Specialist: Laboratory - Physics/Engineering
Pima Community College

The Lab Specialist - Physics/Engineering provides highly skilled technical support to faculty and co-workers across multiple disciplines. Key responsibilities include organizing, preparing, and breaking down Physics and Engineering experiments and related exercises. Oversee the upkeep of the prep lab, classroom spaces. Maintains inventory of supplies, equipment, and other materials needed for daily operations of the lab and assigned space. Trains lab technicians to assist in experiment preparation/breakdown and prep lab/classroom maintenance, and safety procedures. Completes assigned technical du es as a Physics/Engineering laboratory specialist. Collaborates and communicates with specialists at other campuses.

This is not a research or teaching position. Lab Specialists prepare materials for lab experiments and maintain classroom and prep lab spaces.

The work schedule for this position is flexible and may include working evenings and weekends. Although this position is housed at the Northwest Campus, specialists may be scheduled at other campuses as required.

• Creates instructions for how to prepare, set up, and break down experiments. Maintains experiment prep sheets, schedules, and inventories using the Laboratory Informa on Management System
• Compiles and analyzes reports, statistics, and recommendations for laboratory experiments. Writes and maintains chemical recipes including disposal protocols
• Provides training to science lab staff on standard laboratory techniques and protocols as directed by the Science Laboratory Supervisor. Practices appropriate lab safety procedures and looks for ways to minimize lab hazards. Cross-trains in other Division of Sciences disciplines
• In partnership with the other Lab Specialists, responsible for hazardous waste disposal, including hazardous waste reports, following institutional and governmental guidelines
• Provide classroom support to monitor safety as needed
• Keeps SDS files up to date
• Participates and coordinates the preparation and cleanup of materials and equipment for chemistry lab experiments
• Assist in preparation, setup, and cleanup for lab experiments in other disciplines such as biology, microbiology, geology, or other assigned areas
• Assesses classroom needs and procures materials and equipment. Purchase of materials/equipment as approved. Receives, verifies, and enters order information into the Laboratory Informa on Management System
• Collaborates with science faculty and sciences laboratory supervisors to research, create, and troubleshoot classroom science experiments, and evaluate material/equipment needs. Communicates and coordinates with instructors
• Utilizes and maintains specialized laboratory equipment to prepare materials for experiments and the classroom. Maintains detailed maintenance records. Creates and maintains SOPs
• Provides technical support and troubleshooting equipment as needed
• Participates and coordinates the cleaning and stocking of classrooms, prep areas, and Learning Lab. Identifies and oversees the beginning-of-semester and end-of- semester tasks using Smartsheet
• May provide lab supervision as delegated by Laboratory Supervisors including day- to-day direction of activities and tasks of lab technicians and aides when Lab Supervisor is unavailable
• Actively participate in the Division of Sciences Laboratory Specialist Working Groups
• Participates in professional development and continuing education to keep up to date on changes or advances in assigned discipline
• Participates in Division of Sciences outreach events
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor

• Associate degree in a closely related field of study and
• One to three years of related experience in a science laboratory and
• Valid Arizona driver license

or

• An equivalent combination of certification, education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in physics or engineering or closely related field of study
• Three to five years of laboratory-related experience in an instituition of higher learning

• Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience in methodologies that are involved in the preparation of physics and engineering
• Hands-on experience with 3D printers, laser cutters, soldering calipers, micrometers, air tracks, force gauges, photogates, multimeters, diffraction gratings, prisms, and thermocouples
• Proper use and care of equipment, including band saws, drill presses, belt sanders, and handheld power tools
• Working knowledge of various so ware: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Tink CAD, Google, Vernier
• Knowledge of Engineering Safety, Applied Physics, and equipment mechanics
• Proficiency in math calculations common to physics and engineering
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines for working in a science laboratory
• Knowledge of internal and external customer service principles and practices
• Ability to follow, create, and update established protocols and safety guidelines
• Ability to operate and maintain lab equipment
• Ability to work both semi-independently and as part of a team
• Ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationship
• Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks simultaneously for efficient workflow
• Skill in effective communication (both written and oral)
• Skills in organization, coordination, and management
• Skill in problem-solving

Physical Requirements:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a non- traditional setting; to stand for prolonged periods of me; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to li , carry, push, and/or pull moderate (up to 50 pounds) amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement to include use of a computer keyboard; to operate various equipment required to perform job; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. May be exposed to various hazardous conditions such as infectious diseases, chemicals, or moving mechanical parts, etc.

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