#131821 Instructional Labs Staff Research Associate 2

• This position is open until filled. First Review Date 9/10/24.

DESCRIPTION

We are recruiting for a non-research related position working with a team of laboratory staff to prepare materials for the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. This position will work closely with a course Faculty Instructor to provide sole technical support for designated undergraduate lab classes, and should be able to independently run experiments.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry strives to be a top-ranked and recognized leader in the chemical and biochemical sciences through transformative research and impactful educational programs. We are committed to excellence in teaching and mentoring excellence and supporting students and postdoctoral researchers in safe and inclusive environments as they prepare to become leaders in science and society. We value collegiality, equity and diversity with the Department, and promote a culture of collaboration and transparency.

We aim to enhance our impact in local and global communities through partnerships with other educators, industry, government and professional societies. Chemistry and Biochemistry is one of the largest and most complex departments on campus.

The departments organization is divided among three major academic sections each with its own leadership representation under the Department Chair: Physical, Analytical & Environmental (PAE); Biochemistry & Biophysics (BB); and finally Synthesis, Materials and Chemical Biology (SMCB). The department is comprised of 75 ladder rank faculty, and additional 10 in various instructional titles and ~150 in academic research titles and postdoctoral scholars. The department is comprised of 90 career staff; ~60 temporary or student staff, and 480 Masters and Ph.D. students. Undergraduate students majoring in chemistry number greater than 1,700, and total undergraduate and graduate annual course enrollments exceed 23,000.

The department manages three major NIH training grants, and one Department of Education training grant, which fund graduate and postdoctoral students across UCSD departments/disciplines as well as off campus research organizations. The department currently has more than 120 awards from federal, state and private sources for approximately $20 million per annum in extramural funding and $46 million in total annual expenditures.

The Staff Research Associate 2 works independently to ensure the department teaching laboratory courses run in a safe and smooth manner. Responsible for keeping teaching laboratories stocked with all of the chemicals and other necessary supplies required so students can perform their scheduled experiments on time. Responsible for training faculty and teaching assistants on analytical instruments and experimental set-ups. Responsible for the operation and management of the teaching labs, including but not limited to: consulting on the purchases of new instrumentation; training student workers, developing new experiments and curriculum, running various equipment; supervising the chemistry stockroom, requesting repairs, ensuring the labs are in safe working condition, and promoting an attitude of practicing chemistry safely.

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, depending on the quarter's schedule of classes. Work schedule may change from quarter to quarter, and occasional overtime may be required.

• Must work around poisonous, carcinogenic, and explosive substances. Must be able to go to Chemistry undergraduate laboratories in widely separate areas.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or other related field acquired through a Bachelors degree or higher in a related science; or an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

• Proven work experience in an academic institution or scientific environment.

• Demonstrated experience with a wide range of computer software including databases, spreadsheets, word processing, World Wide Web, and email programs to correspond, create reports and manipulate data. Willingness and ability to update and increase computer skills and knowledge as needed.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety rules and regulations, MSDSs, and laboratory safety precautions, including: safe handling, storage and disposal of chemicals, radioisotopes, biologicals, the use of lab safety equipment; familiarity with the campus safety procedures.

• Proven ability to perform standard lab calculations necessary to prepare solutions of specific concentrations (molarity, percentage etc.). Demonstrated skill to measure and weigh chemicals and solutions with a high degree of accuracy.

• Ability to run complex laboratory instrumentation such as programmable gas chromatographs, NMR, FT-IR, UV-visible, and GC-Mass Spectroscopy Instruments. Must be able to troubleshoot and perform minor repairs and maintenance.

• Knowledge of proper handling and usage of chemicals. Knowledge of stoichiometry and ability to formulate chemical preparations. Ability to read chemical symbols and formulas. Knowledge of mathematics through calculus. Working knowledge of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.

• Strong communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively one-on-one or in group settings, taking into account differences in social, cultural, professional, and educational backgrounds. Ability to interact effectively with faculty, staff, graduate, and undergraduate students. Must manage people with patience, diplomacy, and tact. Ability to work closely and to coordinate effectively with other departmental and campus staff.

• Skills to supervise and train student workers and other lab staff as necessary.

• Ability to work independently, exercising initiative and good judgment. Must organize/prioritize work to accomplish duties to meet weekly deadlines without supervision.

• kill to read and understand equipment manuals to troubleshoot malfunctions in various lab instruments. Ability to perform simple repairs, such as replacing fuses, bulbs, adjusting moving parts, soldering connectors, etc.

• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of ensuring an equitable, inclusive, and diverse working environment, with the ability to work as a part of a diverse and collaborative team. Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Background Check required.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of Californias Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of Californias Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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