Career Center

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The School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences’ division of Sciences and Mathematics has an outstanding opportunity for an INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR SUPERVISOR. This position will provide critical support for instructional laboratories in the physical and biological sciences (biology, geology, chemistry, physics,) for the Environmental Sciences major, with primary emphasis on lower division biology and or general chemistry.  Duties include: (1) provision of administrative, logistical, and financial support required for operation of the division of Sciences and Mathematics (2) instructional support of science laboratories and independent student projects; (3) general maintenance, upkeep and student and faculty instruction in the use of  large-scale and small-scale, modern field and lab equipment (i.e. fume hoods, microscopes, pipettes, sea system, computer software/updates/licenses, plotter, etc.) and laboratory instrumentation; and (4) supervision of Laboratory Coordinators, Laboratory Lead, and Student Lab Assistants

This position is fundamental for the operation of the division of Sciences and Mathematics. Sciences and Mathematics division supports undergraduate education by facilitating teaching labs, and helping with all other services necessary to keep the division running.  The position will also facilitate faculty and undergraduate research with the upkeep of the necessary equipment used for research.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the Sciences and Mathematics division, which has significantly grown in size in the last 10 years and continues to grow.  Support development of new biology, geology, chemistry and physics science labs, with primary emphasis on lower division biology.

As part of a team, plan Sciences and Mathematics curriculum and growth

Participate in campus and community committees

Responsible for instructional lab support

Participate in recruitment and outreach activities of Sciences and Mathematics division

Set-up equipment and prepare stock solutions for experiments for laboratory and classroom demonstrations and/or supervise students preparation of solutions.

Auditor of SAM yearly course schedule

Develop and operate analytical facilities

Assist other staff in management of all modern analytical instruments used in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics labs and field courses.

Provide instruction to students, faculty and adjunct instructors working with analytical field equipment and lab instrumentation.

Coordinate application for lab certifications

Room scheduling for Science Building computer lab (SCI 109)

Maintain living specimens and/or supervise staff in maintaining living specimens

Assist in creation and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) necessary for certification

Coordinate new programs once certification acquired

Work independently on specifications for request for purchase for small and large scale equipment.

Work with team to create and update Standard Operating Procedures, Preventative Maintenance Routines and service contracts for all major lab and field equipment.

Help process paperwork necessary for collection of specimens allowing specialized materials and equipment to be used at UWT

Assist in troubleshooting minor equipment issues and work with other staff on major equipment issues.

Order, receive, store and inventory large and small-scale equipment, supplies, chemicals and materials for instructional and research laboratories.

Contact vendors for equipment and supply purchase.

Serve as floor warden (part of the University of Washington’s building safety program).

Help create and maintain structures to simplify ordering and inventorying supplies and equipment

Purchase supplies, chemicals, and equipment necessary for the functioning of Sciences and Mathematics division

Prepare and maintain a variety of records, logs, and files related to purchases, inventory check-out, budget, and chemical inventories.

Responsible for chemical inventory system and Lab Safety Manual for instructional labs.

Help create SOPs for Student Lab Assistants and Lab Lead in safe practices of chemical use and preparation of chemical solutions

Maintain chemical stock room and records regarding the purchase, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals.

Assist staff in yearly laboratory safety walkthroughs conducted by UW Environmental Health and Safety

Able to make instant and well thought out decisions regarding lab safety, when safety issues occur.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Oversee/supervise Laboratory Coordinators, Lab Lead, and Student Lab Assistants in preparation of stock solutions for experiments for laboratory and classroom demonstrations.

Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise work including regular performance reviews and taking corrective action if necessary of 4-7 Student Lab Assistants and 4 classified positions (1 Lab Lead and 3 Scientific Instructional Technician 2).

Keep up organization of lab preparation (i.e. gathering sheet and laminated check off system, weekly meetings and daily check ins, maintain weekly and quarterly chore charts for student lab assistants, etc.)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, geosciences, environmental science or closely related field AND three or more years of increasingly responsible oversight of science laboratories to include supervisory or lead  experience.

Knowledge and experience in laboratory hazardous waste management.  Skill and experience with operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation used in chemistry, biology, geosciences, and physics.

Proficiency in word processing and data management.

Ability to lead and provide logistical support for lab and field exercises.

Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and as a supervisor that is flexible and proactive.

Experience multi-tasking and prioritize work tasks.

Ability to work well with a diverse array of faculty, staff, and students.

Ability to make independent decisions regarding lab needs, safety issues, and equipment and systems that are in their charge.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Master’s in chemistry, biology, geoscience, or environmental science.

Experience in an academic laboratory science program.

Field experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Requires flexible hours-possibly some nights or weekend work

Application Process:   The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.