Electron Microscopist

Los Angeles Unified School District; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, &

CalPERS retirement

Vacation time starting at 2 weeks

Paid holidays

Job summary

Los Angeles Unified School District is seeking an Electron Microscopist to support the Facilities Environmental Technical Unit. The role involves operating TEM and ancillary equipment to analyze air and water samples for asbestos, performing qualitative and quantitative analysis, and ensuring compliance with quality control standards.

Prior microscopy experience and color perception are required. The ideal candidate will maintain instrument calibration, prepare abatement-related samples, and

Qualifications

• Education: Twelve semester or equivalent quarter units in chemistry, geochemistry, physics, crystallography, geology, mineralogy, or related courses at a recognized college or university, preferably with courses in microscopy.
• Experience: One year of experience performing transmission electron microscopy.
• Special Physical Requirement: Normal color perception

Responsibilities

• Using TEM and related lab equipment to prepare and analyze air and water samples for asbestos testing.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of samples to determine asbestos type and amount.
• Classify asbestos fibers by diffraction patterns and analyze elemental composition with EDS.
• Photograph samples with the electron microscope camera and maintain calibration of instruments.
• Keep accurate laboratory records and manage related supplies.

Skills

Laboratory safety

Attention to detail

Record keeping

Analytical skills

Education

12 semester units in chemistry or related fields

Tools

TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope)

Energy Dispersive Spectrometer

Plasma asher

Vacuum evaporator

Stereo microscope

X-ray EDS

Job description

We are LAUSD. We are at the forefront of innovation in public education, focused on a clear and inspiring vision of the future for all of our students as they venture forward on their journey as lifelong learners. Here, you will have the opportunity to exercise your potential in a role supporting the business of education. Our work directly contributes toward the goal of ensuring that our students graduate ready for the world – ready to thrive in college, career and life. LAUSD is the second largest school district in the nation with an enrollment of nearly 520,000 students. We serve an area totaling 710 square miles, with over 1,190 schools and educational centers, and we employ over 74,000 individuals, making us one of the largest employers in our city.

LAUSD EMPLOYEES: Please be advised that all LAUSD employees must sign in to the GlobalProtect VirtualPrivate Network (VPN) in order to submit an application from an external network outside of an LAUSD location. For assistance with installing the GlobalProtect virtual network, please contact Information Technology Services at [phone] or [phone] or via their page ( https://www.lausd.org/helpdesk)

DEPARTMENT OR SCHOOL SITE

The Facilities Environmental Technical Unit (FETU) is responsible for hazardous material abatement and management and for State and Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) regulatory compliance as follows:

• Executing abatement projects with FETU force account labor
• Performing assessments, preparing abatement designs as well as reviewing assessment reports, abatement designs, and close out reports following abatement contracts submitted by environmental consultants for all District contracted projects
• Developing specifications and procedures for safe handling of asbestos, lead, and mold, in concert with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS)
• Reviewing and approving qualifications of abatement contractors and environmental consultants and managing master service contracts for such services

BENEFITS

Insurance: Paid premiums for your choice of several medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

Retirement: Membership in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS).

Vacation: Full-time employees earn up to two weeks of paid vacation to start. Three weeks after five years of year-round paid service.

Paid Holidays: Up to 13 days.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

An Electron Microscopist uses a transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, and related laboratory equipment to perform tests of air and water samples to detect asbestos and qualify and quantify findings. Typical duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Using laboratory equipment, such as a stereo microscope, plasma asher, and vacuum evaporator to prepare air and water samples to be analyzed by electron microscopy.
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses of samples suspected of containing asbestos and determines the type and amount of asbestos found.
• Analyzing samples by using selected-area electron diffraction to classify asbestos fibers by their diffraction patterns.
• Performing x-ray energy dispersive spectrometry to analyze and characterize an individual asbestos fiber's elemental composition.
• Operating the electron microscope camera to photograph samples.
• Calibrating and aligning the electron microscope and other laboratory equipment and conducts resolution tests to determine quality of microscope operations.
• Cleaning microscopes and other laboratory instruments by appropriate methods.
• Applying District guidelines and governmental quality control standards in performing laboratory work.
• Keeping files of laboratory test results and samples.
• Requesting and maintaining related laboratory supplies.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Twelve semester or equivalent quarter units in chemistry, geochemistry, physics, crystallography, geology, mineralogy, or related courses at a recognized college or university, preferably with courses in microscopy.

Experience: One year of experience performing transmission electron microscopy.

Special Physical Requirement: Normal color perception

SPECIAL NOTE:

• Employment is subject to medical clearance.
• Positions in this classification are subject to pertinent provisions of the General Industry Safety Orders of the California Code of Regulations regarding protective equipment when exposed to hazardous materials, including, but not limited to, asbestos and lead.
• Prior to employment, all successful candidates will be required to pass an asbestos medical examination in compliance with the General Industry Safety Orders of the California Administrative Codes.
• Requires wearing a negative pressure respirator

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess a thorough knowledge of electron microscopy methods and techniques, asbestos sample preparation for transmission electron microscope analysis, and the operation of laboratory equipment, including transmission electron microscopes, energy dispersive spectrometers, vacuum evaporators, and plasma ashers. They will also demonstrate knowledge of laboratory procedures, quality control standards, record keeping requirements, safe laboratory practices, and current developments in the electron microscopic analysis of fibers.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the precision, attention to detail, and observational skills necessary to identify asbestos types and characteristics, interpret findings, and measure subtle differences in the shape and size of substances analyzed. They will be able to conduct meticulous microscope resolution tests; clean, calibrate, and align electron microscopes and related instruments; and perform standard microscopy methods and repetitive procedures accurately without close supervision. The ideal candidate will maintain laboratory practices that meet the quality assurance and quality control requirements of the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program.

EMPLOYMENT SELECTION PROCESS

We anticipate receiving a number of well qualified applicants for this position; therefore, there will be a competitive process.

ADDITIONAL POSTING INFORMATION

The Los Angeles Unified School District is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, abusive conduct, or bullying. The District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, abusive conduct or bullying based on actual or perceived race or ethnicity, gender/sex (including gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding/lactation status and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, religion, color, national origin (including language use restrictions and possession of a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code), ancestry, immigration status, physical or mental disability (including clinical depression and bipolar disorder, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, epilepsy, seizure disorder, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease), medical condition (cancer related and genetic characteristics), military and veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age (40 and above), genetic information, political belief or affiliation (unless union related), a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance, or regulation in any program or activity it conducts or to which it provides significant assistance.

For inquiries or complaints contact our Equal Opportunity Section, [phone].

Selection and promotion are based on a competitive employment assessment process. Candidates who pass all parts of the assessment process are placed on a hiring (eligibility) list based on their assessment score. Hiring departments may make job offers to candidates on the top three ranks of the hiring list. Eligibility typically lasts for 12 months. The hiring list resulting from this assessment process may be used to fill open positions in related job classifications.

LAUSD Talent Acquisition and Selection Branch