Science Support Engineer

Science Support Engineer
University of Puget Sound
Job ID: 6681
Location: Natural Sciences Division
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

Staff Posting Details
Appointment: regular, full-time, (1.0) FTE.

Position Summary:

Works with faculty, staff, and students in the science departments to troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and fabricate scientific devices and instruments. Oversees the operation and maintenance of wood, machine, and electronic shops.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

In cooperation with faculty and staff in the sciences, develops and implements regular maintenance programs for all scientific instruments and associated equipment. Responds to repair requests (often urgent) on scientific instruments and equipment used in both teaching and research laboratories. Troubleshoots and repairs instruments directly or arranges outside support when necessary. Arranges and works as liaison, when appropriate, with outside support while on campus. Works with faculty to design devices for scientific research in faculty research labs, and in classes where departments request assistance. Uses a variety of shop tools and equipment (e.g., mills, lathes, welders, hand tools, soldering iron, DMM) to fabricate or repair devices for scientific research. Maintains a check list of duties (weekly, quarterly, annually) in terms of instrument upkeep such as filling the NMR, checking and replacing oil in vacuum pumps, replacing desiccant/filters, etc… Orders shop supplies, materials, instruments and equipment; maintains inventory; and performs related recordkeeping tasks. Charges appropriate departmental budgets for supplies used on specific projects. Oversees the operation and maintenance of wood, machine, and electronic shops -- collaborating and coordinating training with shop users, and consulting with the Environmental Health and Safety office and the Science Safety Committee in developing and implementing shop-use policies. Responsible for cleanliness in the shop areas and maintains proper upkeep of shop tools and equipment. Assists and trains faculty and staff with use of shop equipment, consistent with the University's safety and shop-use policies. Manages the position's natural science budget and expenses. Coordinates with the University EHS office on laser safety policies for the sciences. On a weekly basis, updates the job request spreadsheet to prioritize project requests, document progress on standing requests, and provide a record (e.g. troubleshooting techniques, repair method, testing, parts ordered, discussions, etc). Meets with the Director of Environmental Health and Safety to ensure compliance with governmental regulations. Is a proactive member of the safety committee. Places work orders with facilities and coordinates with them accordingly (e.g., building HVAC, repairs, main compressor/dryer, oxygen monitors, safety concerns, etc).

Secondary Job Functions and Responsibilities:

These are functions that support the science program, but are not considered essential to the position. When time permits (i.e., does not interfere with the primary job functions) and when the Science Support Engineer has the appropriate expertise, these types of functions may be performed by the Science Support Engineer.

Restructures/remodels laboratory spaces. Fabricates and/or installs storage units or specialized lab fixtures. In cooperation with faculty and staff in Exercise Science, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, supports maintenance and repair for associated equipment.

Budget Responsibilities

Assists and/or makes recommendations to the supervisor in preparing and administering the natural science budget.

Qualifications:

• At least, two years of work experience in fabricating and/or servicing scientific (or similar) instruments.
• Must have good communication skills and ability and willingness to support multiple departments and projects. This includes a flexibility to change course as the need arises.
• Must have a willingness to learn and use machine shop and woodworking tools. Must have a broad background in the use of electrical, electronic, and mechanical tools.
Ability to respectfully work, communicate, and provide leadership within a diverse campus community. Must have working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office applications (Word and Excel).
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Ability to respectfully work, communicate and provide leadership within a diverse campus community

Compensation and Benefits: The anticipated pay for this position is $30.00 - $31. 86 per hour DOE. Decisions about starting salaries are made based on the extent and relatedness of the candidate's education and experience and on internal equity and market considerations.

Puget Sound offers a generous benefits package. For more information, visit: https://pugetsound.edu/human-resources/benefits

This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Application Deadline: Review of application materials will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient number of qualified candidates have been identified.

Required Documents:

Resume Letter of Interest

Applications submitted without the required attachments will not be considered.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of all required background checks. All new hires will be required to submit proof of current COVID-19 vaccination (including booster) or receive an approved medical or religious exemption from the university.

Diversity Statement:

We acknowledge the richness of commonalities and differences we share as a university community; the intrinsic worth of all who work and study here; that education is enhanced by investigation of and reflection upon multiple perspectives. We aspire to create respect for and appreciation of all persons as a key characteristic of our campus community; to increase the diversity of all parts of our University community through commitment to diversity in our recruitment and retention efforts; to foster a spirit of openness to active engagement among all members of our campus community. We act to achieve an environment that welcomes and supports diversity; to ensure full educational opportunity for all who teach and learn here; to prepare effectively citizen-leaders for a pluralistic world.

Puget Sound is committed to an environment that welcomes and supports diversity. We seek diversity of identity, thought, perspective, and background in our students, faculty, and staff. To learn more please visit: https://pugetsound.edu/about-puget-sound-0/mission-core-values/institutional-equity-diversity

The University of Puget Sound is an equal opportunity employer.


How to Apply
For complete job description and application instructions, visit: www.pugetsound.edu/employment

About Puget Sound
Puget Sound is a selective national liberal arts college in Tacoma, Washington, drawing 2,600 students from 48 states and 20 countries. Puget Sound graduates include Rhodes and Fulbright scholars, notables in the arts and culture, entrepreneurs and elected officials, and leaders in business and finance locally and throughout the world. A low student-faculty ratio provides Puget Sound students with personal attention from faculty who have a strong commitment to teaching and offer 1,200 courses each year in more than 40 traditional and interdisciplinary fields, including graduate programs in occupational and physical therapy and in education. Puget Sound is the only nationally ranked independent undergraduate liberal arts college in Western Washington, and one of just five independent colleges in the Pacific Northwest granted a charter by Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honorary society. Visit "About Puget Sound" (http://www.pugetsound.edu/about) to learn more about the college.

As a strategic goal and through our core values, University of Puget Sound is committed to an environment that welcomes and supports diversity. We seek diversity of identity, thought, perspective, and background in our students, faculty, and staff. EOE/AA



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