What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Assistant position at Case Western Reserve University?
Job Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under minimal supervision, the Laboratory Assistant provides support for both teaching and research laboratories in the department. This assistant will work with faculty to update, set up, conduct, and supervise experiments for an existing teaching laboratory for MS graduate students. The assistant will supervise and instruct MS students enrolled in the lab courses during all class times. This position will prepare materials for the teaching laboratory and provide technical guidance for the students during their experiments. The assistant is responsible for the installation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair of scientific instruments. The assistant will also install and maintain scientific research software, and train new biochemistry department employees on common use equipment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Instruct and supervise students in the lab during all formal class times. (35%)
- Administer experiments, provide analysis and interpretation of results, as appropriate during the set up and ongoing operation of the teaching laboratory. (11%)
- Assist in grading student notebooks and practical exams. (10%)
- General laboratory management (includes lab safety, equipment maintenance, waste disposal). (10%)
- Maintain records and reports for equipment in teaching and research laboratories, as well as inventory for the teaching laboratory. (6%)
- Working with faculty, design and set up experimental stations for a new MS teaching laboratory. (6%)
- Install, maintain, and repair complex equipment in both teaching and research laboratories, including a variety of scientific instruments and computers. (6%)
- Prepare materials and provide technical assistance for student experiments in the MS teaching laboratory. (6%)
- Instruct students, research personnel, and faculty in the use of equipment. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Track and project lab expenses. (2%)
- Provide support to departmental stockroom. (2%)
- Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Continuous contact with Biochemistry faculty, students, and research lab members. Daily contact with faculty and the departmental administrator. Frequent contact with the departmental finance specialist, stockroom manager, and departmental assistant to exchange information.
University: Frequent contact with Environmental Health And Safety, Procurement, and Information Technology Services as available and appropriate to exchange information.
External: Frequent contact with vendors, repair services and technicians to exchange information.
Students: Continuous contact with Biochemistry students to exchange information.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience required. Deep functional knowledge and hands-on scientific laboratory experience or substantial familiarity with the use and maintenance of scientific instrumentation required.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a scientific area required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Must be able to work independently with limited supervision, and also collaboratively within a team.
- Must have basic understanding of biochemistry and significant scientific laboratory experience.
- Proficiency in commonly used commercial software (e.g., MS Office) and ability to learn and incorporate specialized IT and scientific software and tools.
- Must be able to work effectively with faculty and students of different cultural backgrounds and linguistic skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds within the department, school and university, and with individuals outside the university.
- Ability to problem-solve effectively, and demonstrate good judgment and logical decision-making.
- Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to anticipate potential problems and identify solutions; work effectively under pressure and manage time and stress.
- Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, give attention to detail, and meet deadlines.
- Proven ability to follow-through on assigned projects and provide timely follow-up as needed.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline. Must be flexible in order to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.
- Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to meet consistent attendance.
- Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Research laboratory environment and general office working environment. Pressures to meet deadlines and to deal with more than one task at a time. Must be able to handle different and often complex needs specific to the faculty/facility/application.
Diversity Statement
In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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Reasonable Accommodations
Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.
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COVID Vaccination
Case Western Reserve University has implemented a COVID Vaccination policy requiring evidence of COVID-19 vaccination for all students, faculty and staff with an on-campus presence. Religious and medical exemptions may be provided in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. For more information go to: https://case.edu/equity/covid-19-accommodations. Applicants may contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 /equity@case.edu for information regarding religious or medical exemptions as an accommodation.
