LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (II)

Unit Description:

About the Department: The Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology is a dnyamic group of staff, postdoctoral fellows, students, and 30 full-time faculty members who conduct leading-edge research and top-tier training of undergraduate and graduate students in all areas of chemistry.  We boast world-class facilities and instrumentation and maintain rich collaborative relationships with many departments across campus and with various McMaster research institutes and core facilities including the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, the Biointerfaces Institute, the Institute for Infectious Diseases Research, and Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research. Join us and spark your imagination!

About the role: We are seeking a dedicated Laboratory Technician to support our undergraduate programs, primarily our large first-year courses. This role is essential for maintaining the smooth operation of our teaching laboratories, ensuring that students have a safe and productive learning environment.

Job Summary: Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, oversees the day-to-day operations of a facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories. Organizes, distributes and verifies the work of others and participates in their training. Coordinates the execution of projects and service.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of a facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories.
• Coordinate the execution of experiments, projects and services.
• Establish priorities and ensure adherence to schedules.
• Provides technical guidance and assistance concerning work methods, the use of equipment and techniques, and the analysis of results.
• Review, test, evaluate, and modify equipment and methodology.
• Recognize and investigate apparent reasons for obvious deviations in results obtained.
• Write a variety of documents such as standard operating procedures.
• Conduct initial lab set-up in accordance with lab schedules and requirements.
• Perform pilot experiments and prepare lab demonstration materials.
• Demonstrate and train others on experimental techniques and the operation of laboratory equipment.
• Modify and adapt labs, as directed.
• Conduct routine and moderately complex analyses of data.
• Perform trouble-shooting during the lab period to correct issues including, but not limited to, equipment failure and contamination.
• Update and maintain detailed records of lab preparations and procedures.
• Observe details and maintain accurate records of experiments and results.
• Calibrate and maintain scientific equipment and instruments in accordance with prescribed requirements.
• Perform minor equipment repairs and arrange for major repairs through supervisor or outside contractor.
• Exchange technical and scientific information with others.
• Responsible for keeping laboratory facilities, equipment, and area in clean, safe working order.
• Assemble and adjust tests and laboratory equipment for experiments and procedures.
• Operate, adjust, and maintain a variety of laboratory equipment and scientific instruments.
• Schedule laboratory equipment for use.
• Prepare a variety of chemicals, solutions, sterile media, staining reagents and other materials required for the lab.
• Pipette a variety of reagents and media.
• Update, maintain, and verify inventory control of chemicals, media, and supplies.
• Monitor supplies and order inventories.
• Responsible for the proper storage of materials and the appropriate disposal of waste.
• Adhere to standardized procedures and protocols when dispensing chemicals and base media.
• Input, maintain, and verify information in a variety of databases and spreadsheets.
• Conduct literature searches.

Requirements:

• 3 year College diploma in a relevant field of study
• Requires 2 years of relevant experience 

Additional Information:

• This is primarily an in-person role requiring the ability to work on-site at McMaster's main campus located at 1280 Main St. W. in Hamilton, Ontario.
• Relevant field of study includes education in Laboratory studies (Lab Technician or Technologist, Chemical Laboratory and Science Laboratory Technology, etc.) or education in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field of study.
• The successful candidate requires demonstrated:
  • Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills, including the ability to plan, adapt, and self-organize to maintain efficiency. 
  • Self-direction, initiative, resourcefulness, meticulousness, and accountability. 
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail to facilitate decision-making.
  • Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and procedures, and the ability to exercise judgment and manage stress in safety-sensitive situations.
  • Must be collaborative and a team player with excellent inerpersonal skills.
  • Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Previous laboratory experience, preferably in an academic setting is an asset.
• Willingness to be flexible with working hours to support labs as determined by class scheduling.