Technical Assistant III (Educ)

Title: Technical Assistant III (Educ)

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Biology

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement:Onsite

Job Summary

The Laboratory Technician supports Introductory Biology courses by preparing materials, equipment, and reagents for lab sessions and ensuring all instruments and supplies are ready and functioning. The role assists faculty and teaching assistants, troubleshoots lab issues, and maintains compliance with safety standards. This is a 39-week-per-year position.

Essential Functions

Prepares and sets up for laboratory components of Biology courses, including but not restricted to Bio 151, Bio 152, and Bio 153 Introductory Biology. Operates and demonstrates the use of technical equipment and instrumentation. Inspects to assure that equipment and computer programs are in working order and assigns or performs repairs, maintenance and calibrations necessary to make them lab ready.

Prepares materials, solutions, and reagents for laboratory exercises. Uses pH meters, centrifuges, autoclaves, laminar flow hood, spectrophotometers, and other laboratory equipment to prepare solutions, reagents, and cultures for laboratory exercises.

Advises faculty and teaching assistants on available equipment, supplies, and live and preserved material appropriate for use in course.

Troubleshoots problems that occur during biology lab classes including those involving equipment and computers to facilitate the completion of labs.

Contributes to the development and testing of new laboratory exercises in collaboration with lead laboratory instructors.

Provides technical guidance to graduate teaching assistants in the respective courses. This includes instruction in lab procedures, both academic and technical.

Maintains cultures or stocks of bacteria.

Purchases and maintains laboratory equipment, supplies and chemicals. Keeps supplies in stock and in working condition to facilitate orderly and timely preparation of biology labs.

Ensures that the lab and all personnel are compliant with Federal, State, and University guidelines for the safe use of hazardous chemicals. Handles and disposes of said chemicals and waste in accordance with EH&S and federal regulations.

Other related duties as assigned.

Other Functions

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

Work in partnership with colleagues within the 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 the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of experience using modern molecular biology, cell biology, and microscopy/imaging 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 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.

Additional Details

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

Mondays and Tuesday; 1pm-9PM
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9am-5pm.

Salary Information

Pay Grade:USA/MTA Grade 15

Click here to view theClassified Step Scale

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. 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.