Biology Teaching Laboratory Support Technician

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The IRD for this job is: 04-14-2026 About UC Santa Cruz UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It’s known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world. Department Overview The Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology (MCD) is comprised of thirty-five faculty members and four lecturers, whose work focuses on questions of how information in DNA is packaged, read, and interpreted in living cells, how those cells are built and regenerated, and how cells work together to comprise a whole organism. The Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB), is devoted to the study of ecological and evolutionary processes in marine and terrestrial and freshwater environments. The past 30 years have seen several revolutions in our understanding of how the biological world works. Advances in both analytical and genetic methods have given us a far more sophisticated understanding of the complexities of ecological and evolutionary processes in the natural world. Biologists at UCSC have played and will continue to play an important part in these advances, and the campus programs offer unique educational opportunities in biology that feature small class sizes and extensive faculty‑student interactions. The Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology (METX) focuses on the human and environmental health impacts of chemicals and pathogens. This interdisciplinary focus has led to new insights into how microbes cause disease and affect the bioavailability of toxicants in the environment, as well as how organisms respond to these injurious agents. While our research is driven by biological questions, it has a significant translational component and has led to the identification of novel therapeutic targets, approaches for bioremediation, and markers of toxicant exposure. In addition, our department provides an exciting and effective training environment for graduate and undergraduate research and teaching. The METX faculty have been very successful in developing independent and interdisciplinary research programs, publishing in top-rated peer‑reviewed journals, and advancing through the professoriate ranks. Moreover our graduate training prepares students to become leaders in various fields, following career paths in academia, teaching, industry, and government. More information can be found at: Job Summary Under supervision, and as part of the Biology Teaching Laboratories (BTL) instructional support team, the incumbent will provide technical and logistical support to laboratory course offerings in the Biological Sciences by preparing and organizing materials and equipment, analyzing and testing experimental protocols, and maintaining order and cleanliness in the BTL. This position supports laboratory and field courses offered by the Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Department, the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, and the Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology Department. Appointment Information Budgeted Salary: $31.34/hour. Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits Schedule Information Full-time, Fixed Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week Days of the Week: Mon-Fri Shift Includes: Day Employee Classification Career appointment Job End Date: None Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus Union Representation: RX Union Job Code Classification: 009617 (SRA 2 NEX) Travel: Never or Rarely Job Duties 55% – Laboratory Course Preparation and Organization Prepare laboratory materials, set up instruments and provide field equipment in a timely, safe and economical fashion. Safely prepare chemical reagents and culture media in appropriate amounts. Test effectiveness of reagents and media as needed. Keep written records of work in laboratory notebooks, word processing, spreadsheet and database files. Clean and store equipment and materials following exercises. Maintain order, cleanliness and safety in the BTL. Coordinate use of equipment by different classes. Negotiate short-term loans of equipment or supplies from research labs or other campus units as needed. Place orders for equipment, chemicals, and supplies from external vendors, as expeditiously as possible. Test, calibrate, and perform minor repairs to lab instrumentation. Provide written and oral instructions on proper equipment use to colleagues, instructors, TAs and students. Act as a resource when questions concerning equipment use or experimental protocols arise during laboratory or field courses. Clean or direct students to clean lab benches, glassware and other equipment. Transport equipment and supplies between the main campus and the Coastal Sciences Campus. Implement correct record keeping procedures to maintain departmental inventories and storage records. Maintain teaching collections of living organisms including bacteria, yeasts, fruit flies, plants and other experimental cultures. Determine and plan maintenance schedules. Prepare culture media and perform transfers. Collect organisms in the field when necessary. 20% – Analysis and Testing of Course-specific Experimental Protocols Determine the equipment, reagents, media and supplies needed by laboratory and field courses on a daily, weekly, and quarterly basis by critical reading and analysis of written laboratory protocols and through consultation with instructors and TAs. Test experimental protocols provided by instructors and suggest modifications as necessary. 20% – Hazardous Materials Handling and Disposal Coordinate the efficient and safe use of hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials as required by UCSC Environmental Health and Safety. Notify students and instructors of any hazards in the lab, appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and required safety precautions. Implement appropriate procedures for monitoring and decontamination of equipment and laboratories. Implement required procedures for disposal of chemical and biohazard waste. 5% – Supervision of Work‑study Student Assistants Train students in correct laboratory procedures and safety measures. Assign tasks on a daily basis. Participate in the recruitment and evaluation of work‑study student assistants. Required Qualifications Knowledge of the general principles of biology, chemistry and physics as attained through coursework leading to a bachelor’s or master's degree in biology, chemistry or related disciplines, and a more specialized knowledge of the principles of modern laboratory and field biology. Demonstrated proficiency in laboratory skills including accurate weighing and mixing of chemicals and media, pH adjustment, sterilization, dispensing, sterile transfer, sterile techniques, dilutions, molarities and ancillary calculations. Experience maintaining, troubleshooting and performing routine repairs of laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meters, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettors, spectrophotometers, and electrophoresis units, and a theoretical and practical knowledge of modern laboratory instrumentation. Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to meet strict deadlines. Experience writing test protocols and performing basic experimental lab procedures to complete diagnostic analyses of reagents and media. Ability to critically read and comprehend technical literature. Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of faculty, staff and students and engage them in productive dialog regarding technical issues. Experience working cooperatively as part of a team. Ability to train and supervise student employees. Experience safely handling toxic chemicals and biohazards. Experience procuring materials based on cost and serviceability and the analytical skills to determine whether an alternate product choice is adequate for course related exercises. Experience handling and maintaining living organisms such as bacteria, yeast, plants, and invertebrates. Ability to work quickly, accurately, and independently in a fast‑paced environment and focus on tasks despite frequent interruptions. Knowledge and experience with information technology including word processing, spreadsheets and database programs. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or equivalent in Biology or Chemistry with coursework in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular or cell biology. Experience as a laboratory technician where duties included direct responsibility for preparing laboratory experiments for college level courses in molecular biology or biochemistry. Experience using hand tools, small power tools and test equipment. Special Conditions of Employment Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre‑employment criminal history background check. Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process. The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on‑site. Ability to work in a laboratory environment in the presence of or directly handling (with appropriate PPE) biological materials, hazardous chemicals, biohazards, fumes, heat sources and glassware. Work requires bending, reaching and the ability to move laboratory or field equipment weighing up to 40 lbs, with or without accommodation. Work involves the risk of exposure to fire, chemical reactions or electrical shock. Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends. Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus. Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training. The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program. Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy Abusive Conduct in the Workplace Safety Statement All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries. Notice of Availability In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io. EEO/AA The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor. #J-18808-Ljbffr