Staff Research Associate - Chemistry Lab

at  University of California Santa Cruz

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Undergraduate Teaching Labs Manager (Lab Instruction Supv 2), the incumbent will perform a wide variety of administrative and technical operations related to the general management and day-to-day operations of the Undergraduate Teaching Labs of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Primary assignment will be in the Thimann Labs facility, which consists of 5 organic chemistry labs, a stockroom, and 3 equipment rooms. The incumbent may also be called to assist if support is needed in the Nat.Sci. II Labs building.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the general principles of chemistry and physics as attained through science course work leading to a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related area.
• Knowledge of Environment Health and Safety policies regarding lab safety, safe reagent handling and storage, and waste handling and disposal procedures as obtained in classes at UCSC or from a related area.
• A theoretical and practical knowledge of modern laboratory instrumentation including the ability to use, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform routine repairs in such instruments as balances, pH meters, pipettors, spectrophotometers, etc.
• Laboratory skills sufficient to perform accurate weighing, mixing, and pH adjustment.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer-service skills.
• Ability to work directly and independently with solvents and chemicals in all facilities as the course syllabi requires. This includes the general chemistry labs, organic chemistry labs, physical chemistry labs, and biochemistry labs.
• Ability to maintain organized records.
• Ability to use electronic mail, word processing, and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to prioritize and organize a variety of tasks from oral and written instructions in a manner that allows deadlines to be met.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to carry out repetitive laboratory procedures while paying close attention to detail.
• Ability to train, assign work and oversee student laboratory assistants.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently.

APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO USE THE UCSC ON-LINE PROCESS

View full job description and access on-line application:
https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucsc/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRSHRAM.HRSAPPSCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRSAPP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=11&JobOpeningId=66744&PostingSeq=1
To ensure review of application materials by the hiring unit, they must be submitted on or before the initial review date (IRD) via the Staff Employment Opportunities web site; https://jobs.ucsc.edu. A computer is available at the UC Santa Cruz Staff Human Resources Office located at Scotts Valley Center. The Scotts Valley Center is located at 100 Enterprise Way, Suite E100, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. To learn more or to request disability accommodations, call 831-459-2009. Hearing impaired are encouraged to use the California Relay Service at 800-735-2922. UC Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.
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50% - Instructional Laboratory

• Prepare materials and set up equipment and supplies for laboratory experiments in timely, safe, and economical fashion and/or oversee students who perform these tasks.
• Prepare and standardize reagents and solutions.
• Interact with faculty and TAs to work on and troubleshoot experiment problems.
• Set-up, test, calibrate and maintain (including minor repairs) laboratory instruments for instructional use.
• Maintain supplies and general reagent inventories.
• Communicate the efficient and safe use of hazardous materials to students. Clean and store equipment and materials following classes.
• Maintain order and cleanliness in the teaching labs and prepare solutions as needed.
• Notify students and instructors of the nature of any hazards in the lab and the safety precautions to take.
• Implement appropriate procedures to monitor and decontaminate equipment and laboratories.
• Clean or direct student employees to clean lab benches and wash glassware, thus keeping laboratories and lab prep areas clean and organized.

30% - Hazardous Waste Disposal and Maintenance

• Implement appropriate procedures for disposal of chemical waste.
• Organize and oversee hazardous waste collection, disposal and recordkeeping.

20% - Administrative Duties

• Train, assign work, and oversee student employees.
• Maintain laboratory chemical and equipment inventory.