Scientific and Instructional Support Technician

Amherst College


Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for a Scientific and Instructional Support Technician in the Department of Geology. Given Amherst's distinction as one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting a broadly diverse community.

The Scientific and Technical Support Technician supports the faculty and students of the Geology Department by providing expertise in the installation, maintenance, operation, and repair of scientific and instructional equipment and instrumentation in both the research and teaching laboratories. The Technician supports the broader mission and functions of the Geology Department and the Beneski Museum of Natural History through oversight, maintenance, repair, fabrication, use, and operation of the Beneski Building and its contents, and through participation in Department and Museum activities.

Summary of Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Scientific Equipment and Instrumentation

• Install, maintain, operate, and repair scientific equipment and instrumentation in the teaching and research laboratories
• Analytical: SEM, ICP, IRMS, EA, and others
• Preparatory: Thin section, rock saws, drill presses, shatterbox, and others
• Maintain inventory, order consumables, liaise with service contractors
• Oversee chemical hygiene and safety in research and teaching laboratories
• Train a diverse set of students in use of scientific equipment and instrumentation

Instructional Equipment and Vehicles

• Maintain field equipment and vehicles
• Drive department vehicles

Fabrication and Repair

• Wood and plexiglass fabrication as needed by the department and Beneski Museum of Natural History
• Research and teaching sample preparation: cutting rocks, fabricating thin sections, rock crushing

Department shipping and receiving

• Act as point person for coordination between Geology Department/Museum and Facilities regarding issues in the building
• Hire, train and supervise temporary student workers for routine tasks
• Support department social functions

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Geology or related field, or in lieu of degree, 5 or more years of directly related experience
• Experience installing, maintaining, operating, and repairing scientific instrumentation
• Skilled in the use of personal computers and software
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong time management, problem solving skills, ability to manage multiple priorities
• Attention to detail
• Valid Driver's License and successful credentialing is required in order to operate college vehicles

Preferred:

• Graduate degree in Geology or related field
• 7+ years of experience

Amherst College requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (medical and religious exemptions may apply).

Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Benefits are an important part of our overall compensation, so it is critical that you review all of the options to ensure it meets your total compensation requirements. Click here for Benefits Information .

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs . Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

To find information about job group and level (JGL) follow this link.

PI152613049