About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
Support the development and teaching of Biology courses.
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, diversity, 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 be substituted 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.
- 39 week position.
Salary Information
USA/MTA Non-Exempt Grade 15
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with application, please submit resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. (https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion)
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.