Teaching Laboratory Support Technician, BSCD

Department
 

College Biological Sciences Collegiate Division

About the Department
 

The Biological Sciences Collegiate Division (BSCD) is the home to the biological sciences curriculum for undergraduates at the University of Chicago. The BSCD offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences or Neuroscience and several courses that comprise a general education program for non-majors. Our courses are taught by faculty from 22 basic science and clinical departments in the Biological Sciences Division, and by dedicated BSCD instructional professors.

Job Summary
 

The Teaching Laboratory Support Technician assists in preparing and developing laboratory exercises for undergraduate biology courses. Throughout each quarter, they will follow various lab protocols, order supplies for planned laboratory exercises, prepare materials for labs, and set-up equipment weekly/daily for use in laboratory exercises. They will provide assistance to a team of Teaching Laboratory Support staff as needed, in courses other than those specifically assigned.

Responsibilities

• Follows detailed instructions for setting up and taking down equipment in student labs. Maintains and updates electronic copies of these instructions.
• Prepares solutions, culture media, and performs biochemical analysis using standard biochemical techniques.
• Maintains inventories of equipment and supplies. Works with other teaching lab support personnel to keep common prep spaces organized and neat.
• Assists lab directors in the development of new exercises for student labs in cell biology, biochemistry, biodiversity, and physiology.
• Maintains living biological materials depending on the course needs.
• Trains and supervises lab teaching assistants and undergraduate lab support.
• Instructs students, staff, and faculty in the operation of laboratory or classroom equipment. Promotes safety in handling equipment and/or materials.
• Recommends improvements on existing demonstrations. Assists with creating manuals, syllabi, and other instructional materials. Maintains and documents the use of demonstration equipment or materials.
• Instructs students, staff, and faculty in the operation of laboratory or classroom equipment. Promotes safety in handling equipment and/or materials.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science or chemistry.

Experience: 

• Two years prior work experience in a biological science lab, including lab work in internships, research opportunities, and thesis work during college.
• Background in cell culture, molecular techniques, and laboratory instrumentation desired.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficiency in Mac and PC environments.

Preferred Competencies

• Work well with faculty, staff, and students.
• Handle multiple concurrent tasks in a competent and professional manner while also meeting deadlines.
• Work effectively with supervision and as part of a team, individually or while taking directions from others.
• Handle stressful situations.
• Multitask.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Work independently.
• Attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.
• Fast-paced environment.
• Lift up to 30 lbs.
• Push carts with up to 50 lbs. of material.
• Sit at a computer for 2-4 hours.
• Periodic walking to other campus locations.
• Climbing up to 5 flights of stairs.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, which is to include your interest in this position (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Academic Affairs

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No