Laboratory Technician II

Job Summary

The Laboratory Technician II provides advanced level operation and maintenance of teaching laboratory facilities and equipment in the Department of Biological Sciences. Performs all procedures necessary to maintain a safe, uninterrupted work environment in accordance with departmental, university, and national safety guidelines.
FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Prepares and maintains laboratory facilities for teaching instruction.
• Prepares solvents, solutions, reagents, and apparatuses according to faculty guidelines.
• Maintains clean laboratory facilities.
• Sets up and breaks down equipment and supplies associated with laboratory and field exercises in accordance with course schedules.
• Participates in environmental health and safety audits, maintains accurate records, and ensures compliance with safety regulations of science laboratories and classrooms.
• Provides training on proper usage of laboratory equipment and safe laboratory practices, including safe handling and disposal of biohazardous materials and standard policies and protocols for reporting unusual events.
• Performs routine maintenance and inspections to ensure optimum calibration and condition of equipment.
• Maintains supplies for laboratory courses and replenishes stocks of solvents, reagents, and solutions. Ensures chemicals are stored in the correct manner according to safety codes, regulations, and best practices.
• Maintains accurate records regarding equipment maintenance and acquisition of supplies.
• Trains and supervises student lab assistants on the proper use of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and all applicable safety protocols.
• Assists in the development of laboratory standard operating procedures.

Other Duties

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Four years of relevant full-time experience in a laboratory setting.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, and Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Studies, Geology, Marine Science, Biology, Chemistry, or other appropriate Natural or Physical Science.
• Laboratory experience in an academic setting.
• Experience with genetics, cellular biology, molecular, and/or microbiology preparations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory and experimental protocols and procedures.
• Knowledge of inventory control principles and methods.
• Knowledge of applicable safety standards, guidelines, and protocols.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects within deadlines.
• Ability to prepare stock chemicals and reagents according to given standards.
• Ability to establish and maintain organismal populations.
• Ability to understand and follow scientific and methodological directions.
• Ability to maintain records and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes equity and inclusion.
• Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with a diverse group of faculty, students, and staff.
• Ability to collaborate with classroom instructors to ensure delivery of a quality laboratory experience to students in a laboratory/classroom setting.             
• Ability to prepare and set up appropriate materials and equipment for various laboratory activities.
• Ability to utilize, calibrate, configure, and/or troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Ability to work an irregular schedule as needed, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate class scheduling.