Staff Research Associate - Chemistry Lab

HOW TO APPLY

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD.  Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link .

The IRD for this job is: 04-15-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at UCSC is an inclusive, supportive, and innovative community whose common goal is to create new chemical knowledge and to mentor the best and brightest students who will define the next frontiers of chemical science. As chemistry is central to modern science and is crucial to creating new knowledge and improving human experiences, we are committed to delivering quality education in our undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and to groundbreaking research in biomedical and materials science.

More information can be found at https://science.ucsc.edu/department/chemistry/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Undergraduate Teaching Labs Manager (Lab Instruction Supv 2), the incumbent will perform a wide variety of administrative and technical operations related to the general management and day-to-day operations of the Undergraduate Teaching Labs of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Primary assignment will be in the Thimann Labs facility, which consists of 5 organic chemistry labs, a stockroom, and 3 equipment rooms. The incumbent may also be called to assist if support is needed in the Nat.Sci. II Labs building.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $26.15 - $27.25/hour.  Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment 

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: RX Union

Job Code Classification: 009613 (SRA 1)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

50% - Instructional Laboratory

• Prepare materials and set up equipment and supplies for laboratory experiments in timely, safe, and economical fashion and/or oversee students who perform these tasks.
• Prepare and standardize reagents and solutions. 
• Interact with faculty and TAs to work on and troubleshoot experiment problems.
• Set-up, test, calibrate and maintain (including minor repairs) laboratory instruments for instructional use.
• Maintain supplies and general reagent inventories.
• Communicate the efficient and safe use of hazardous materials to students. Clean and store equipment and materials following classes.
• Maintain order and cleanliness in the teaching labs and prepare solutions as needed.
• Notify students and instructors of the nature of any hazards in the lab and the safety precautions to take.
• Implement appropriate procedures to monitor and decontaminate equipment and laboratories.
• Clean or direct student employees to clean lab benches and wash glassware, thus keeping laboratories and lab prep areas clean and organized.

30% - Hazardous Waste Disposal and Maintenance

• Implement appropriate procedures for disposal of chemical waste.
• Organize and oversee hazardous waste collection, disposal and recordkeeping.

20% - Administrative Duties

• Train, assign work, and oversee student employees.
• Maintain laboratory chemical and equipment inventory.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the general principles of chemistry and physics as attained through science course work leading to a bachelor's degree in chemistry or related area.
• Knowledge of Environment Health and Safety policies regarding lab safety, safe reagent handling and storage, and waste handling and disposal procedures as obtained in classes at UCSC or from a related area.
• A theoretical and practical knowledge of modern laboratory instrumentation including the ability to use, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform routine repairs in such instruments as balances, pH meters, pipettors, spectrophotometers, etc.
• Laboratory skills sufficient to perform accurate weighing, mixing, and pH adjustment.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer-service skills.
• Ability to work directly and independently with solvents and chemicals in all facilities as the course syllabi requires. This includes the general chemistry labs, organic chemistry labs, physical chemistry labs, and biochemistry labs.
• Ability to maintain organized records.
• Ability to use electronic mail, word processing, and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to prioritize and organize a variety of tasks from oral and written instructions in a manner that allows deadlines to be met.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to carry out repetitive laboratory procedures while paying close attention to detail.
• Ability to train, assign work and oversee student laboratory assistants.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here .

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.