JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Vice President for Research is seeking a Laboratory Safety Technician (Laboratory Technician 3) to coordinate and provide lab safety guidance and provide critical scientific and hands-on support services to faculty members and research groups affiliated with or based in the Innovation Partnership Building (IPB) at the UConn Tech Park. Reporting to the IPB Executive Director, the Technician will be responsible for performing and facilitating safety inspections and ensuring compliance throughout the building with all laboratory safety protocols, including but not limited to hazardous materials or equipment. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as a technical information resource to research facility personnel and safety liaison with UConn Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to monitor and ensure compliance and assist with enforcement of IPB safety rules, EHS and University policies and procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Creates and/or distributes safety information to all research facility personnel, and ensures that all lab personnel receive required training before engaging in research activities. Creates and/or updates lab manuals; keeps current on new procedures and related safety requirements; conducts, coordinates, and/or participates in laboratory safety visits or inspections; communicates information on identified hazards and precautions, and resolves safety-related problems requiring corrective actions in collaboration with the IPB Executive Director.
• Works directly with IPB Centers and coordinates with their safety liaisons in consultation with EHS to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for experiments and other research activities.
• Manages an online chemical inventory database in accordance with EHS requirements for the IPB, ensuring proper ordering, barcoding, and management of laboratory chemicals.
• Orders or approves orders of lab equipment while maintaining appropriate safety protocols; obtains, or assists with obtaining prior approval (EHS, Fire Marshal, Facilities, etc.) for research equipment purchases or installations. 
• Active member of the IPB Safety Committee and routinely reports safety findings to the IPB Executive Director.
• Manages hazardous and other regulated wastes generated in IPB.
• Works in partnership with the IPB Building Manager and staff to help address laboratory utility and modifications needed, safety-regulated building issues, facility checklists, safety documentation, and related standard operating procedures.
• Assists IPB stakeholders with outgoing shipments in accordance with unit, federal, and state regulations, and University policy.
• Provides direct support to capital asset inventory and tracking for the unit.
• Must be able to respond outside of normal business hours to emergencies or incidents that affect safe laboratory operations. 
• Performs other related laboratory support duties as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field and 4-5 years of experience.
2. Demonstrated ability to adhere to strict hazardous materials safety procedures.
3. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
4. Demonstrated effective writing skills.
5. Excellent attention to detail.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory safety operations, including commonly accepted safety practices for handling hazardous materials. 
7. Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Prior work experience in a higher education laboratory setting.
2. Experience in chemical inventory management.
3. Demonstrated ability to work independently to analyze available information, draw/interpret and effectively communicate appropriate conclusions. 
4. Completion of OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER, OSHA Hazard Communication, and/or EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act training.
5. Experience with procurement tasks and recordkeeping.
6. Experience writing and communicating laboratory procedures and outcomes in a professional setting.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 35-hour per-week position with an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, as well as employee and dependent tuition waivers at the University of Connecticut. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497493 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on June 7, 2023. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

About University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut is a national leader among public research universities, with more than 30,000 students seeking answers to critical questions in classrooms, labs, and the community. A culture of innovation drives this pursuit of knowledge throughout the University’s network of campuses. Connecticut’s commitment to higher education helps UConn attract students who thrive in the most competitive environments, as well as globally renowned faculty members. Our school pride is fueled by a history of success that has made us a standout in Division I athletics. UConn fosters a diverse and vibrant culture that meets the needs and seizes the opportunities of a dynamic global society.

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