Scientific Instrument Specialist

Accountabilities:

• preventive and routine maintenance of department instrumentation and equipment including computer and software upgrades;
• proper and timely repair of instruments and laboratory equipment, including communication and coordination with vendor service engineers as needed;
• coordination and collaboration with faculty and department staff to troubleshoot instrument and equipment problems;
• participation in the evaluation, procurement, site preparation, and installation of new/upgraded instrumentation and other related laboratory equipment and software, as needed; and
• ordering, stocking, and transporting compressed gasses, cryogens, solvents, and other materials associated with the operation of laboratory instruments and equipment.

• Accountable for maintaining records of instruments/equipment and associated computers; including history, status, and vendor contact information. Responsible for maintaining historical logs of instrument and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Liaise with ITS to install, maintain, and troubleshoot computers associated with instruments and equipment.
• Consistent with expertise and department need, accountable for assisting faculty and students in the proper use of instruments and equipment. Should be a repository of knowledge for the basic use and care of instruments and equipment.
• Maintains high level of availability and accessibility to faculty and staff, and be responsive to unpredictable instrument and equipment failures.
• Liaise with Facilities to remedy issues with building infrastructure (e.g., electrical, plumbing, exhaust, HVAC, humidity) that negatively affect instrument and equipment operation, performance, and longevity. Regularly monitors the building to detect issues with the building infrastructure.
• Accountable for adherence to Colgate University's laboratory safety policies, practices, and procedures that ensure a safe learning environment for students, staff, and faculty. Accountable for staying current with relevant regulations (e.g. health and safety) and availing oneself of relevant training offered by Colgate's Office of Environmental, Health, and Safety.
• Accountable for serving as a resource to faculty and staff in the broader Division of Mathematics and the Natural Sciences. As needed, may assist the NASC Division Director with division repair budget allocations.

Professional Experience/Qualifications:

• Previous experience with advanced scientific instrumentation and laboratory equipment, including computer hardware and software, is required. Must have strong technical skills, such as maintaining and repairing electronic/mechanical devices.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Must be able to learn on-the-job, and keep up with changes in laboratory instrumentation and equipment, computer hardware and software, and regulations.
• Expected to coordinate with Colgate's Environmental Health and Safety Office to ensure that regulatory and safety requirements are followed, including gaining certification (e.g. radiation safety), as needed.
• A team-oriented mindset and the ability to work with a broad array of faculty, staff, and students possessing different levels of technical expertise are required.

Education:

Other Information:

Physical Demands:

EEO Statement: