Human Resources

Summary

We seek a Lab Technician to support the Chemistry Department’s instrumentation, equipment, and relevant infrastructure. The general duties include maintaining and repairing the instrumentation, which includes coordinating vendor support for teaching and research instruments. Departmental instrumentation and equipment include spectrophotometers, mass spectrometers, NMR, and vacuum pumps. The Lab Technician will also manage departmental gas cylinders, assist with cryogen fills, and oversee specialized instrumentation such as the autoclave and solvent purification systems. Both entry-level and experienced-level applicants are welcome to apply. Training and professional development will be provided.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
2. Maintain teaching and research instruments and equipment in the Chemistry Department.
3. Repair teaching and research instruments and equipment in the Chemistry Department, or coordinate with manufacturers for repairs.
4. Manage (e.g. order, track, deliver, return) gas cylinders in the Chemistry Department.
5. Maintain and service Chemistry Department facilities including centralized autoclave lab, NMR lab, instrumental analysis lab, solvent purification equipment.
6. Assist NMR maintenance on cryo-fills including twice weekly liquid nitrogen fills and twice-yearly liquid helium fills.
7. Coordinate with facilities, building mechanics and outside contractors for infrastructure improvements, ventilation, heat, water, gas, air, and refrigeration problems.
8. Assist setting up infrastructure (utilities) and instruments.
9. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

● BS or associate degree in chemistry, physics, engineering (mechanical or electrical) or related field.

Required Experience

● Prior experience in operating instrumentation and laboratory equipment.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

● Skills in troubleshooting equipment including: pneumatic, mechanical, and/or evaluating electrical circuits.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

● Ability to communicate effectively with instrument manufacturers, managers, educators and users.
● Ability to perform troubleshooting of a process.
● Ability to coordinate logistics.
● Ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff.
● Commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

● Knowledge in electronics for repairing instruments.
● Prior experience working with hand and power tools.
● Know how to rebuild equipment (with supporting materials).

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

Moving gas cylinders and some instruments (with assistance) may require appropriate physical strength.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following four required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:
• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

1st Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Title of Position Supervisor

Department Chair

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Application materials:

(1) Cover letter addressing required and desird attributes
(2) Resume
(4) Names and contact information for three referees

Additional Information

Contact: mtanasov@mtu.edu

For more information on the Chemistry Department, please  visit,  https://www.mtu.edu/chemistry/

Michigan Tech, ranked an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, attracts world-class faculty who enrich the educational experience of smart, motivated, and adventurous students.

Applicants who are committed to promoting a learning environment for all are strongly encouraged to apply. Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula adjacent to Lake Superior, the Houghton community offers a small-town environment with outstanding four-season recreational opportunities