Laboratory Technical Specialist

Laboratory Technical SpecialistAmherst CampusFull TimeJR6483Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.Job Description:Amherst College invites applications for the Laboratory Technical Specialist position. The Laboratory Technical Specialist is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $63,000 - $67,000.The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.The Laboratory Technical Specialist has expertise in the area of molecular biology and supports the teaching and research efforts of the Biology Department. Primary duties include (1) assisting faculty with laboratory preparations for courses and research needs, complementary with efforts of other Biology staff; (2) maintaining and curating departmental equipment and materials used in molecular analysis; and (3) overseeing and training students and staff in the use of shared instruments. The function within the college is to assist with and maintain the high standards of faculty/student research and support the faculty's ability to provide experiential learning opportunities in the teaching labs.Summary of Responsibilities:Teaching Laboratory Support Assist faculty with preparations for laboratory courses and research needsPrepare reagents, e.g., buffers, and biological materials for teaching labs, e.g., fruit flies and cell cultures Scientific Equipment and Instruments Provide technical assessment and maintenance associated with shared equipment and instruments used in teaching and research laboratoriesCoordinate servicing of equipment from outside vendors as neededMaintain curatorial information on shared technical equipment and instruments, including storage location and usageManages maintenance and usage of shared equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, gel imaging systems, qRT-PCR system, -80oC freezers, and incubatorsOversight and Training Provide training for students and staff in the use of shared technical instrumentsDevelop and implement training modules for common molecular biology techniques associated with departmental equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting, and related workflowsQualifications:RequiredBachelor's Degree in biology or affiliated field3 years of experience working in a research environment Associate's Degree in a relevant field with w/5 years of experience in a relevant research environment, in lieu of minimum education and related experienceExperience and understanding of the instruments used for molecular biology analysis Familiarity with biohazard regulations and chemical safety regulationsExperience with the use and maintenance of technical equipmentExperience with basic computer software for organizing electronic databasesExcellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skillsAbility to multitask and work with flexibility and efficiency between research labs and teaching laboratoriesSuccessful completion of a pre-employment physical and lift testRequired reference and background checksPreferredGraduate Degree in Biology or affiliated fieldMore than 5 years of related experienceExperience with culturing and propagating microorganisms and other model systems (such as Drosophila melanogaster) used in teaching labs Experience with sterile techniqueExperience with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) work conditionsInterested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.To apply, visit https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Amherst_Jobs/job/Amherst-Campus/Laboratory-Technical-Specialist_JR6483jeid-393bab7fdde8764da6d420d9b35f0116