Scientific Instrument Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Scientific Instrument Technician

Employee Classification: Scientific Instr Technician

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science

Department: UNT-Biological Sciences-121100

Job Location: Denton

Salary: 52000.00

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

Department Summary

The UNT Department of Biological Sciences offers comprehensive education and research in the life and environmental sciences. Operating out of a state-of-the-art $40 million, LEED-certified Life Sciences Complex, the department features world-class faculty, hands-on undergraduate research, and robust graduate programs

Position Overview

To assist in the management and operations of the Biological Sciences Department, the Institute of Applied Sciences and the Advanced Environmental Research Institute, including special attention to the research laboratory and field facilities

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree in related field and three years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret complex drawings, schematics and designs.
• Ability to creatively work from ideas and to draw own sketches and designs.
• Skilled with the usage of common tools and power tools.
• Ability to design, trouble-shoot and maintain complex equipment.
• Knowledge of appropriate safety and security precautions appropriate to work performed.
• Working knowledge of scientific instrumentation including electronics, refrigeration, electro-mechanical devices, fluidics systems, microscopy, high and low voltage systems, water purification, ultrahigh vacuum systems, IT, mass spectrometry, greenhouse and growth chambers.
• Strong troubleshooting, observation, time-critical task management skills and problem-solving abilities necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing scientific instruments and equipment
• Experience working in academic research laboratories and/or biomedical repair.
• Preference given to those with refrigeration, electronics, IT, and vehicle maintenance backgrounds.
• Knowledge of State of Texas and/or UNT policies and procedures
• Relevant degree or certification from a technical college/institution
• EPA 608u certification

Required License/Registration/Certifications

 

Job Duties

Troubleshoot, repair, calibrate and maintain scientific instrumentation, common equipment, and maintain scientific facilities using available

documentation, technical assistance from manufacturer and best practices including purchasing necessary repair parts.

Install repair parts and make all necessary adjustments and calibrations to reduce downtime, and cost of repair.

Install new equipment using manufacturer supplied documentation and instructions.

Assisting new equipment vendors by ensuring necessary site work is done prior to installation and making arrangements for assistance
in off-loading of equipment, when appropriate. 

Perform needed preventive maintenance procedures to ensure proper operation, performance and safety of equipment is maintained. Arrange for outside assistance when such service is beyond the capabilities of the instrument shop due to lack of necessary equipment or familiarity with the equipment. 

Assist as a liaison with Facilities to aid in maintaining the EESAT, SRB, LSC, WRFS and other research facilities. This includes fielding complaints from occupants and placing work orders with Facilities to address these problems. Work with Facilities to make renovations to the building (structural, electrical, plumbing etc.) When necessary and available assist with any after-hours problems which may occur. 
Assist with performing required annual departmental equipment inventory per university procedures and policies.

Complete required documentation for missing and stolen equipment. Submit completed Inventory Certification and related documents with required signatures to Asset Management for approval. Input custodian and location changes into the EIS asset system. Send obsolete and unwanted equipment to Surplus for re-distribution or disposal. Verify equipment has been removed from departmental inventory. 

Assist researchers with proper maintenance and usage of scientific instruments and equipment. 
As needed, use a university P-card for instrument-related purchases. Keep current with P-card training and reconcile the P-card as required. 

As needed, assist with after-hours needs of research facilities and greenhouses  

Process departmental key and swipe card requests. Coordinate lock changes and maintenance.

Coordinate fleet vehicle upkeep and maintenance
Departmental fleet management including the following duties: Responsible for coordinating between automotive, department, outside vendors, and end user to resolve issues, repairs, and general maintenance and upkeep on 15 departmental vehicles, trailers, and boats.
Responsible for doing visual inspections and weekly report of fleet to ensure no dents, dings, scratches, damage from weather or traffic related, and to ensure that tires are in good condition.
Must be able to drive vehicles both on and off campus. Ensure that the golf cart is charging and operational and other vehicles are driven frequently enough, so that the batteries are checked prior to check out.
Responsible for keying in monthly mileage reports to facilities by the 5th of each month.
May be asked to coordinate with fleet usage at Pollinative Prairie and LLELA occasionally.
Follow up with outside vendors to ensure timely repairs of departmental fleet communicate vehicle availability with IAS staff for calendar scheduling.
Will coordinate billing with IAS office staff to ensure prompt payment on repairs and maintenance of fleet.

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Lifting and
Moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Lifting and moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Moving self in various positions to perform tasks in tight and confined spaces.
Operating machinery and/or power tools.
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

Elevated temperatures.
Exposure to fumes or airborne particles.
Exposure to moving mechanical parts or vibration.
Low temperatures.
Noisy environments.
Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
Small and/or enclosed spaces.
Work with toxic or caustic chemicals.

Work Schedule

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Driving University Vehicle

Yes

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, click here.

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.