Specialist: Laboratory - Science
Pima Community College

Pima Community College
Pima Community College Named Top University/College Employer in Arizona

Position Title: Specialist: Laboratory - Science

Department: Science Laboratory - Northwest Campus

Starting Rate: Band 3 - $20.24 - $22.76

Benefits: Summary

Closed Date: January 28, 2025, 5:00 PM Arizona Time

Position Summary:

The Specialist: Laboratory - Science, provides highly skilled technical support to faculty and co-workers across multiple disciplines. Key responsibilities include organizing, preparing, and breaking down biology/microbiology classroom experiments and related exercises. Oversee the upkeep of prep lab and classroom spaces. Maintains inventory of supplies, equipment, and other materials needed for daily operations of the lab and assigned space. Trains lab technicians to assist in experiment preparation/breakdown and prep lab/classroom maintenance, and safety procedures. Completes assigned technical duties as a biology/microbiology laboratory specialist.

The work schedule for this position is flexible and may include evenings and/or weekends. Although this position is housed at the Northwest Campus, specialists may be scheduled at other campuses as required. Current and Valid AZ Driver's License is required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Creates instructions for how to prepare, set up, and break down experiments. Maintains experiment prep sheets, schedules, and inventories using the Laboratory Information Management System. Compiles and analyzes reports, statistics, and recommendations for laboratory experiments. Writes and maintains chemical and media recipes including disposal protocols
• Provides training to science lab staff on standard laboratory techniques and protocols as directed by the Science Laboratory Supervisor. Practices appropriate lab safety procedures and look for ways to minimize lab hazards. Cross-trains in other Division of Sciences disciplines
• Responsible for biology/microbiology microorganism cultures
• In partnership with the Chemistry Lab Specialist handles and reports on hazardous waste disposal following institutional and governmental guidelines
• Keeps SDS files up to date
• Participates and coordinates the preparation and cleanup of materials and equipment for Biology and Microbiology lab experiments
• Assist in preparation, setup, and cleanup for lab experiments in other disciplines such as chemistry, physics, engineering, geology, or other assigned areas
• Assesses classroom needs and acquires material and equipment for classrooms
• Purchase of materials/equipment as approved. Receives, verifies, and enters order information into the Laboratory Information Management System
• Collaborates with science faculty and sciences laboratory supervisor to research, create, and troubleshoot classroom science experiments, and evaluate material/equipment needs
• Utilizes and maintains specialized laboratory equipment to prepare materials for experiments and the classroom. Maintains detailed maintenance records. Creates and maintains SOPs
• Provides technical support and troubleshooting of equipment as needed
• Participates and coordinates the cleaning and stocking of classrooms, prep areas, and Learning Lab. Identifies and oversees the beginning-of-semester and end-of-semester tasks using Smartsheets
• Prepares media for the Division of Sciences
• May provide lab supervision as delegated by Laboratory Supervisor including day-to-day direction of activities and tasks of lab technicians and aides when Lab Supervisor is not available
• Actively participate in the Division of Sciences Laboratory Specialist Working Groups
• Participates in professional development and continuing education to keep up to date on changes or advances in assigned discipline
• Participates in Division of Sciences outreach events
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor

Job Requirements:

• Associate degree in a closely related field of study and
• One to three years of related experience in a science laboratory

or

• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology or closely related field of study
• Three to five years of laboratory-related experience in an institution of higher learning

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience in the methodologies that are involved in the preparation of culturing, identifying, isolating, staining, and safe disposal of microbiological organisms
• Hands-on experience with DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, autoclaves, micropipettes, microscopes, pH meters, centrifuges, Nanodrop, Media Prep, Media Pour etc.
• Proficiency in math used in the preparation of chemical and reagent solutions
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Knowledge of Federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines for working in a science laboratory
• Knowledge of internal and external customer service principles and practices
• Ability to follow established protocols and safety guidelines
• Ability to operate and maintain lab equipment
• Ability to work both semi-independently and as part of a team
• Ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships
• Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks simultaneously for efficient workflow
• Skill in effective communication (both written and oral)
• Skill in organization, coordination, and management
• Skill in problem-solving

Physical Requirements:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a non-traditional setting; to stand for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate (up to 20 pounds) amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement to include use of a computer keyboard; to operate various equipment required to perform job; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. May be exposed to various hazardous conditions such as infectious diseases, chemicals, or moving mechanical parts, etc.

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