PAY GRADE: 29N

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the largest college at the University of Delaware, comprising 22 academic departments, 2 academic centers, and 37 interdisciplinary centers, programs, and institutes across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences., CAS plays a central role in the University’s academic mission, providing foundational coursework for all UD students and serving more than 8,400 undergraduate and graduate majors.  CAS is home to over 520 full-time faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized scholars and innovative teachers.  With annual sponsored research expenditures exceeding $40 million, the College supports significant interdisciplinary research and maintains outstanding teaching and research facilities.  Supported by over 425 staff members and 45 postdoctoral fellows and researchers, CAS operates with annual expenditures of over $152 million and serves as a hub for interdisciplinary engagement, connecting the University with local, national, and global communities through research, creative activity, and public service.

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences and offers nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs.  The department currently consists of 34 faculty members, approximately 200 undergraduate majors, and 160 graduate students.  Annual department research expenditures total approximately $7.5M per year, with a total fiscal responsibility of $23M per year. 

Under the general supervision of the Manager, Technical Services, the Master Instrument Specialist performs highly skilled and complex technical work associated with installing, calibrating, maintaining, and repairing this instrumentation. The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of mechanical, electromechanical, fluid and gas control systems, as well as the willingness and ability to continually learn about an ever-expanding range of equipment in a growing and dynamic research environment.  Independent judgment is required in the application of established policies and procedures to solve problems associated with this diverse range of instrumentation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, or assist in the design, development and operation of highly specialized laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Perform maintenance, repair, modification, and installation of sophisticated instrumentation and related electromechanical, vacuum, gas, liquid and cryogenic systems and components.
• Assist with laboratory preparations for instrument installations/relocations, including assembly of manifolds and installation of tubing from compressed gas sources to equipment.
• Calibrate scientific equipment following detailed procedures to achieve required performance specifications.
• Locate and rectify problems in high-pressure components of chromatographic equipment; replace pump seals, check valves and fittings as needed.
• Assist with the design,  fabrication, assembly, and installation of structures from steel, aluminum, polymers, composites, plexi-glass, brass, copper, and other materials as appropriate for each project.
• Provide technical support for teaching laboratories; including repairing, installing, and relocating equipment as needed, and advising faculty, staff, and students on the proper and safe use of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Perform intricate alignment of optics and assemblies on spectrophotometers, fluorometers, diffractometers, mass spectrometers and other highly sensitive instrumentation.
• Interpret and prepare schematics and/or drawings and obtain service manuals and technical information from manufacturers.
• Install and configure software on data collection systems to establish communication and upgrade data processing capabilities of chemical analysis instruments.
• Install and test electromechanical devices and related controllers using soldering equipment, hand and power tools and various test equipment.
• Advise students and staff on the installation and use of research equipment by developing instruction aids when needed.
• Procure, issue and maintain shop test equipment, tools and inventory of parts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES:

• Required to use personal protective equipment, such as safety goggles for ultraviolet radiation, to prevent exposure to hazardous materials. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma, GED, or vocational technical school certificate and five years of experience building or repairing mechanical, electromechanical and/or electronic equipment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Skill in maintenance and repair of mechanical, electronic and/or electromechanical equipment.
• Ability to disassemble and reassemble devices containing fragile and/or miniature components and wiring. 
• Knowledge of fluid and gas fittings, valves, and piping systems. Experience with metal tube bending a plus.
• Experience in skilled trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, and/or electrical work, is preferred.
• Ability to use conventional machinery and/or equipment such as drill press, sanders, and grinders as well as hand and sheet metal tools. Experience with 80/20 or other framing systems a plus.
• Ability to work independently; ability to anticipate and proactively solve problems. 
• Ability to handle multiple priorities at once and work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to visually color code wire, size conduit and troubleshoot related problems.
• Ability to lift and move, without assistance, equipment weighting up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.