Scientific Equipment Coordinator

The WMed Innovation Center (WMedIC) is a program of the WMU Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine. It is a not-for-profit, technology business incubator that receives support from the State and the Community. The mission is to attract promising new technology companies, accelerate their growth and success, and graduate them in the community to create jobs, economic diversity and prosperity in Southwest Michigan. The WMedIC provides state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment, business and support services, mentoring, and access to financing sources. We focus on producing a measurable positive impact on our client's business results and growth. The Scientific Equipment Coordinator is focused on supporting these goals and maintaining a suitable scientific environment.

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Wellness reimbursement.

• Continuing education and tuition reimbursement.

• Employer-funded retirement plan.

• Two medical plan options: PPO and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with employer HSA contribution.

• Flexible work solutions based on position and department.

• Up to four weeks of PTO accrual beginning in year one.

• Paid holidays.

• Paid volunteer time.

• Paid preferred holiday.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Progress or develop as required a working understanding of the use and operation of different scientific equipment and software used in the Innovation Center including, but not limited to, microscopes, plate readers, centrifuges, autoclaves, refrigerators/freezers, chemical fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, CO2 incubators, RO/DI water systems, glassware washers, chromatography and spectroscopy instrumentation including mass spectrometers, and 3D printers.
• Develop technical proficiency with all aspects of the operation, maintenance, support, troubleshooting, and basic repair for all scientific equipment in the Innovation Center.
• Assist with orientation and provide instruction in basic theory, laboratory technique, instrumentation, and application of laboratory test procedures to clients; conduct in-service educational programs regarding the safe operation of laboratory/research equipment and systems.
• Be familiar with the state and federal regulatory requirements specific to the lab and assist all users in complying with those standards.
• Ensure all instruments and equipment are functioning properly. When an instrument or equipment is found to be in need of maintenance or repair, perform the repair or contact the manufacturer or other vendor to have it serviced or repaired.
• Perform and/or schedule skilled maintenance and repairs of highly specialized instrumentation, equipment, and tools; coordinate testing, calibration, and configuration of equipment and devices within established guidelines; provide high-level troubleshooting and problem resolution; may develop preventative maintenance or related programs.
• Provide inventory oversight; order supplies, tools, and equipment; maintain related documentation (such as a Lab Safety Plan/Manual and the SDS Manual).
• Ensure all reagents and supplies are available when needed and properly stored
• Conduct regular Lab Inspections and advise WMedIC staff when equipment and/or supplies need to be augmented, repaired, and/or replaced. Ensure that the laboratory is cleaned/sanitized and kept in an orderly manner.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
• Acquire knowledge and advice on new technology and policy/procedure revisions. Author new policy/procedure documents as required.
• All other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience in laboratory management/equipment operation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; or a Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization.
• Understanding of basic scientific equipment, instrumentation, and computer applications required.
• Minimum of 1-3 years biomedical/electronics/analytical instrumentation technician or engineer experience preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of chemistry, biology, toxicology or a related field preferred.
• Proficiency in hydraulics, pump operation, and gas handling system maintenance preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong analytical, interpretive, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Able to perform mathematical calculations related to system parameters (e.g. flow rates, concentrations), linear regression, statistical formulas, and others as needed.
• Experience with equipment and instrument qualification lifecycle.
• Self-motivation and willingness to learn new skills.
• Strong communication (English: written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Ability to accept and apply feedback.
• Regular the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow.
• Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.

About Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed)

We are committed to excellence and health equity through transformative medical education, high-quality, patient- and family-centered care, innovative research, and community partnerships within a welcoming, supportive, and engaging culture. Our vision is health equity for all in Southwest Michigan through innovation in the practice and study of medicine.

The medical school is a collaboration of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo's two teaching health systems, Beacon and Bronson Healthcare. The medical school is a private nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenues, research activities, tuition, and endowment income. WMed is the recipient of a $100 million foundational gift and the Empowering Futures Gift, a philanthropic commitment of $300 million to support the mission of the medical school. WMed contributes to the economic vitality of Southwest Michigan through the services we provide, as well as the creation of 1,600 new jobs, with an estimated annual economic impact of $353 million in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.

WMed is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Higher Learning Commission. The medical school offers a comprehensive, innovative four-year Doctor of Medicine degree program as well as a Master of Science degree program in Biomedical Sciences. We train physicians in 10 residencies and four fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. To support our educational mission, we have Joint Accreditation for interprofessional continuing education, which incorporates accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

WMed Health is the clinical practice of the medical school with more than 300 providers offering comprehensive primary care and specialty services in several locations throughout the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek areas. Faculty in the Department of Pathology serve as the Office of the Medical Examiner for counties throughout Michigan and northern Indiana.

The W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus located in downtown Kalamazoo serves as the primary educational facility with student study and social spaces, team-based learning halls, faculty and administrative offices, a state-of-the-art Simulation Center accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, basic science research labs, as well as toxicology and forensic pathology labs.

WMed builds upon Kalamazoo's century-long foundation of drug discovery and medical device development with a strategic investment in clinical, laboratory, community, and educational research. The Center for Immunobiology, Center for Clinical Research, Research Histology Lab, Innovation Center, and Human Research Protection Program contribute to the medical school's advancement of knowledge through innovation and discovery.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with applicable State and Federal law.