructional, and research labs, as well as associated equipment. Operate and maintain equipment. Train users as appropriate.
3. Manage Cryogens, Gases, and Associated Equipment: Order cryogens, gases and regulators, coordinate/replace gas cylinders / Dewars in instructional and research laboratories, install fittings, tubing, regulators and connections as needed.
4. Project Coordination: Coordinate various capital projects with the building superintendent and the Facilities Management Office (FMO) on site requirements for instructional and research laboratories, supplement facilities management with self-installations when needed.
5. Equipment & Part Ordering and Installation: Order miscellaneous equipment, non-stocked repair parts, and specialized items for instructional and research laboratories. Order and install security devices on department equipment.
6. Supervisory: Supervise part-time student help as needed.
7. Other: Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Formal Education:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Minimum Work Experience:

• Two years or more working in a science or technical position, required

Work Skills(e.g. written and verbal communication skills):

• Able to communicate clearly
• Excellent oral and written skills
• Able to work with a minimum of supervision
• Able to solve problems effectively
• Able to prepare information for reports (Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Creativity and inventiveness

Specific Job Knowledge(e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area):

• Knowledge of maintenance, diagnostics and repair of mechanical and electronic lab equipment and instrumentation, including software installation, troubleshooting, and configuration
• Knowledge of basic chemical and machine shop safety, specifically compressed gases and cryogens
• Knowledge of Machine Shop best practices (organization, cleanliness)
• Familiarity with chemical laboratory equipment, glassware, etc.
• Knowledge of basic computer software packages: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) and experience with software installation and troubleshooting

Equipment Knowledge:

• Various laboratory instrumentation and equipment - ability to maintain, service and troubleshoot, including instrument specific software
• Standard machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, 3D printers, etc.
• Electronic test equipment including multi-meters
• Must be confident in working safely with chemicals; will likely work with and handle chemical reagents and waste under safe handling procedures

Preferred Qualifications

Formal Education:

• Advanced degree or training

Work Experience:

• Five years work experience as Instrument Technician, Industrial Designer, Model Maker, Design Engineer, or Exhibit Fabricator preferred

Work Skills (e.g. written and verbal communication skills):

• Working knowledge of computer-aided design (e.g., SolidWorks, MasterCam) and/or scientific instrument control software

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area):

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and design
• Familiarity with auditing procedures, bookkeeping, and basic accounting

Equipment Knowledge

• Knowledge of and ability to use various computer systems, install software, etc.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

Working Conditions/Environment (conditions, if known, which may impact the incumbent working in this position):

• Tools, machinery and equipment used: Standard machine tools, 3-D printers, carts, dollies, various test equipment
• Environmental conditions (any unusual/adverse conditions such as exposure to chemicals, noise, illumination, air quality, weather exposure etc.): There will be occasional handling of chemicals and appropriate safety equipment (gloves, clothing, etc.) will be provided. Occasional work outdoors can be expected, e.g., working on the loading dock.
• Physical requirements (items such as lifting, pushing, pulling, standing or sitting for extended periods of time, manual dexterity, walking etc.): Can expect to occasionally lift boxes, no more than 50 pounds, and transport gas cylinders / Dewars using appropriate dollies.

Special Message to Applicants

Applications must be submitted online at jobs.villanova.edu. The review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

A complete application includes:
1. Cover letter
2. Resume/curriculum vitae
3. Three letters of recommendation: Applications must include contact information for 3 references. References will be contacted only if applicant is considered a finalist.

Salary Posting Information

This position falls within salaried grade 14 and the range is $57,200-71,500. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.

Salary Grade
14