Technical Assistant III (Educ)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Laboratory Technician supports Introductory Biology courses by preparing materials, equipment, and reagents for lab sessions and ensuring all instruments and supplies are ready and functioning. The role assists faculty and teaching assistants, troubleshoots lab issues, and maintains compliance with safety standards. This is a 35-week-per-year position.

Essential Functions

• Prepares and sets up for laboratory components of Biology courses, including but not restricted to Bio 151, Bio 152, and Bio 153 Introductory Biology. Operates and demonstrates the use of technical equipment and instrumentation. Inspects to assure that equipment and computer programs are in working order and assigns or performs repairs, maintenance and calibrations necessary to make them lab ready.
• Prepares materials, solutions, and reagents for laboratory exercises. Uses pH meters, centrifuges, autoclaves, laminar flow hood, spectrophotometers, and other laboratory equipment to prepare solutions, reagents, and cultures for laboratory exercises.
• Advises faculty and teaching assistants on available equipment, supplies, and live and preserved material appropriate for use in course.
• Troubleshoots problems that occur during biology lab classes including those involving equipment and computers to facilitate the completion of labs.
• Contributes to the development and testing of new laboratory exercises in collaboration with lead laboratory instructors.
• Provides technical guidance to graduate teaching assistants in the respective courses. This includes instruction in lab procedures, both academic and technical.
• Maintains cultures or stocks of live plants and animals.
• Purchases and maintains laboratory equipment, supplies and chemicals. Keeps supplies in stock and in working condition to facilitate orderly and timely preparation of biology labs.
• Ensures that the lab and all personnel are compliant with Federal, State, and University guidelines for the safe use of hazardous chemicals. Handles and disposes of said chemicals and waste in accordance with EH&S and federal regulations.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Two (2) years of experience using modern molecular biology, cell biology, and microscopy/imaging techniques. An associate's degree or above can substitute for the required experience.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation including but not limited to microscopes, balances, pH meters, centrifuges, autoclaves, laminar flow hoods, and spectrophotometers.
• Knowledge of chemistry required to prepare solutions and reagents.
• Ability to plan, organize and troubleshoot scientific procedures for the operation of laboratory exercises.
• Knowledge of Macintosh computers.
• Ability to work well in a team and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to train others in the use of equipment and performance of laboratory exercises.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• B.S. degree in Life Sciences is preferred.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm, 35 week position.

Salary Information

• USA/MTA Non-Exempt Grade 15.
• Non-Exempt Salary Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals at: Inclusive Excellence : College of Natural Sciences : UMass Amherst, and For the Common Good - 2024-2034 : Strategic Plan : UMass Amherst.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.