LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Unit/Project Description:
The Laboratory Technician would work to support lab offerings in the Kinesiology Undergraduate Program.  Overseeing the day to day operation of the Anatomy and Physiology labs would be a focus of the role with support and development of lab offerings in other Kinesiology courses as a secondary focus.

Job Summary: Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, delegate, or course instructor, oversees the day-to-day operations of a facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories.  Responsible for providing technical support within a laboratory environment. Assist course instructors by designing, fabricating, assembling, preparing, conducting, and demonstrating experiments.

Purpose and Key Functions:  

•    Collaborate with the course instructor to determine how the experiment will be designed to align with and reinforce the defined learning concept.

•    Oversee the day-to-day operations of a facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories.

•    Design, fabricate and assemble new and review and modify existing laboratory experiments in consultation with the course instructor.

•    Design, build and operate nonstandard equipment, test systems, and devices for use in the facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories.

•    Design and fabricate instrumentation required for undergraduate teaching.

•    Create data acquisition and control software applications for undergraduate teaching laboratories.

•    Set up and conduct both standardized and non-standardized experiments.

•    Assess and mitigate the physical risks associated with the set-up and demonstration of experiments.

•    Utilize various software packages and established techniques to analyze data and interpret results.

•    Assess the need for, and provide recommendations for, the acquisition of laboratory equipment, tools, and supplies.

•    Create and maintain spreadsheets and databases to input, store, and retrieve information as well as update, maintain and verify inventory control of laboratory equipment, supplies, materials and chemicals.

•    Provide technical support and assistance to students and instructors.

•    In consultation with the course instructor, conduct selected literature searches connected with undergraduate education.

•    Perform trouble-shooting in the facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories to correct issues including, but not limited to, software, equipment failure and contamination.

•    Demonstrate and train others on experimental techniques and the operation of laboratory equipment.

•    Write laboratory manuals in consultation with the lab instructor.

•    Update and maintain detailed records of laboratory preparations, procedures, and results.

•    Develop, implement and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for equipment and experiments.

•    Update and maintain and maintain Material Safety Data Sheets.

•    Log incident reports.

•    Adhere to safety policies.

•    Perform and keep record of regular safety audits as delegated by the supervisor.

•    Keep record and ensure that all individuals adhere to established safety policies and have completed the required laboratory safety training.

•    Exchange technical and scientific information with colleagues, faculty, and students.

•    Responsible for keeping laboratory facilities, equipment, and area in a clean, tidy and safe working order.

•    Responsible for the use of radioactive sources and their secure storage.

•    Attend and participate in regular meetings with teaching assistants and others to ensure lab experiments are understood and conducted accordingly.

•    Complete initial laboratory set-up in accordance with laboratory schedules and requirements.

•    Prepare a variety of materials and chemicals.

•    Calibrate and maintain scientific equipment and instruments in accordance with prescribed requirements.

•    Perform minor equipment repairs and arrange for major repairs through supervisor, delegate, lab instructor or outside contractor.

•    Plan, schedule, and coordinate the availability of laboratory equipment and resources.

•    Responsible for the daily maintenance of the laboratory including the set up, take down, and clean up after each experiment.

•    Remove waste in accordance with applicable waste handling guidelines.

•    Source pricing information, order, and set up materials, equipment, computers and software required for the facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories.

•    Operate a variety of power tools such as lathes, milling machines, drill presses, soldering irons and other power equipment as necessary.

•    Operate nonstandard equipment, test systems, and devices, connected with selected areas of the department.

Supervision:    

• Provide direction to others in how to carry out work tasks.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.
• Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

Assets:

• Attention to detail
• Ability to adapt to stressful situations.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently.
• Training and experience programming with Python, R or similar technologies

Additional Information:

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
• Experience and ability to handle a heavy workload with many interruptions.
• Experience developing, planning, coordinating and organizing undergraduate laboratory experiences
• Extensive knowledge of Human Anatomy and Physiology.
• Knowledge of human biomechanics, motor control, neuroscience and other areas of Kinesiology
• Demonstrated experience working in an academic setting working with faculty, support staff and undergraduate students. 
• Training and demonstrated abilities with laboratory and educational support software applications, including the use of Microsoft 365 suite, LabChart, Avenue to Learn