"Lab Technician"

Job Details

Department: Chemistry

Summary

We seek a Lab Technician to support the Chemistry Department’s instrumentation, equipment, and relevant infrastructure. The general duties include maintaining and repairing the instrumentation, which includes coordinating vendor support for teaching and research instruments. Departmental instrumentation and equipment include spectrophotometers, mass spectrometers, NMR, and vacuum pumps. The Lab Technician will also manage departmental gas cylinders, assist with cryogen fills, and oversee specialized instrumentation such as the autoclave and solvent purification systems. Both entry-level and experienced-level applicants are welcome to apply. Training and professional development will be provided.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
2. Maintain teaching and research instruments and equipment in the Chemistry Department.
3. Repair teaching and research instruments and equipment in the Chemistry Department, or coordinate with manufacturers for repairs.
4. Manage (e.g. order, track, deliver, return) gas cylinders in the Chemistry Department.
5. Maintain and service Chemistry Department facilities including centralized autoclave lab, NMR lab, instrumental analysis lab, solvent purification equipment.
6. Assist NMR maintenance on cryo-fills including twice weekly liquid nitrogen fills and twice-yearly liquid helium fills.
7. Coordinate with facilities, building mechanics and outside contractors for infrastructure improvements, ventilation, heat, water, gas, air, and refrigeration problems.
8. Assist setting up infrastructure (utilities) and instruments.
9. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• BS or associate degree in chemistry, physics, engineering (mechanical or electrical) or related field.

Required Experience

• Prior experience in operating instrumentation and laboratory equipment.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Skills in troubleshooting equipment including: pneumatic, mechanical, and/or evaluating electrical circuits.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively with instrument manufacturers, managers, educators and users.
• Ability to perform troubleshooting of a process.
• Ability to coordinate logistics.
• Ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff.
• Commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Knowledge in electronics for repairing instruments.
• Prior experience working with hand and power tools.
• Know how to rebuild equipment (with supporting materials).

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

Moving gas cylinders and some instruments (with assistance) may require appropriate physical strength.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following four required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)
1

FLSA Status
Exempt

Appointment Term
12 months

Shift
1st Shift

Pay Rate/Salary
Competitive Salary

Title of Position Supervisor
Department Chair

Posting Type
Internal & External

Dependent on Funding
No

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Application materials:

1. Cover letter addressing required and desired attributes
2. Resume
3. Names and contact information for three referees

Additional Information

Contact: mtanasov@mtu.edu

For more information on the Chemistry Department, please visit, https://www.mtu.edu/chemistry/

Michigan Tech, ranked an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, attracts world-class faculty who enrich the educational experience of smart, motivated, and adventurous students.

Applicants who are committed to promoting a learning environment for all are strongly encouraged to apply. Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula adjacent to Lake Superior, the Houghton community offers a small-town environment with outstanding four-season recreational opportunities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.