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Specialist: Laboratory - Physics/Engineering

Pima Community College

Tuscon, Arizona

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Best Practices, Biology, Chemistry, Communications Protocols, Driver's License, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Geology, Hazardous Materials Clean-Up, Identify Issues, Laboratory, Laboratory Equipment, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Laboratory Management, Laboratory Techniques, Laser Printers, Materials Testing, Microbiology, Needs Assessment, Operational Support, Order Processing, Physics, Purchasing/Procurement, Record Keeping, Research Laboratory, Safety Process, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Statistics, Technical Research, Technical Support, Training/Teaching, Trend Analysis
LOCATION
Tuscon, Arizona
POSTED
19 days ago
The Lab Specialist - Physics/Engineering provides highly skilled technical support to faculty and co-workers across multiple disciplines. This role is responsible for organizing, preparing, and maintaining traditional Physics labs, as well as an Engineering lab with integrated makerspace capabilities. Key responsibilities include preparing and breaking down Physics and Engineering experiments, maintaining and operating 3D printers and laser cutters and related exercises. Oversee the upkeep of the prep lab and classroom spaces, train lab technicians in experiment preparation and breakdown, equipment operation, and safety procedures, and collaborate effectively with peers across campuses.

Responsible for the comprehensive oversight of equipment and materials, utilizing an in-house Laboratory Management System (LIMS) application as the central platform to coordinate experiment preparation and breakdown, track inventory, and supply orders. Actively researches new technologies and tools, ensuring physics and engineering labs remain current on new trends, emerging tools, and industry best practices.

Note: This is an operational and technical support role - not a research or teaching position.

The work schedule for this position is flexible and may include evenings and/or weekends. Although this position is housed at the Northwest Campus, specialists may be scheduled at other campuses as required.

  • Creates instructions for how to prepare, set up, and break down experiments. Maintains experiment prep sheets, schedules, and inventories using the Laboratory Information Management System. Compiles and analyzes reports, statistics, and recommendations for laboratory experiments. Writes and maintains chemical recipes, including disposal protocols. Communicates and coordinates with instructors.
  • Provides training to science lab staff on standard laboratory techniques and protocols as directed by the Science Laboratory Supervisor. Practices appropriate lab safety procedures and looks for ways to minimize lab hazards. Cross-trains in other Division of Sciences disciplines.
  • In partnership with the other Lab Specialists, responsible for hazardous waste disposal, including hazardous waste reports, following institutional and governmental guidelines.
  • Provide classroom support to monitor safety as needed.
  • Keeps SDS files up to date.
  • Participates and coordinates the preparation and cleanup of materials and equipment for chemistry lab experiments.
  • Assist in preparation, setup, and cleanup for lab experiments in other disciplines such as biology, microbiology, geology, or other assigned areas.
  • Assesses classroom needs and procures materials and equipment. Purchase of materials/equipment as approved. Receives, verifies, and enters order information into the Laboratory Information Management System.
  • Collaborates with science faculty and sciences laboratory supervisor to research, create, and troubleshoot classroom science experiments, and evaluate material/equipment needs.
  • Utilizes and maintains specialized laboratory equipment to prepare materials for experiments and the classroom. Maintains detailed maintenance records. Creates and maintains SOPs.
  • Provides technical support and troubleshooting equipment as needed.
  • Participates and coordinates the cleaning and stocking of classrooms, prep areas, and Learning Lab. Identifies and oversees the beginning-of-semester and end-of-semester tasks using Smartsheet.
  • May provide lab supervision as delegated by Laboratory Supervisor including day-to-day direction of activities and tasks of lab technicians and aides when Lab Supervisor is unavailable.
  • Actively participate in the Division of Sciences Laboratory Specialist Working Groups.
  • Participates in professional development and continuing education to keep up to date on changes or advances in assigned discipline.
  • Participates in Division of Sciences outreach events.
  • Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.


  • Associate degree in a closely related field of study and
  • One to three years of equivalent experience demonstrating strong transferable makerspace or fabrication skills
  • Valid Arizona Driver's License


OR
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above


Preferred:
  • Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or closely related field of study
  • Three to five years of equivalent experience demonstrating strong transferable makerspace or f

About the Company

P

Pima Community College