Senior Advanced Technician/Supervisor - Chemistry Department

FHLB Des Moines; Williamstown (MA); On-site; USD 108,886,000 - 123,213,000; Full time

Job summary

Williams College seeks a collaborative Senior Advanced Technician/Supervisor in the Chemistry Department to support laboratory instruction, demonstration labs, and outreach throughout the academic year and summer.

The role supervises a small technical staff and student teaching assistants, coordinates procurement and laboratory operations, and mentors staff while upholding safety and compliance. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry or related field with at least five years of lab experience.
• Strong expertise in chemistry techniques including solution prep, protocols, synthesis, and spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis).
• Ability to coordinate laboratory operations and supervise staff and student employees.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty to develop and troubleshoot experiments and demonstrations.
• Procure reagents, supplies, and equipment, and assist with budget planning.

Skills

Supervising staff

Lab operations

Communication

Spectroscopy UV-Vis

Chemical prep & storage

Education

Master's in Chemistry or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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].

Instructions for Applicants

The mission of Williams College, "to provide the highest quality liberal arts education," is advanced by the rich variety of backgrounds and experiences that faculty, staff, and students bring to the work that we do together.

The college is committed to building and sustaining a learning and working environment where members from all backgrounds can learn, live, and thrive.

We are deeply committed to our employees, providing tuition assistance, excellent benefits, and a warm and welcoming professional environment.

We are looking for candidates who share our values in prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and sustainability.

Located in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, Williams offers a rich academic environment in a beautiful setting. The Berkshires - known as a cultural corridor - are a great place to live, work, and play. With natural beauty, rich history, and top-notch schools, there Berkshires hosts an array of recreational opportunities from world-class museums to hiking trails.

The New York Capital Region, Albany International Airport, and Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Train Station are just an hour away, and Boston and New York City are within a three-hour drive.

The college's vibrant 450-acre campus is home to approximately 2,000 students who bring vibrancy to picturesque Williamstown. Many people relocate here for their job at Williams but stay for the community connections that they build. We hope you’ll take some time to explore the resources here and get to know more about our community-the one here on campus as well as the broader communities of Williamstown and the Berkshires.