Glassware Facility Technician - Microbiology

Department:

SOM KC Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetic and Immunology

-----

Microbiology

Position Title:

Glassware Facility Technician - Microbiology

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

Facility manager - manage and maintain central glassware and autoclaving facility for Microbiology Department and Other Research Labs. Assist laboratory personnel by washing and sterilizing lab glassware and plasticware. Operate and maintain dishwashers, steam sterilizers/autoclaves and drying ovens. Monitor disposal of autoclaved material. Provide additional departmental assistance as needed including facility support and shared equipment maintenance. This position requires frequent standing, bending, reaching and lifting. Excellent benefits including paid medical insurance.

Job Description:

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Manage and maintain central autoclaving/glassware washing facility:

• Operate and maintain 3 autoclaves, 2 industrial glassware washers; drying ovens and other equipment associated with the facility.

• Learn and understand principles of sterilization techniques and operate equipment in a safe and correct manner.

• Keep facility clean, trash removed and stocked with needed supplies.

• Follow KUMC safety and compliance policies and procedures. Practice good safety habits while working in a biohazard environment. Use personal protective equipment as required, i.e., wear a lab coat and use gloves and eye protection when appropriate.

• Train part-time employees, students and lab personnel on how to use autoclaves safely, including choosing proper sterilization cycles for the application Log training data and submit to the Safety office on a monthly basis.

• Perform basic lab housekeeping for Microbiology research labs:

• Pick up tubs of dirty glassware from labs. Transport items on carts to Glassware Facility.

• Prepare glassware for washing. Load and unload dishwashers, prepare clean glassware for autoclaving and drying. Load and unload items into autoclaves and drying ovens. Hand wash items which cannot be washed in dishwasher.

• Return clean items to labs and put them away.

• Learn and perform other basic lab procedures requested by lab personnel.

• These procedures may include preparing materials for experiments, setting up lab glassware (or plastic ware) for experiments or preparing lab waste materials for disposal.

• Make LB media, PBS and 70% isopropyl for Stephens lab. Make LB media for the Lutkenhaus Lab.

• Lab clean up and set up, including moving equipment. Lab closeout when a faculty member leaves.

• Maintain fluid levels for film processor. Make developer and fixer when necessary. Remove film stuck in processor.  Perform monthly preventive maintenance checks on the film processor.

• Help coordinate periodic -80 freezer PM’s and biological hood certification.

• Help arrange for repair and PM’s for equipment in the common equipment room and laboratory equipment.

• Recycle computers and other types of electronic equipment.

• Perform diagnosis of equipment problems, and arrange for repairs and maintenance with KUMC Facilities Management and contract vendors.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalency.

Preferred Qualifications:

Work Experience

• Prior work experience in central supply and/or sterile processing or service in veterinary, medical or science lab, food service, housekeeping or bio-hazard handling.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six