Department: WCAS Chemistry
Salary/Grade: NEX/11

Job Summary:

This Research Technologist 2 position in the Chemistry Department is a full-time position (37.5 hours) reporting to the Undergraduate Program Administrator; and works an on-site five-day work week. The target hiring range for this position will be between $19.31-$27.16 per hour ($37,799 to $53,156 per year). Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Under general direction from the teaching faculty, the Research Technologist assists in the utilization of the Department of Chemistry's physical undergraduate laboratory resources supporting up to 900 students each quarter, encompassing multiple separate laboratories, including laboratory equipment, glassware, chemicals and infrastructure. The Research Technologist tracks and analyzes data pertaining to chemical utilization, prepares laboratories for experiments and assists in leading the culture of safety, especially within the undergraduate laboratories. Evening hours expected during academic terms.

The responsibilities of this position include: providing material support for the undergraduate and SPS chemistry teaching laboratories; provides general laboratory maintenance and support including ordering and stocking laboratory supplies; prepares and measures reagents and other solutions for student experiments; sets up for each experiment (chemicals and other supplies); breaks down after each experiment; remakes and refills reagents during experiment as necessary; properly treats and disposes of waste, requesting pick-up through ORS; manages lab equipment; supports summer programming and outreach events; supervises student workers. This position has the ability to support the Chemistry Core.

Please note:

* Employee will operate in a chemistry laboratory environment in proximity to hazardous material.

* Some irregular work hours are required to achieve mission objectives.

Specific Responsibilities:

* Following protocols, designs, sets-up and conducts basic experiments.

* Set-up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments.

* Prepare chemical solutions, weigh samples, perform titrations, and other similar tests.

* Maintain Chemistry laboratories in an organized and safe manner, including cleaning glassware and ensuring required reagents and solutions are ordered and prepared a s needed.

* Maintain strict laboratory safety and adhere to quality assurance principles

Administration

* Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data.

* Manipulates, interprets &/or presents results.

Finance

* Tracks & summarizes lab supply expenses.

* Verifies accuracy of invoices.

* Orders &/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice &/or lab supplies.

Supervises

* Trains student workers.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Understanding of laboratory and chemical safety principles, including US CFR 1910.1450 and NFPA codes

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

* including proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including advanced skills with Excel or Access. Ability to manipulate PDFs;

* Excellent communication and customer service skills;

* Excellent judgment and the ability to work independently;

* Flexibility and energy;

* Ability to lift 25 pounds;

Preferred Qualifications:

* A degree in Chemistry or another science strongly preferred

* Three to five year's relevant experience in research laboratory or science department in a higher education environment

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

* Understanding of basic chemical principals, including stoichiometry and basic laboratory safety.

* Ability to assess hazard identification factors.

* Chemistry analytical skills including

o Ability to calculate and prepare solutions of specified concentration.

o Ability to perform titrations.

o Ability to accurately weigh samples.

o Ability to learn new techniques.

* Detail oriented, analytical, and alert, as the work is of a non-routine nature.

* Ability to exercise good judgment in determining the reasonableness of the results.

* Possess effective verbal and written communication skills.

* Ability to work with minimum supervision.

* Ability to work in a team environment and build relationships with other areas of the organization.

* Ability to keep and record accurate and legible data.

* Ability to perform basic management tasks for small groups

* The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and laboratory equipment such as balances, glassware, chemicals, computer, printer, copier, telephone, voice mail system, and other office and lab equipment. Requirements may also include:

o Ability to work safely in a chemistry laboratory environment

o Ability to clearly record data

o Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.

* Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and laboratory hazards

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.

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