Position Title: Lab Tech,Research

Employee Classification: Lab Tech,Research

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College

Department: 330350-BIOLOGY

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  15.45

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt

Summary:  The Department of Biology invites applications for a lab technician who will assist in the department's research and teaching missions by assisting in media preparation for laboratory classes and operations in the Biology stockroom.

Classification Summary:
Entry level position under direct supervision. Performs a variety of routine laboratory operations in a quality assurance or research setting. These operations may be in a classroom laboratory or a field laboratory. Assists higher level technicians in setup of laboratory equipment and in recording data for experiments and procedures. Requires knowledge in using various instruments to prepare for and perform tests. Performs routine and safety program checks and preventive maintenance on instruments.

Classification Standard Duties:
Duties usually consist of making measurements, performing several routine quantitative and qualitative biological or chemical analytical tests according to standard procedures. Prepares various test specimens and growth media for use in biology, chemistry, or related labs; prepares chemical solutions for use in lab experiments; sets up equipment for use in labs; ensures proper operation of equipment, and reports operating deficiencies to supervisor; assists students with lab-experiments, as appropriate; provides guidance in learning and/or functional operation of experiments and equipment; Cleans lab facilities and/or equipment after lab exercises are complete; breaks down and stores supplies and equipment as applicable; Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods; Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:High School diploma or GED certificate.; Required Experience:Two (2) years of experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:Completion of a post-secondary degree or certificate may substitute for years of experience.; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of experimental procedures, protocols, and preparation techniques within area of specialty; Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements; Knowledge of the cleaning specifications of various laboratory and/or medical equipment, fixtures, utensils, and related materials.; SKILLS:Skill in providing guidance and instruction in laboratory protocols and in the safe use of laboratory equipment.; ABILITIES:Ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions; Ability to set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain standard laboratory and test equipment; Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Assist department stockroom operations to include: maintain point of sale system. Ordering and receiving supplies for the teaching laboratories. Timely and accurate maintenance of PO and invoice receipts. Timely and accurate management of equipment, stockroom items, and chemical inventory. Performs a variety of routine laboratory operations to include: dispense chemicals and reagents for use in teaching and researching laboratories. Prepares biological media for teaching laboratories to include auto-claves and waste maintenance. Performs routine and safety program checks and preventive maintenance on stockroom equipment. Facilitate efficient functioning of departmental PC's and network servers.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Charles Shuster, 646-7366

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.