Laboratory Technical Specialist

Laboratory Technical Specialist

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.

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 needs
• Prepare 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 laboratories
• Coordinate servicing of equipment from outside vendors as needed
• Maintain curatorial information on shared technical equipment and instruments, including storage location and usage
• Manages maintenance and usage of shared equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, gel imaging systems, qRT-PCR system, -80oC freezers, and incubators

Oversight And Training

• Provide training for students and staff in the use of shared technical instruments
• Develop 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 workflows

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in biology or affiliated field
• 3 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 experience
• Experience and understanding of the instruments used for molecular biology analysis
• Familiarity with biohazard regulations and chemical safety regulations
• Experience with the use and maintenance of technical equipment
• Experience with basic computer software for organizing electronic databases
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask and work with flexibility and efficiency between research labs and teaching laboratories
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and lift test
• Required reference and background checks

Preferred

• Graduate Degree in Biology or affiliated field
• More than 5 years of related experience
• Experience with culturing and propagating microorganisms and other model systems (such as Drosophila melanogaster) used in teaching labs
• Experience with sterile technique
• Experience with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) work conditions

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at Amherst Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.