Science Center Advanced Instrumentation Specialist
Wellesley College

Job Info

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At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education
to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative
community, comprising faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by
our shared values. We champion intellectual discovery and excellence,
uphold gender equality as foundational to progress, affirm diversity as
crucial to educational excellence, value connection and community, empower
individuals for social change, and commit to integrity and academic freedom
in our pursuit of knowledge. Join us in this transformative journey!

When applying for the position, please ensure a thorough review of the job
details. If you are an internal employee, kindly utilize the internal portal on
Workday for your application. Prepare a comprehensive resume/cv and cover
letter for upload. Acceptable formats for these documents are either PDF
(.pdf) or Word (.doc).

Job Posting Title
Science Center Advanced Instrumentation Specialist

Job Description Summary
Admin Exempt

Job Description
The Science Center Advanced Instrumentation Specialist (AIS) ensures that scientific instrumentation is in top working order for teaching and research laboratories across the Science Center. The incumbent works in close collaboration with the other AIS and the SC Laboratory Manager/Instrument Technician to maintain a large and growing suite of research-grade instrumentation across the Science Center. Diagnoses technical problems quickly and takes actions to resolve them while working under pressure. Proactively identifies recurrent problems and offers input to resolve complex problems; Partners with the other Advanced Instrument Specialist, the SC Laboratory Manager/Instrumentation Technician and the SC Machinist to design and build custom instrumentation as needed.

The AIS holds primary responsibility for repair and maintenance of a wide variety of advanced instrumentation in the Science Center, including their data acquisition and processing systems. Perform periodic maintenance on the units as required. Design and run tests on the instruments to check performance at regular intervals. Troubleshoot problems on the instruments with the manufacturer's Technical Support group and install repair parts as necessary. Advise the SC Director and department heads when major pieces of equipment are nearing end of useful life. Coordinate and maintain service contracts where appropriate, while working to reduce overall outside expenditures by completing maintenance work in-house.

Develop SOPs and provide basic training for students, faculty and staff as required on use of instrumentation. Responsible for maintaining system software, and working with campus IT partners and vendors as appropriate to maintain networked systems according to both campus and scientific needs.

Consults with faculty regarding selection of new instrumentation and guides procurement through installation and startup/training on such items. Develops standard operating procedures for use on advanced instrumentation. Serves as system administrator for computers associated with instrumentation. Maintains inventory of equipment in the Science Center. Coordinates responsible disposal of equipment at end of life cycle. Coordinates with Environmental Health and Safety Office and Science Center Director and Assistant Director to ensure safe operation of laboratory equipment, fume hoods, biological hoods, and building safety committee efforts (Radiation, Chemical, Biological, and Laser). Works with Laboratory Manager/Instrument Technician to ensure timely vendor delivery of compressed gases and cryogens, and takes responsibility to deliver and install cylinders across facility. Trains users as needed on safe use of regulators and compressed gases. Ensures that incubators and freezers across facility are in prime working condition. Shares responsibility with the other AIS for responding to after-hours alarm calls, which may require coming to campus at odd hours to respond to emergencies.

Position Responsibility

• Work proactively (and collaboratively with other SC instrument specialists) to service, maintain, and repair instrumentation and support infrastructure (such as freezers, incubators, autoclaves, etc.) across the Science Center. Coordinate preventative maintenance schedule for all scientific instrumentation and supporting equipment. Maintain up-to-date equipment inventory across the facility. Respond quickly to faculty requests for assistance and/or to emergency calls related to equipment failures and work creatively to bring things back on line.
• Working closely with other members of the Instrumentation support team, gain knowledge of, and assume increasing responsibility for, maintenance and repair of a subset of complex instruments as appropriate to incumbent's skill set and Science Center needs. Cross-train on other advanced instrumentation to provide back-up support as needed. Advise staff and users on potential purchases as new instrumentation needs are identified. Works closely with SC Buyer to arrange and document procurement of instrumentation, cryogens and other materials.
• Manage operations for fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and laminar flow hoods throughout facility; coordinate annual certification of all hoods (ducted, filtered and biosafety); coordinate repair/maintenance with facilities. Create and manage maintenance logs and perform basic maintenance on all hoods installed in teaching and research laboratories. Respond to calls for assistance during laboratories and provide basic training for students and new researchers on proper use of hoods, including appropriate response to alarm situations. Coordinate repairs with Facilities Maintenance staff and/or with service contractors as appropriate
• Cryogens & Compressed gases: coordinate with SC Lab Manager to maintain logs and inventory of all material to ensure compliance within safe working limits for the facility; coordinate needs between users to reduce overall quantities on site; order and deliver cyliners and tanks; maintain regulators; provide training as needed
• Provide instructional support on technical equipment for faculty, staff and students as needed; develop and write standard operating procedures for various instrumentation. Provides instruction on DOT shipping regulations and packing requirements to faculty and staff as needed (students are not permitted to package these regulated materials for shipping).
• Interface with Facilities Maintenance team to place work orders for technical issues in teaching and research laboratories (including but not limited to: chemical fume hoods, biological clean benches and biosafety cabinets, etc.) to ensure reliable maintenance and operation. Place work orders, meet with Skilled Trades workers to diagnose and resolve problems, provide follow up on all aspects of work-order system.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May supervise student workers if appropriate

Basic Qualifications

• A college degree or demonstration of equivalent experience is required (Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts with significant coursework in a science discipline; military service with demonstrated experience in equipment maintenance; or similar).
• Preferred candidates will have strong science backgrounds and/or prior experience that translates to work with scientific instrumentation, including electronics.
• Candidates with advanced degrees or advanced experience in fields that include scientific coursework are preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• The successful candidate will have demonstrated prior experience in effective oral, written and electronic forms of communication, as a significant part of this role requires interacting with faculty/staff who each have compelling need for support.
• Technical training or demonstrated prior experience in computing (PC, Mac, and/or Linux platforms) and the ability to work effectively in a Google Apps environment and share information via databases, spreadsheets and MS Office products is required.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials handling, DOT shipping regulations, and working with compressed gases and cryogens is needed, though can be learned on the job as required.
• Strong technical skills and prior electronic/electromechanical and repair experience required.

Company Description
Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.

Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.

• Competitive Compensation : Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
• Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
• Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
• Paid Time Off : Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
• Retirement Savings : Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
• Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, free onsite and virtual fitness classes and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
• Tuition and Education Benefits : Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
• Campus Privileges : Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.

Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College - where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!

Worker Sub-Type
Administrative

Time Type
Full time

EEO Statement
At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members for the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to the diversity of the college community and the curriculum . Wellesley College and all its subcontractors shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that Wellesley College and all of its subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply.

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