Lab Technician
Job Title: Lab Technician
Classification: T4
Department: Science & Mathematics
Updated: September 2014
Job Summary
Provide technical support for the laboratory equipment of the science division along with developing items for teaching demos or other educational needs.
Essential Functions
- Repair or advise on the repair of laboratory instrument such as oscilloscopes, amplifiers, microscopes, and spectrometers.
- Oversee the operation of Padnos loading dock.
- Fabricate parts as needed for the repair of instruments.
- Create and develop devices and equipment either independently or under the direction of faculty to serve as teaching aides or research tools.
- Manage the day to day operations of the wood and metal shops including instructing students in the safe handling of powered shop tools.
- Carry out the weekly filling of liquid cryogenics into the NMR and other regular maintenance on a variety of instruments.
- Work with other campus departments and outside contractors to facilitate repairs.
- Co-ordinate the delivery of packages throughout the science complex.
- Inspect, assemble and/or test laboratory equipment.
- Monitor literature and Internet for equipment and/or techniques to assist or improve the science departments’ facilities.
- Supervise student employees.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Non-Essential Functions
- Set up special functions and events.
- Assist maintenance personnel in identifying broken or hazardous equipment or fixtures.
- Be aware of building safety and notify appropriate people when problems are spotted.
- Assist faculty and staff with unloading of supplies at the loading dock.
- Unload trucks.
Required Qualifications
- High school graduate supplemented by a certificate from a two year technical program and/or relevant experience.
- Minimum of three years experience repairing or maintaining laboratory instruments (including computers).
- Demonstrated experience to successfully work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience to successfully maintain positive interpersonal relationships.
- Demonstrated experience to successfully operate office equipment including standard wood and metal shop equipment.
- Demonstrated experience to successfully provide quality customer service.
- Demonstrated experience to successfully maintain satisfactory work performance and attendance records.
- Possess strong verbal and written communications skills.
- Demonstrated experience to successfully work independently, organize own work and coordinate work activities of others.
- Demonstrated experience to successfully use various computer software applications.
- This position requires periodic heavy lifting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- Supervisory experience.
- Knowledge of basic safety procedures dealing with shop tools and electrical instruments and with the sciences.
Supervision Received
Receives minimal supervision from a designated supervisor. Much of the work is self-initiated. Person is expected to function with considerable independence and apply appropriate policies and procedures within the assigned area of responsibility.
Supervision Exercised
Hire, train, schedule and coordinate the work of student employees and may act as lead worker to PSS staff members within the department/unit/division.
Physical Demands
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. 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.
- The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
For questions regarding employment, email Human Resources. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center 1-800-649-3777.