Senior Advanced Technician/Supervisor - Chemistry Department

Williams College; Williamstown (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Williams College in Massachusetts seeks a Senior Advanced Technician/Supervisor to support chemistry instruction, demonstrations, and outreach throughout the academic year and summer. You will supervise a small technical staff, mentor student assistants, and maintain safe, efficient lab operations with faculty collaboration.

The ideal candidate has a master's in chemistry and at least five years of lab experience, plus expertise in spectroscopy and chemical handling.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry or closely related discipline with at least five years of lab experience.
• Expertise in chemical solution preparation, lab protocols, synthesis, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Ability to coordinate laboratory operations and manage staff schedules.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications (word processing, spreadsheets).
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills; ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to build collaborative relationships.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty to develop, troubleshoot, and implement laboratory experiments and demonstrations across courses.
• Manage procurement of reagents, supplies, and equipment; coordinate repairs and budgeting.
• Supervise and coordinate daily operations of the technical staff and student teaching assistants.
• Train and mentor staff and student employees; conduct annual performance reviews and assist in hiring.
• Partner with Chemical Hygiene Officer to ensure safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals; maintain compliance and safety culture.

Skills

Laboratory supervision

Spectroscopic analysis

Chemical handling

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Williams College is seeking a collaborative and proactive professional to serve in a full-time position as the Senior Advanced Technician/Supervisor in the Chemistry Department. This vital role supports chemistry laboratory instruction, lecture demonstrations, and outreach/instructional activities throughout the academic year and summer. Reporting to the Associate Chair of Chemistry within the Dean of the Faculty division, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting faculty, supervising and mentoring a small technical staff team as well as student teaching assistants, and maintaining instructional laboratory operations that promote excellence in teaching, learning, and laboratory safety.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations & Instructional Support

• Collaborate with faculty to develop, troubleshoot, and implement laboratory experiments and lecture demonstrations across multiple chemistry courses each semester.
• Manage the procurement of laboratory reagents, supplies, and equipment, including coordinating repairs and collaborating on budget planning.

Supervision & Coordination

• Supervise and coordinate the daily operations of a small technical staff team, as well as student teaching assistants.
• Train and mentor technical staff and student employees, fostering a collaborative and safe learning environment.
• Conduct and issue annual performance reviews of supervisees
• Coordinate hiring of technical staff team members as needed

Laboratory Safety & Compliance

• Partner with the Chemical Hygiene Officer to ensure the safe storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals, and to maintain compliance with laboratory regulations and best practices.
• Promote a culture of safety across all instructional laboratory spaces.

Requirements:

A master's degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline, and a minimum of five years of relevant laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.

Other qualifications include:

• Strong expertise in experimental chemistry techniques, including chemical solution preparation and storage, laboratory protocols, routine chemical synthesis, and spectroscopic methods such as UV-Vis analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate laboratory operations.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills, with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and juggle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships.
• Experience supervising or coordinating technical staff and/or student employees is preferred.
• Experience conducting scientific research, particularly in a chemistry laboratory setting is preferred.

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $43.00 per hour. This position requires fully in-person work. Remote work arrangements will not be available at this time. The position also requires the mobility to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time and occasional heavy lifting up to 50 lbs.

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable. Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at [phone] or email at [e-mail].