Lab Assistant

Mission Statement The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. Responsibilities* 20% Specific Classroom laboratories require the planning, scheduling, preparation, and distribution of materials and equipment, independently or with the aid of student employees. Keep laboratory space and preparation areas clean, usable and EHS compliant. Use precision instruments, autoclaves and dishwashers, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, incubators, and more, to accomplish responsibilities. 15% Work with faculty course instructors each semester to determine course needs, while keeping within budgetary limits. Use prepared lab experiment schedules and the University purchasing system to order, track and store course materials, keeping within time and storage constraints. On occasion, the weekly schedule will need to be modified to accommodate early and late hours, or a few weekend hours. 15% Oversee the daily lab operations for one or more courses. Working with GSIs and faculty to achieve successful experimental goals. Troubleshoot problems encountered during lab classes. Assist GSIs in understanding and managing technical aspects of lab activities, accidents, fire alarms or other EHS incidents. This includes assisting with lab schedules to accommodate unscheduled (make-up) lab activities. 10% Regularly revise and update course manuals with information needed for staff to complete course preparations. This includes detailed protocols, lists of lab materials, the storage locations, setup, take down and any technical information. 10% May manage one or more part-time student employees. This includes scheduling, EHS training, work accuracy oversight, lab skill training, and mentoring. This should include skill development with students in lab safety, lab protocols, and work ethics as tools to achieve the successful operation of course laboratory goals. 10% Implement EHS regulations, including the use of PPE, equipment, and hazardous waste collection. 20% Pest management of the Plant Growth Facility for EEB and MCDB labs. Stay current with the latest information and practices within the industry. Meet regularly with faculty and lab members to provide updates on our services and to proactively handle any service related issues. Develop and implement pest control treatment plans. Conduct regular field audits to ensure that services are performed to university standards. Coordinate and conduct pest control surveys and pesticide applications. Coordinate the development and implementation of pest inspections and monitoring systems. Coordinate the development of a communication system to advise faculty and staff on pest control activities and treatment application schedules. Conduct regular health and safety evaluations to ensure pest control procedures, practices, and products comply with local, state, and federal regulations. An essential portion of this position includes working with faculty, GSI's, staff, and students to organize, as part of a team, the development, communication, and implementation of designated protocols for specific laboratory courses in the Program in Biology, EEB, MCDB, or the Program in Neuroscience. Required Qualifications* Bachelor's degree in an area of Biology or other related biological sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with materials preparation, basic biology methods, chemistry techniques, plus computer skills are required; excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills; ability to work well under pressure, solve problems, and meet deadlines is essential. Must possess strong organizational skills and a willingness and ability to learn new laboratory techniques. Must be a team player with a willingness to work cooperatively to achieve common goals. Patience with people and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, including schedule changes. 2-3 years' experience required. Required Certification by the State of Michigan pesticide applicator license in 7E (intereorscapes), or willingness to apply and take the exam. Must pass the exam within the first six months to remain eligible for the position. Desired Qualifications* Master's degree in an area of Biology or other biological sciences. Experience working with the operation of laboratory equipment, including computer software; high level of interpersonal, email, and verbal communication skills; ability to work well under pressure, flexibility with a work schedule, including brief work on a Saturday/Sunday. The ability to solve problems and independence in meeting deadlines are essential. Experience working with and providing guidance to staff. Hands‑on experience with basic laboratory techniques as well as knowledge of protein, RNA, DNA analysis, microbiology, vertebrate anatomy, genetics, botany, animal physiology, plant taxonomy, Drosophila melanogaster stock handling, or EHS is desirable. Modes of Work Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes . Additional Information Given the program's focus on providing ample student-facing support, this position is predominantly expected to be in‑person/on campus. After initial onboarding, the incumbent may occasionally have the flexibility to do some work from home as determined by the supervisor. The program reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employees. The salary range for this position will be: Coordinator Level $42,300 -$53,000 As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world. This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment. The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checksare performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Application Deadline Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.The review and selection process maybegin as early as the eighth day after posting.Thisopening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. U-M EEO Statement The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr