Technical Assistant III (Educ)

Title: Technical Assistant III (Educ)

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

Assist in the daily operations of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) instructional laboratories by coordinating lab activities and providing professional and timely services to course instructors, other instructional support staff, and students.

Essential Functions

Perform procedures associated with bacterial culture, PCR, cloning, gene expression, plasmid DNA isolation, protein purification, electrophoresis, enzyme kinetics and sample prep for various BMB laboratory courses.

Develop methods, standard operating procedures, set-up and testing of experimental protocols for all BMB laboratory courses.

Prepare, monitor and maintain stocks and reagents required for BMB laboratory courses, arrange appropriate storage and perform day-to-day monitoring of resources (including equipment) to ensure upkeep in the best possible order, with up-to-date service logs.

Provide education and training to other instructional support staff and students.

Maintain inventory and procurement database, perform purchasing and inventory maintenance, and communicate with vendors.

Maintain, troubleshoot and perform preventative maintenance on instructional laboratory equipment, maintain safety equipment routine testing checklist (including, but not limited to eye wash stations, chemical satellite accumulation areas and autoclave).

Maintain literature awareness of course-related experimental principles and techniques.

Communicate effectively with Manager of Laboratory Instruction, Teaching Assistants (TAs), Instructors and with colleagues in other collaborating departments (including but not limited to Biology and Chemistry departments) to ensure smooth coordination of all processes, prep and logistics of BMB laboratory courses.

Edit electronic laboratory manuals.

Train and functionally supervise TAs and student employees in proper biohazard, chemical hazard, and autoclave waste disposal, oversee student adherence to Federal and Departmental/University environmental, safety, and chemical storage and disposal standards.

Access Chemical Environmental Management System database to oversee inventory of chemicals in the BMB instructional laboratories and request regular collection of accumulated chemical waste by the UMass Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) department.

Assist course instructors as requested.

Participate in meetings with course instructors and other instructional support staff related to operational services.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality, and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of CNS.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of experience using modern molecular biology, and biochemistry techniques. An associate's degree or above can substitute for the required experience.

Experience with laboratory instrumentation including but not limited to microscopes, balances, pH meters, centrifuges, autoclaves, laminar flow hoods, and spectrophotometers.

Knowledge of chemistry required to prepare solutions and reagents.

Ability to plan, organize and troubleshoot scientific procedures for the operation of laboratory exercises.

Knowledge of Macintosh and or PC computers.

Ability to work well in a team and with minimal supervision.

Ability to train others in the use of equipment and performance of laboratory exercises.

Preferred Qualifications

B.S. degree in Life Sciences is preferred.

Additional Details

Flexibility to work some evening hours in order to support laboratory courses (including evening labs) is required.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences' Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst's For the Common Good: 2024-2034 Strategic Plan.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Variable hours between Monday-Friday; 8:30am-5:00pm most days with a minimum of two (2) days per week of evening lab support (as late as 9:30pm).

Salary Information

Pay Grade: USA/MTA Grade 15

Click here to view the Classified Step Scale

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.