Laboratory Technician

Overview of Laboratory Technician

The Department of Biological Sciences is seeking a Laboratory Technician. The Laboratory Technician provides technical, instructional, and operational support for assigned Biological Sciences laboratories at the Hammond campus. The position independently prepares instructional laboratories in accordance with established procedures and applies specialized biological knowledge and professional judgment to address laboratory preparation, equipment, safety, instructional, and research-support needs. The position also manages departmental social media and website content and supports departmental outreach activities. It works under the general supervision of the department chair and within the department-wide laboratory priorities and procedures coordinated by the senior laboratory operations position.

This position is primarily located at the Hammond campus with travel to other PNW locations as needed.

Salary:

• $38,000 - $40,4000

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, does require some flexibility

Duties and Responsibilities of Laboratory Technician

• Independently prepare and support assigned instructional laboratories in microbiology, introductory biology, ecology, anatomy and physiology, human biology, cellular biology, genetics, molecular biology, and related life-science areas.
• Interpret laboratory procedures; determine required materials, cultures, specimens, reagents, and equipment; and resolve routine and non-routine preparation problems.
• Teach assigned laboratory courses.
• Prepare instructional materials, deliver laboratory instruction, grade student work, maintain course records, respond to student questions, and assist with improvements to laboratory exercises.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and preparation areas.
• Manage assigned inventories of equipment, reagents, supplies, cultures, and biological specimens.
• Assist with safety documentation, waste procedures, and compliance activities; and obtain quotations or place approved routine orders as assigned.
• Provide technical support for faculty teaching and research.
• Assist with laboratory protocols, experimental troubleshooting, researcher training, equipment and specimen maintenance, and other research activities requested by faculty.
• Refer complex or department-wide matters to the senior laboratory operations position or appropriate faculty member.
• Assist with the training, scheduling, direction, and review of undergraduate and graduate students working in the laboratories.
• Assist with departmental outreach programs and events.

Benefits of Laboratory Technician

• Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and moreFull benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
• Accrue 15 days’ vacation your first year, then 22 days’ vacation your 2nd year plus rollover
• University contribution of 10% to retirement (3 year waiting period)
• University contributions to Health Savings Account –
  • Plus a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives
• 10 paid holidays
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Paid Parental Leave after one year of service
• Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus

For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/

Education of Laboratory Technician

• Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, anatomy and physiology or a closely related biological science is required.
• Master’s degree in biological science is preferred.

Experience of Laboratory Technician

• One year of relevant experience in biological teaching, research, clinical, or related laboratory setting is required.
• Experience with laboratory preparation, biological cultures and specimens, laboratory instrumentation, equipment maintenance, instructional support, or research support is preferred.

Core Competencies of Laboratory Technician

• Knowledge of biological laboratory methods and principles across relevant disciplines, including microbiology, molecular and cell biology, genetics, ecology, anatomy and physiology, and related fields, is required.
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques and familiarity with molecular biology methods are required.
• The position must be able to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot commonly used biological and chemical laboratory equipment.
• The employee must apply specialized scientific knowledge and judgment to interpret laboratory procedures, identify preparation and equipment problems, recommend appropriate solutions, and advise faculty and students on teaching and research protocols.
• The employee must recognize when an issue can be resolved independently and when to refer it to the senior laboratory operations position, a faculty member, or the department chair.
• The position requires knowledge of laboratory safety practices, chemical and biological handling procedures, inventory control, and appropriate waste-management procedures.
• Strong instructional, organizational, communication, technical, and problem-solving skills are required.
• The employee must manage multiple laboratory assignments, work independently within established procedures, maintain accurate records, and work a flexible schedule when assigned laboratories occur during evening hours.

Additional Information

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Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position

Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable.

Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal access university.

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana in the greater Chicago area and near the Indiana Dunes National Park, PNW serves approximately 9,000 students, including 6,000 core students, in a wide range of academic programs at the baccalaureate, master’s and applied doctoral levels.

Purdue Northwest employs more than 1,000 faculty and staff members for operations at its main campus in Hammond, Ind., and its branch campus in Westville, Ind., plus additional sites in Northwest Indiana including the Gabis Arboretum near Valparaiso, Ind. PNW’s values reflect the university’s commitment to respect, innovation, a student-centric university, and excellence.

PNW is consistently ranked among the best public regional universities in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges report and is recognized as a First Scholars institution as well an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. With its vision to cultivate leaders, inspire excellence, and impact our world, PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development.

FLSA Status

Exempt