Job Description:

• Manages staff, users, and equipment to ensure efficient and safe operation of the mass spectrometry laboratories.

• Provides expertise to researchers and research support staff. Oversees activities related to data collection and analysis.

• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project.  Helps develop, design, and conduct research projects according to plan.

• Manage all technical elements of the laboratory, including instrument maintenance, calibration, tuning and computer systems as well as administrative systems such user logs, instrument logs, system logs, and computer system backups.

• Provides users with training and technical support on routine hardware and software issues/questions in the laboratory operations. 

• Establishes and manages Preventive Maintenance (PM) programs in accordance with the vendor manuals, specifications, and facility needs.

• Ensures users are appropriately trained and exercise best laboratory practices e.g., logs keeping, online reservation, housekeeping, proper waste disposals, etc.

• Assures compliance with quality control measures and standards established in the laboratory policies and procedures.

• Performs instrument troubleshooting and addresses service requirements by either direct repair or coordinating vendor support. 

• Manages routine laboratory supplies, such as consumables, PPE, reagents, chemicals, gases, and

• consumable parts to ensure appropriate inventory. Establishes/updates the essential database of the supplies.

• Manages laboratory safety protocols to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Manages

• liquid and solid waste and hazard waste pickups, proper storage, and disposal of chemical and hazard waste. Retains regular cleaning to ensure a clean and safe laboratory environment.

• Resolves issues in a timely and professional manner, including but not limited to contacting users, university safety and service centers, building managers, and building engineers, etc.

• Provides expertise to researchers and research support staff. Oversees activities related to data collection and analysis.

• Improves financial, personnel, planning, compliance, and other administrative aspects of research project. Collaborates with other researchers on long-range plans for research projects. Leads, investigates, modifies and applies new procedures, techniques or applications of technology. Establishes goals and operating procedures, practices, and guidelines.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Ph.D. degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical biology, or a closely related field or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• Previous experience in managing operations of a mass spec (including both LC and GC) or related laboratory.

• Maintenance and repair experience of any HPLC, GC, IC, GCMS, LCMS, MALDI, and ICPMS is a plus.

• Solid hands-on maintenance and repair experience in scientific instruments and equipment.

• At least 2 years of hands-on experience in a laboratory of analytical chemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, chemical biology, biophysics, or similar.

• Experience in operating and troubleshooting automated analytical instruments.

• Experience of gas chromatography and/or liquid chromatography is a plus.

• Experience with computer hardware and software installation, maintenance, and updates including networking setup.

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

• Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry knowledge.

• Solid hands-on skills with common lab devices and equipment.

• Concrete common knowledge and skills in maintaining computers, networking, and software.

• Good knowledge and skills of General Electric, electronic, and mechanical applications.

• Efficient oral and written communication skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Preferred Competencies

• Self-motivated, well organized, strong problem solving, and with great attention to details.

• Able to follow instructions/procedures/policies in the operations.

• Able to work independently and proactively, establish work priorities and handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum operation efficiency.

• Have ability and willingness to proactively work with users, most graduate students, and postdocs, addressing issues/misconducts in the routine operations.

• Fast and self-learning tasks, techniques, and operations within scope of the duties.

• Excellent computer skills. Handyperson on basic electric, electronic, and mechanical.

Working Conditions:

• Able to work either in a seat or stand in a temperature-controlled and noise lab for a long period of time.

• Able to handle chemical hazards including but not limited to reactive, flammable, explosive, toxic, etc.

• Able to exchange/handle varies and large lab gas cylinders including but not limited to hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, methane, air, argon, etc.

Application Documents:

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• References (preferred)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

Connections working at University of Chicago (UC)