Biology Laboratory Support Technician (530491)

Description

Division of Academic Affairs

Instructional Support Technician I

• Temporary Position - Anticipated end date December 22, 2023 ***

Responsibilities & Duties

Performs duties by following preparation list protocols for labs assigned, from instructions in laboratory manuals, and from instructors. Prepares chemical solutions for various laboratories. Sets out materials (i.e., prepared slides, glassware, models, living materials) and sets up and calibrates basic lab equipment (i.e., pH meters, spectrophotometers, electrophoresis power supplies, etc.) for assigned labs. Cleans up and properly puts away materials and equipment after labs. Properly separates hazardous wastes and stores appropriately for chemical waste pickup. Prepares sterile media using autoclaves and inoculates media to create cultures. Troubleshoots laboratory experiments. Locates and finds vendors for materials needed for laboratory course work, and notifies the IST III for Biology in a timely manner of materials that need ordering. Works with student assistants as assigned. Provides general technical support for instructional programs offered by the biology program at the undergraduate level as appropriate. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements Of Position

Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences or a related science discipline. Work experience in preparing materials for university-level biology courses and labs desirable. Willingness to learn and follow all laboratory safety practices. Ability and willingness to work with hazardous chemicals. Ability and willingness to work with living microbial cultures and preserved animals and plant material. Willingness to increase knowledge of advanced lab techniques, use of complex lab instrumentation, and lab administration (use of inventory database, updating lab preparation procedures, etc). Willingness to work flexible hours including early morning, late evening, and weekends when needed. After training, must be able to work independently under general supervision. Knowledge of the laboratory courses offered in an undergraduate university-level biology program and their associated equipment and supplies. Strong interpersonal skills–capable of interacting positively with students, faculty, administrators, non-technical staff, and vendor representatives. Ability to communicate effectively with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.

Physical Demands: Frequent/Continuous reaching within arm’s distance, frequent sitting in office chair or standing for up to 5-7 hours at a time. Occasional lifting/carrying of up to 30 pounds at waist level within office and laboratory areas, continuous use of hands to operate telephone, computer systems, laboratory equipment and preparation of labs, occasional reaching at or above waist level and shoulder level, occasional bending and/or stooping at the waist, continuous use of hands for grasping, fine manipulation, and ability to stand/walk up to 20 minutes at a time, over uneven terrain, and up slopes.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Hiring Salary: $3,815 - $4,150 per month