Laboratory Technician: Science

Pima-Community-College; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima Community College's Sciences Laboratory Technician role provides technical support to the Science department, assisting with experiments, demonstrations, and living cultures while maintaining equipment and stock. The position emphasizes safety procedures and inventory management through LIMS, with some weekend/evening shifts and possible campus reassignment.

Based at the Northwest Campus, the role may require flexibility for other campus locations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1–3 years of related laboratory experience.
• Valid Arizona driver license.
• Hazardous Materials Certification within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation, setup, and breakdown of student experiments and faculty demonstrations.
• Maintain living cultures and subculturing of organisms.
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment (balances, microscopes, micropipettors, power tools, 3D printers).
• Stock science classrooms and spaces; verify course software on laboratory computers.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and workspaces; secure facilities.

Skills

Safety procedures

Attention to accuracy

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Applied Science

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Biology

Tools

LIMS

Microscopes

3D printers

Job description

The Sciences Laboratory Technician provides skilled technical support to faculty, students, and co-workers for the College’s Science department. This role is responsible for assisting with the preparation, setup, and breakdown of student experiments and faculty demonstrations, while maintaining living cultures and stocking classrooms. Maintains a variety of laboratory equipment. Responsible for keeping science classrooms and assigned spaces clean and secure. Follows strict safety procedures. Assists in managing inventory or order processing through a Laboratory Management System (LIMS). This position may operate within one or more scientific disciplines.

Note: This is an operational and technical support role - not a research or teaching position.

The work schedule for this position is variable and subject to change each semester or as operational needs arise, and may include evenings and/or weekends. While based at the Northwest Campus, technicians may occasionally be reassigned to other campuses as needed.

• Assists with the preparation, set up, and breakdown of student experiments and faculty demonstrations, including the preparation of specialized media
• Maintains living cultures, including protists, plants, and various other microscopic organisms, through routine subculturing
• Assists in the maintenance of a variety of equipment, including balances, microscopes, micropipettors, power tools, and 3D printers
• Stock the science classrooms and assigned spaces with necessary supplies. Verifies that course software is installed on laboratory computers
• Cleans and disinfects equipment and student workspaces; secures facilities by unlocking and locking classrooms and learning spaces
• Follows laboratory safety procedures to minimize hazards. Assists with staff safety training as directed by the Science Laboratory Supervisor
• Assists with the proper disposal of biological and chemical waste, including autoclaving biohazardous waste
• Organizes and maintains laboratory documents and disseminates safety data for classroom use
• Assists with inventory tracking and order processing using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Purchases laboratory supplies as approved. Receives, verifies, and enters order information into the Laboratory Information Management System
• Participates in professional development and continuing education to stay current with field advancements and safety standards
• Participates in community outreach events supported by the Division of Sciences
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor

• High school diploma or GED and
• One to three years of related experience in a laboratory and
• Valid Arizona driver license

or

• An equivalent combination of certification, education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above

Preferred:

• Associate degree in Applied Science, or a closely related field of study
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Biology, or a closely related STEM field of study
• Three to five years of related experience with a laboratory in an Institution of higher learning

Additional Information:

May require a Hazardous Materials Certification, or the ability to obtain one, within 60 days of hire.

• Knowledge of standard scientific techniques in biology, chemistry, engineering, and/or physics
• Knowledge of lab safety protocols
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance principles and practices
• Knowledge of internal and external customer service principles and practices
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques
• Skill performing precise math calculations required for solution preparation
• Skill in operating, calibrating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and caring for standard scientific equipment
• Skill in identifying operational issues, analyzing root causes, and identifying effective technical solutions
• Skill in effective communication (both written and oral)
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships
• Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks simultaneously for efficient workflow
• Ability to operate and maintain lab equipment
• Ability to perform detailed technical tasks with high accuracy and precision
• Ability to operate relevant equipment required to complete assigned responsibilities for the position

Physical Requirements:

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a non-traditional work environment with staff contact and frequent interruptions.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a non-traditional setting; to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time; to frequently position self to perform duties; to move, transport, and/or position light to moderate (up to 20 pounds) amounts of weight; to operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; to operate various equipment required to perform duties; and to effectively communicate to exchange information. May be exposed to various hazardous conditions, such as infectious diseases, chemicals, or moving mechanical parts.

Vision: Ability to see in the normal, visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Ability to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.