Laboratory Technician

Columbia University; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in New York City seeks a Lab Support Staff to assist two instructional laboratories and the mechatronics lab. You will assemble and maintain equipment, and instruct students on machine shop tools including CNC mills and lathes, coordinating lab needs with professors.

You will manage inventory, set up experiments, advise on circuit design for controlling mechanical systems, mentor projects with microcontrollers, and operate instrumentation such as oscilloscopes and 3D

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline; minimum 2 years in a research setting.
• Strong familiarity with microcontrollers, programming, and soldering equipment.
• Mechatronics/robotics experience and mentoring preferred.

Responsibilities

• Instruct students on the proper use of equipment and laboratory experiments.
• Coordinate lab usage for classes and project needs.
• Set up and maintain experimental setups and equipment.
• Assist students in project design using ICs and microcontrollers.
• Maintain and operate lab equipment including oscilloscopes, laser cutters, and 3D printers.
• Maintain inventories and coordinate replacement supplies and billing for lab materials.
• Interface with student clubs on project design.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline

Tools

CNC mills

Lathes

Oscilloscopes

Laser cutters

3D printers

Job description

• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Morningside
• Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Instructional Laboratories, the incumbent assists with course-related needs of the two lab spaces as well as the mechatronics needs of the mechatronics technology laboratory. The incumbent assists with assembly of and performing maintenance on laboratory equipment, instructing students on the operation of laboratory equipment including the machine shop equipment such as CNC mills and lathes, coordinating with professors on lab needs for courses, taking inventory, and other tasks required in the day-to-day operation of the laboratories. The incumbent also instructs students regarding the design of electronic circuits for controlling mechanical systems, as well instructing students on the proper use, operation and maintenance of equipment (oscilloscopes, laser cutters, 3D printers, and other tools in the labs). The incumbent maintains mechanical and electrical instrumentation within the spaces and must be willing to learn and operate additional similar systems. The incumbent will also interface with student clubs in the design and manufacturing of club projects.

Responsibilities

• 20%- Instructing students on the proper use of equipment and operating and maintaining laboratory experiments and equipment
• 20%- Assist in coordinating lab usage for classes and needs for course projects; assist in lab organization and storage
• 15%- Building, setting up, and providing support for experimental setups, and performing maintenance to ensure the effective operation of laboratory equipment
• 15%- Providing assistance for students in the design and implementation of projects, including the use of integrated circuits and microcontrollers
• 10%- Maintaining and operating laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, pulse generators, laser cutters, 3D printers, mechanical and electronic instrumentation, and computers interfacing with instrumentation/equipment including CNC mills and lathes
• 10%-Maintaining laboratory inventories and ordering replacement supplies as well as coordinating billing for lab materials
• 5%- Interface with student clubs regarding project design
• 5%- Performs other tasks, duties, and responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a scientific discipline. Minimum two (2) years of experience in a research environment. Strongly prefer a bachelor’s degree in a related field, including mechanical engineering or electrical engineering. Strongly prefer mechatronics, robotics, and mentoring experience. Must be familiar with microcontrollers, programming, and soldering equipment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.