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California Polytechnic State University

Location: San Luis ObispoCA 93407 Document ID: AB303-33K0 Posted on: 2018-02-0502/05/2018 Job Type: Regular

Job Schedule:Full-time
2018-03-07
 

College Laboratory Technician



Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

College Laboratory Technician


Department: CAFES-Coll Ag Food& Env Sci (102500)

College/Division: CAFES-College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

Salary Range: $3,748 - $6,204 per month

Position Description:
***THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED***

The College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences (CAFES) is comprised of nine academic departments and has approximately 90 tenured and tenure-track faculty, 70 temporary faculty lecturers and teaching associates, and 100 staff and administrators. Under the general direction of the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, the college laboratory technician position will primarily be responsible for operating an Ultra High Pressure Liquid Chromatography Diode-Array-Detection Fluorescence Detection Mass Spectrometer (UPLC-DAD-FLD-MS) but will also assist with other high-end analytical equipment where qualified. A significant portion of the time will be spent in the routine preparation and analysis of biological, plant, and food samples in support of research primarily conducted by scientists in CAFES. This technician will be guided by the research goals of a variety of projects, initially focusing on organization, method familiarization, sample preparation using solid phase extraction and instrumental analysis using UPLC, DAD, FLD, and MS based techniques, and will include other high-end analytical equipment as needed.

The following examples illustrate typical work activities and are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive:



  • Prepares and analyzes biological, plant, and food samples in support of research primarily conducted by scientists in CAFES.

  • Operates the UPLC-DAD-FLD-MS and assists with other high-end analytical equipment where qualified.

  • Collaborates directly with other campus departments and campus facilities staff, serving in some cases as a liaison between the analytical laboratory and other research facilities (animal, human, plant, etc.), where a portion of the sample preparation will occur.

  • Collaborates with other technicians in the College and will provide advice, training, and technical support to faculty.

  • Works with students, teaching them laboratory techniques and works alongside them on various projects to assist in their development as laboratory scientists.

  • Coordinates access to the College's analytical equipment and laboratories.

  • Aids in the collection, organization and storage of biological samples and extracts according to established protocols.

  • Works independently and trains others to prepare sample extracts for quantitative analysis, evaluate UPLC-DAD-FLD-MS/MS performance, and adjust instrumental parameters for optimum sensitivity prior to sample analysis.

  • Implements current QA/QC standards as part of the sample extraction procedure and analytical quantitation method protocol and participates in the operation and general maintenance of laboratory instruments, orders project supplies, and when necessary services and calibrates the UPLC-DAD-FLD-MS/MS instruments.

  • Works with the companies from whom the UPLC-DAD-FLD and MS were purchased and with whom a service contract is in place, as necessary.

  • Maintains clean and safe laboratory facilities and stays up-to-date on the latest safety information.

  • Assists in the installation, start-up, and use of new analytical equipment as needs arise.

  • Reports on project status and organizes the usage of the instruments in coordination with the Associate Dean and faculty members as appropriate.

  • Operates in consultation with the Associate Dean to aid in the prioritization of tasks and evaluates whether requests can be met.


  • Minimum Qualifications (Staff Only):
    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Three years experience providing instructional support services in a related discipline, acting as a student assistant, or in producing materials or supplies related to the discipline (two years of college with 16 semester units in courses in the related specialty area discipline may be substituted for one year of required experience OR four years of college with 16 semester units in courses in the related specialty area discipline may be substituted for two years of required experience).

    LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, DEGREES, CREDENTIALS: Possession of a valid driver license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.


    Required Qualifications:
  • Working knowledge in extraction methods for the isolation of small organic molecules or metabolites from biological and/or plant and/or food matrices.
  • Knowledge of solid phase extraction techniques.
  • Knowledge of standard methodology and quality assurance guidelines.
  • Working knowledge of quantitative analysis and analytical high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), diode array detection (DAD), fluorescence detection (FLD), and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry.
  • Ability to quickly learn and effectively use analytical software.
  • Ability to interpret, communicate and apply Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and other safety reference material information.
  • Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to an emergency situation due to the presence of hazardous materials.
  • Ability to maintain a laboratory notebook containing all details of sample handling and analytical observations.
  • Ability to analyze operational, procedural, and technical problems and develop practical, thorough, and creative solutions; ability to evaluate, recommend, and implement proposed solutions using reasoning and judgment.
  • Ability to evaluate departmental lab safety practices; implement new safety procedures as needed. Instruct faculty and students on proper safety while working in labs.
  • Ability to use and develop Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, biological and hazardous waste handling and disposal.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain analytical instrumentation, including the use of methods/daily procedures that optimize instrument cleanliness, as well the use of periodic cleaning procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain UPLCs and mass spectrometers.
  • Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
  • Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
  • Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
  • Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.
  • Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
  • Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
  • Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
  • Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure, policies and procedures.

  • Preferred Qualifications:
  • Five years' experience in an analytical lab or similar setting.
  • A Master's degree and/or degree in Analytical Chemistry.
  • Experience working with a variety of separation methodologies including gas chromatography (GC) and detection methods including time-of-flight-mass spectrometry. Experience working with other types of analytical equipment.
  • A working knowledge of statistical programs such as JMP or R.
  • Experience in instrument calibration.
  • Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

  • Special Conditions:
    ***THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED***

  • Work with chemicals and equipment in a laboratory environment while keeping safety a priority for students.
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
  • Must be able to work overtime, occasional holidays, and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.
  • The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
  • This position classification has been defined as non-exempt and is subject to overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

    Retired CalPERS members selected for this vacancy must request and be approved for reinstatement from retirement prior to the start date. Employment of retired CalPERS members will typically be for 90 days or less and must be for work requiring specialized skills or for a bona fide emergency to prevent stoppage of business.

    May be required to complete a Supplemental Employment Application Questionnaire, which contains questions pertaining to conviction history, and submit it when requested by Cal Poly. This disclosure is confidential and will not necessarily preclude applicants from employment.

    A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

    Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

    For health and wellbeing, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

  • Review Begin Date: 09-01-2017

    Requisition Number: 104570

    To Apply: All applicants must apply online at: https://www.calpolyjobs.org.

    About Us
    Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive public university. Founded in 1901, the 6,000-acre campus is nestled in the foothills of San Luis Obispo, along California's scenic central coast and midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. With a budget of $168.5 million, the university has a student enrollment exceeding 17,000 students and employs more than 2,000 faculty and staff members. Cal Poly is part of the 23-campus California State University system.

    At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

    Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.





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