Scientific Lab Technician

University of North Texas; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Texas in Denton is seeking a Scientific Lab Technician to prepare microbiology teaching labs for student use. You will manage materials, spaces and inventories, ensuring accurate records and smooth lab operation.

The role supports the Instructional Lab Supervisor and coordinates with graduate services assistants and student workers. A bachelor’s degree with related experience is preferred, with a focus on lab safety and instrumentation upkeep.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and one year of related experience.
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Experience with teaching lab prep or microbiology labs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain inventory and update inventory lists for prep notes and manuals.
• Prepare, maintain and remediate microbiology labs daily; break down and clean spaces; prepare media and cultures as needed.
• Organize and maintain prep area and materials.
• Maintain safe environments by regularly checking for and remediating safety hazards.
• Clean, test and troubleshoot instrumentation and equipment.
• Oversee Graduate Services Assistant(s) and student workers; assign work to prep staff.

Skills

Lab safety

Instrument troubleshooting

Documentation

Teaching assistance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Microscopes

Incubators

Autoclave

Media preparation

Job description

Title: Scientific Lab Technician

Employee Classification: Scientific Lab Technician

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

Sub Division-Department: UNT-College of Science

Department: UNT-Biological Sciences-121100

Job Location: Denton

Salary: $36,,336.00

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

The Department of Biological Sciences, one of four departments in the College of Science, has over 40 faculty, 175 graduate and 3,000 undergraduate students. Our faculty is a community of scholars dedicated to research and teaching in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Plant Biology, and Organismal environment interactions. We offer Bachelor’s degrees in Biology, Biochemistry, Ecology, Medical Laboratory Science, and Forensic Science, and Master’s and PhDs in Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Environmental Science. We measure our success by the success of our students and the quality of our intellectual contributions to society.

Position Overview

Under the guidance of the Instructional Lab Supervisor, prepare the microbiology and related teaching labs for use by students; oversee and participate in all preparation of materials and spaces by prep personnel; prepare media, create and maintain chemical / supply / material / instrumentation / equipment inventories for microbiology and related labs; assist Instructional Lab Supervisor as requested; and act as a point of contact for graduate services assistants and student workers.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field and one year of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• General understanding of the field of science or engineering related to position.
• Knowledge of special equipment used in teaching laboratories and/or test instruments, repair equipment, tools and parts in use in the field.
• Ability to teach and/or supervise others through demonstration and verbal communication.
• Knowledge of scientific techniques, methods and procedures.
• Ability to locate and replace defective parts and troubleshoot technical equipment.
• Ability to prepare accurate assays/samples or perform arithmetical computations and maintain detailed records.

Preferred Qualifications

Degree or specialized training in Microbiology or Molecular Biology and three years experience preparing labs for use in either a teaching or research environment. Experience with and ability to troubleshoot microbiology/molecular biology laboratory instrumentation. Knowledge of laboratory and chemical safety, aseptic technique and disposal of biohazardous waste. Selfstarter who contributes to the work environment and overall success of the department by seeking solutions to challenges.

Job Duties

• Maintain inventory and update inventory lists and prep notes/manuals.
• Prepare, maintain and remediate microbiology laboratories daily; breakdown, clean and setup laboratory spaces biweekly; prepare media and cultures in a timely manner for use in laboratories.
• Organize and maintain prep area and materials.
• Maintain safe environments by regularly checking for and remediating safety hazards.
• Clean, test and troubleshoot instrumentation and equipment.
• Oversee and help schedule Graduate Services Assistant(s) and student workers; assign work to prep assistants.

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm; occasional early mornings and evenings

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits,

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.