Human Resources

Summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a lab technician to further research related to environmental biotechnology. A Lab Technician will undertake a variety of laboratory procedures of technical nature. The technician will be handling sensitive microbiological and biochemical equipment to analyze samples or substances and report findings to researchers. The technician will assist in projects related to waste upcycling, environmental biotechnology, and microbial community engineering. The ideal candidate will have experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and be knowledgeable in standard biochemical techniques. The candidate will be well-trained to maintain safety conditions and will be passionate for doing work that makes things move forward. The goal is to optimize lab procedures and succeed in producing and documenting reliable and important results that can be used to advance science. Secondary to laboratory procedures, some time will be spent on administrative activities, including ordering, maintaining safety training records, and other record keeping. Some supervision of students may occur.

Responsibilities 

• Use essential laboratory knowledge to improve biotechnology applications of microorganisms and microbial communities.
• Undertake basic biochemical techniques, like pipetting, routine microbiological culturing while keeping samples sterile and lab staff safe.
• Keep track of laboratory orders, training of lab personnel, and other important administrative tasks for maintaining efficient laboratory operations.
• Participate in group meetings by asking questions and giving presentations and updates.
• Communicating with your supervisor on a regular basis about experimental details, finances, and safety-related issues.
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work.
• Other duties as requested.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering or related field
• Ability to support CUI research which require U.S. Citizenship

Required Experience

• Laboratory experience in microbiology or biochemistry
• Understanding of basic microbiology
• Excellent interpersonal, oral/written communication, and organizational skills

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Experience in the growth of bacteria, yeast, or fungal cells
• Experience with the use of analytical equipment, running biochemical test, and performing molecular biological assays
• Experience working on externally funded research

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Willingness to learn new techniques and ideas
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff
• Strong customer service orientation
• Ability to work independently towards goals and accomplishing tasks and a willingness to seek assistance and guidance as needed

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities

1.00

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Negotiable, Based on Experience

Title of Position Supervisor

Associate Director, Great Lakes Research Center

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Additional Information