Lab Assistant 2 (9603C) - Engineering Research Centers About Berkeley
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Departmental Overview
The Alvarez-Cohen/Nelson/Sedlak/Pickering Research Groups consist of post-doctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students. These four groups conduct experimental water quality research in jointly managed laboratory facilities. The purpose of this position is to have a full-time presence to assist in the administration and research goals of the four research groups. This position ensures that the researchers can commit their full attention to their research projects; the incumbent provides for the efficient operation of the laboratory groups. This is achieved by the incumbent's two main responsibilities: general laboratory management (including safety, equipment, and supplies) and the incumbent's scientific research support of the ongoing laboratory projects.
This position provides lab management/administrative and research support to the Alvarez-Cohen/Nelson/Sedlak/Pickering Research Groups. Management of laboratory equipment and supplies is critical for accomplishing research group goals. The ideal candidate would ensure the efficient operation of the research groups and assist with group members' research projects.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: February 17, 2023 - Open Until Filled
Responsibilities
25% Supervise purchasing, receiving, storing, and distribution of laboratory supplies
Ensure laboratory supplies are available, monitor supplies, and reorder as needed.
Process order requests from research group members, obtain purchase orders and submit orders to vendors.
Research vendors to reduce purchasing costs and make purchasing decisions (with supervisor approval).
Resolve problems with tracking orders, shipping, billing, and receiving.
Train new researchers on the University's online purchasing system.
25% Maintain laboratory equipment
Ensure all equipment is in good working condition.
Schedule and oversee inspections and maintenance of equipment.
Maintain warranties for laboratory equipment.
Supervise laboratory computers; install security updates and remove viruses.
Monitor proper use of laboratory resources.
Submit work order requests to the building manager.
Develop and maintain standard operating protocols.
Train new users on laboratory equipment.
15% Perform scientific research in the area of environmental engineering
Assist in the development of laboratory techniques using an understanding of chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, or related areas.
Review relevant scientific literature to assist in laboratory research
Maintain and optimize experimental reactors, column studies, and other long-term research platforms.
15% Laboratory safety officer
Ensure that the researchers are following the safety protocols properly.
Maintain SOPs for laboratory work involving the use of hazardous chemicals or physical hazards.
Verify proper forms are displayed in the laboratory.
Coordinate, prepare for and host safety inspections.
Create and maintain chemical inventory.
Coordinate inventory/pickup of (bio)hazard waste.
Ensure lab rosters are up-to-date and that all researchers are up-to-date with lab training.
Help groups apply for biological use authorization and radiological use authorization amendments.
10% Assist with the management of research groups
Maintain current email list and maps of the lab and office spaces
Serve as point-of-contact between researchers and building manager
Manage shared google drive folder for lab management.
Assist with onboarding and offboarding of new researchers and lab assistants.
5% Organize laboratory clean-up
Schedule regular cleanups of the laboratory.
Delegate responsibilities to the research group, and follow up as needed.
5% Communication
Ensure the proper communication of incidents between active researchers.
Maintain a good working relationship with the building manager, dept. EH&S officer and other PIs in the CEE dept.
Maintain lab email listserv and Slack channels.
Maintain good communication with sales representatives.
Required Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, biology, chemistry, or related areas or equivalent experience.
Two years of water quality laboratory experience, including analytical techniques, troubleshooting equipment problems, general laboratory management, and sample analysis.
Familiar with campus procedures (physical plant, purchasing); basic knowledge of campus laboratory safety protocols and procedures (OSHA).
Experience with ordering supplies, contacting vendors, and processing purchase orders.
Experience with general laboratory management and maintenance of critical laboratory equipment.
Highly organized and detail orientated.
Able to work and communicate well in an environment with graduate students and post-doctoral researchers.
Ability to work and act independently and as part of a team.
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $20.66 (Step 1) to $23.25 (Step 4) hourly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits.
Conviction History Background
This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal 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, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.
For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.
To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=21&JobOpeningId=48802&PostingSeq=1
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