Lab Technician - Chemistry

Harper College; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, seeks a laboratory technician to manage supplies and provide technical support for chemistry lab courses. Responsibilities include ensuring readiness of materials, monitoring lab safety, and maintaining laboratory equipment in order.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in chemistry and at least one year of relevant lab experience. Familiarity with laboratory safety standards and technical laboratory skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related science with laboratory emphasis.
• At least one year of chemistry lab experience including equipment operation.
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and inventory supplies and equipment for laboratory courses.
• Provide technical support and monitor lab exercises.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment.

Skills

Laboratory safety knowledge

Technical laboratory skills

Problem solving

Inventory management

Word processing and spreadsheet software

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or science discipline

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Computers

Job description

Identifies, prepares, and inventories supplies, and equipment required for laboratory courses and ensures supplies and equipment are accurately prepared, readily available, and set up as required.

Responsible for providing technical laboratory and safety support to faculty for laboratory exercises. Collaborates with course instructors to monitor any changes to laboratory protocols to assure that laboratory needs are met. Assists in problem solving of laboratory experiments, equipment, instrumentation and takes corrective action.

Assists with maintaining inventory and identifying needs of all department supplies, equipment, instrumentation, and laptop computers.

Maintains the laboratories, stockrooms, preparation rooms, storage rooms, and instrumentation rooms in orderly and neat condition by cleaning and storing supplies and equipment. Coordinates care and performs routine maintenance including calibration, repair and/or construction of all department laboratory equipment and instruments.

Monitors facilities and utilities such as de-ionized water, plumbing, compressed air, natural gas, electricity, and ventilation. Communicates all facilities, utilities, and custodial issues through proper channels and to all appropriate parties.

Responds to unexpected situations and contacts the appropriate personnel.

Meets regularly with the department chair and laboratory coordinator to collaboratively discuss workflow, troubleshoot issues, and assess department laboratory needs.

Assists chemical hygiene officer and/or laboratory coordinator in monitoring health, safety and storage issues with respect to: lab instruction, evaluating hazards, assessing risks in procedures and supplies used in laboratory experiments. Collects and disposes of laboratory waste according to OSHA safety standards. Assists in maintaining a file of Safety Data Sheets and other appropriate safety documentation.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

Works indoors with hazardous chemicals. Work involves moving throughout the laboratories in an area with an outside perimeter of nearly an eighth of a mile and occasionally climbing ladders. Work may also involve lifting of containers up to 30 lbs. and moving compressed gas cylinders.

Equipment / Tools Used

Utilizes technical laboratory equipment and computers in order to perform the duties of the job.

Certificates and Training to be obtained in the course of employment

Complete required Laboratory Safety Training

Supervision

Under the general supervision of the Dean of Mathematics and Science Division. Receives day to day guidance from the Laboratory Coordinator and Department Chair. Performs routine duties without receiving instruction. Receives instructions as needed for specific assignments.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry with an emphasis on laboratory skills and instrumentation or a Bachelor's degree in a science discipline with at least 24 hours in chemistry.

Experience

At least one year of chemistry laboratory experience including operation and maintenance of common laboratory instrumentation. Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software required. Knowledge of chemistry laboratory safety preferred.