Microbiology Lab Technician (Part-Time) - Westfield State University

Job Description:

Campus Title: Microbiology Lab Technician

State Job Title: Laboratory Technician II

Department: Biology

Job Code: H17X17

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Funding: 7115-0100

Bargaining Unit: AFSCME

Job Type: Part-time Permanent

Timeframe: 39 Weeks

Shift: TBD

Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday

Supervision Received: Receives general and indirect supervision from the Department Chair and other faculty; uses syllabi to plan and prioritize work; much of the work is self-directed using experience and knowledge of policies, procedures and practices.

Supervision Exercised: 1-3 student workers for 10-15 hours during academic year; 1 student full time during summer.

Salary: $1,760.73 Bi-weekly (prorated amount for 30 hours/week for 39 weeks)

Working Conditions: Laboratory Technicians work exposed to the harmful effects of chemicals, gases, fumes, inflammable and pathogenic materials and dangerous equipment; work varied shifts, weekends, holidays and nights and stand for prolonged periods of time.

General Statement of Duties: Performs moderately complex technical work in an instructional classroom, laboratories, and other facilities of the university; performs related work as required including maintenance of inventory supplies, equipment and chemicals; hazardous waste disposal and records. The purpose of this work is to provide technical support services to agency staff in the performance of scientific and research experiments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties include but not limited to:

Essential:

• Prepares various culture media and chemical solutions following standard laboratory formulae and procedures; plants cultures in proper media; and incubates cultures at prescribed temperatures for specified times.

• Collects human and animal specimens, such as blood and tissue samples for use in laboratory tests and analyses.

• Operates laboratory equipment such as microscopes, counters and spectrophotometers for laboratory tests and research or scientific experiments.

• Maintains the cleanliness and safety of laboratory according to established standards and procedures utilizing procedures such as disposing of contaminants, washing and sterilizing glassware, and inspecting temperature control equipment.

• Gives instructions to individuals and groups concerning laboratory techniques and use of equipment and responds to inquiries from the public, other agencies and private industries on such matters as laboratory test results, normal test ranges, appropriate tests or collection of samples.

• Maintains records using Microsoft Office Suite on such matters as tests performed, test results, methods, materials and procedures used, and inventory records.

• Prepares reports concerning such matters as test results, and quality control, in order to provide data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease or for research or scientific experiments.

• Performs related duties such as maintaining stock of laboratory supplies and equipment; maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment; notifying appropriate personnel of mechanical problems; and using appropriate safety equipment.

• Maintains computerized inventory and storage of all hazardous and toxic chemicals and wastes for the Biology Department.

• Supervises and provides on-the-job training for student employees in laboratory and field settings; interprets oral and written instructions, rules and policies for agency staff.

• Conducts laboratory tours for new staff members or visitors.

• Breeds and maintains small animals including mice, fish, amphibians for laboratory use, including during university breaks.

• Assists in conduction field trips with faculty.

• Sets up equipment and other materials prior to, and removes equipment and other materials after, classroom instruction.

• Assists faculty in experimental work in laboratories and classrooms.

• Assists faculty in proctoring exams.

Requirements:

Qualifications Required at Hire:

• Knowledge of general laboratory testing techniques and methods, including sample collection.

• Knowledge of the proper methods used in the disposal of laboratory materials.

• Knowledge of sanitation and sterilization methods, techniques and procedures followed in a laboratory.

• Knowledge of the techniques used in the handling and transportation of laboratory specimens.

• Ability to communicate both orally and in written form.

• Ability to follow oral and written instruction.

• Ability to understand and apply the policies, procedures, specifications and standards and guideline governing assigned unit activity.

• Ability to exercise sound judgement.

• Ability to gather information through observing and questions individuals and by examining records and documents.

• Manual dexterity.

• Knowledge of techniques and safety requirements for handling, storing and transporting hazardous wastes.

• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.

• Ability to maintain accurate records.

Qualifications Acquired on Job:

• Knowledge of department policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of university and departmental policies and procedures regarding chemical and hazardous waste.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in laboratory work in a recognized clinical, medical, hospital, chemical, water quality, public health, biological, bacteriological, marine sciences or materials testing laboratory, or any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

• An Associate's degree or higher with a major in medical technology chemistry, bacteriology, food science and technology, environmental science, chemical or environmental engineering, wastewater technology, oceanography or the biological sciences may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.

• The successful completion of one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, education toward a degree at a recognized medical or dental school may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.

• The successful completion of training in a recognized school or hospital course, or an American Medical Association (AMA) approved training program for laboratory technicians or medical technologists may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.

• Registration as a medical technologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technicians or American Medical Technologists or as a bacteriologist by the National Registry of Microbiologists may be substituted for the required experience.

License and/or Certification Requirements:

• None

Additional Information:

Salary:

Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on the Department of Higher Education's webpage.

Employee Benefits:

Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package.

• Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees with coverage effective on the 1st of the month following the 60 days of employment.

• Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.

• Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.

• Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.

• Additional information regarding employee benefits is available on the University's Benefits & Wellness webpage.

Disability Accommodations

Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (413) 572-8809 or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor.

Background Check

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.

Application Instructions:

An online application is required. A resume and cover letter may be attached but this is not required.

Deadline: Review of applications will begin April 21, 2024. The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalist have been selected.

NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk. The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.