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Specialist: Laboratory – Physics/Engineering

Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ, United States


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Position Summary
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 duties 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.

Duties & Responsibilities

Creates instructions for how to prepare, set up, and break down experiments. Maintains experiment prep sheets, schedules, and inventories using the Laboratory Information 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 Information 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

Job Requirements / Qualifications

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 institution of higher learning

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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 software: 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; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate amounts of weight (up to 50 pounds); to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement including use of a computer keyboard; to operate various equipment required to perform the 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.

If you require assistance, or a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, please do not hesitate to contact Pima Community College Human Resources.

Human Resources Contact Information

Phone: (520) 206-4624

TTY: (520) 206-4530

Email: hr@pima.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer
Pima Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

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