The University of Washington Tacoma is an anchor institution that is deeply invested in its local communities and in student success. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. UW Tacoma’s commitment to access and diversity is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth. More information about UW Tacoma and its strategic plan can be found here.

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

This position will provide critical oversight for instructional laboratories in the physical and biological sciences with primary emphasis on biomedical sciences.  Duties include: (1) provision of administrative, logistical, and financial support required for operation of the division of Sciences and Mathematics (2) support of science laboratories and independent student projects; and (3) general maintenance, upkeep and student and faculty instruction in the use of  large-scale and small-scale, modern field and lab equipment (i.e. fume hoods, microscopes, pipettes, , computer software/updates/licenses, plotter, etc.) and laboratory instrumentation.

This position will need to work independently and with multiple deadlines and divergent priorities on a daily basis. This position will be involved with all labs within Sciences and Mathematics and will assist faculty in the development of new lab and field classes and lab series.  The individual is expected to find solutions to problems involving facilities, equipment, faculty and student. This position will be working with chemicals and specialized science equipment for biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, and physics. Will need to have understanding of Environmental Health and Safety policies including hazardous waste procedures and be able to assist faculty, staff, and students with understanding and following safety laws.

Responsibilities:

Support the Sciences and Mathematics laboratories

Responsible for instructional lab support, such as: working with faculty to ensure proper chemicals, equipment, safety, and other items are prepared for labs.

Ordering supplies and equipment for labs

Set-up equipment and prepare stock solutions for experiments for laboratory and classroom demonstrations and/or supervise students preparation of solutions.

Keep up organization of lab preparation (i.e. gathering sheet and laminated check off system, weekly meetings and daily check ins, maintain weekly and quarterly chore charts for student lab assistants, etc.)

Support the Sciences and Mathematics division, which has doubled in size in the last 10 years and continues to grow.  Support faculty in the development of new biology, geology, chemistry and physics science labs.

As part of a team, plan Sciences and Mathematics curriculum and growth

Participate in campus and community committees

Participate in recruitment and outreach activities of Sciences and Mathematics division

Assist with recruiting, hiring, and training, 4-7 student lab assistants

Participate in student lab assistant reviews

Order, receive, store and inventory small-scale equipment, supplies, chemicals and materials for instructional and research laboratories.

Contact vendors for equipment and supply purchase.

Serve as floor warden (part of the University of Washington’s building safety program).

Help create and maintain structures to simplify ordering and inventorying supplies and equipment

Purchase supplies, chemicals, and equipment necessary for the functioning of Sciences and Mathematics division

Prepare and maintain a variety of records, logs, and files related to purchases, inventory check-out, budget, and chemical inventories.

Responsible for chemical inventory system and Lab Safety Manual for instructional labs.

Help create SOPs for student lab assistants in safe practices of chemical use and preparation of chemical solutions

Maintain chemical stock room and records regarding the purchase, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals.

Share responsibility for providing and maintaining safe lab spaces and being a resource during safety emergencies.

Able to make instant and well thought-out decisions regarding lab safety, when safety issues occur.

Develop and operate analytical facilities

Assist the Instructional Lab Supervisor in management of all modern analytical instruments used in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics labs and field courses.

Provide instruction to students, faculty and adjunct instructors working with analytical field equipment and lab instrumentation.

Assist with Coordination of application for lab certification.

Cultivate and maintain live specimens.

Assist in creation and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) necessary for certification

Assist new programs once certification acquired

Work independently on specifications for requests for purchase for small and large scale equipment.

Work with team to create and update Standard Operating Procedures, Preventative Maintenance Routines and service contracts for all major lab and field equipment.

Help process paperwork necessary for collection of specimens allowing specialized materials and equipment to be used at UWT

Assist in troubleshooting minor equipment issues and work with Instructional Lab Coordinator Supervisor on major equipment issues.

Minimum Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, geosciences, environmental science or closely related field AND three or more years of increasingly responsible oversight of science laboratories.

Equivalent education and experience may substitute for stated requirements.

Knowledge and experience in laboratory hazardous waste management.  Skill and experience with operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation used in chemistry, biology, geosciences, and physics.  Proficiency in word processing and data management.  Ability & desire to lead and provide logistical support for lab and field exercises.  Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and as a lead for a small student team.

Multi-tasking abilities necessary because of the large workload, along with ability to prioritize.  Ability to work well with a diverse array of faculty, staff, and students. Ability to make decisions on their own about lab needs, safety issues, and equipment and systems that are in their charge. Flexible, enthusiastic, proactive approach to working; Strong organizational skills and experience balancing complex logistics, and simultaneous tasks.

Desired Qualifications:
A Master’s in chemistry, biology, geoscience, or environmental science.  Experience in an academic laboratory science program.  Field experience.

Condition of Employment:
Requires flexible hours-possibly some nights or weekend work.

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.