Position Summary Information

　　Position Purpose

　　The Laboratory Instrument Specialist supports teaching and research instrumentation within the College of Science and Technology. This position is responsible for installation, maintenance, service, repair, replacement, and record keeping of instruments used for teaching and research. This includes all types of scientific, electronic, mechanical, and optical equipment used in the laboratories on all campuses of the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. The incumbent is also responsible for the repair and replacement budget in the college, contacting vendors to arrange and coordinate repairs, and aiding faculty and staff in repair and replacement of instruments.

　　Description of Duties

　　Provide technical support, routine service and maintenance, calibration and operational support to scientific instrumentation. General service and maintenance of all college teaching and research instruments at all campuses. Travel to all CU campuses on a regular basis is needed to perform these duties.Calibrate and maintain the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers, including weekly refills of cryogenic liquid nitrogen and cryogenic liquid helium on a schedule. Uses appropriate safety measures.Makes minor repair, service, and maintenance to instruments as needed. Arrange for external repair for instruments as needed. Coordinates with vendors and external service providers for larger repairs of instrumentation.Provide information to faculty about capabilities of instruments; work with faculty to develop technical specifications for the purchases of scientific equipment for the college and bring recommendation to the Dean/Chair to make decisions about instrument purchases; interact with sales representatives concerning demonstrations; keep abreast of the latest technology to inform purchase decisions.Manage maintenance contracts yearly, perform all budget transactions involved, schedule and oversee all site visits. Ensuring all terms and conditions are achieved for each contract agreement. Contract totals $65,000 per fiscal year.Manage all aspects of contracts, PRs, and budget to ensure timely repair and replacement functions within COST either by use of Ariba Source Point or the Purchasing Card associated with the fund center. Ensure minimal impact on teaching schedule in academic classes and labs. Operating Budget $150,000 per fiscal year.Acts as point person for building related functions within Hartline Science Center. Works with Facilities for building related events, repairs, shutdowns, and emergencies. Works with Facilities on many electrical, plumbing and HVAC projects required for the installation of lab instrumentation. This ensures that scheduled timelines remain on track, avoids any possible damage to instrumentation in the labs, and maintains a stable environment for proper operation.Assist students, instructors, and administrators with the technical aspects of demonstrations and special equipment required in laboratories.Develop schedules and timelines for improvement, maintenance, and repair projects.Travel to CU campuses, other than home campus, as needed.Maintains equipment list and records of maintenance and calibration.Performs related work as required and assigned by the Dean.Decision Making

　　Review and determine maintenance and service schedule for instruments in COST across all three campuses. Collaborate and Coordinate with other pertinent staff in the college as well as faculty in the respective departments.Review and rank (with rationale) AE Equipment Repair and Replacement requests submitted by the departments.Research and determine vendors for maintenance, service, and repair of instruments. Work in collaboration with faculty/chairs and other staff as needed.Fiscal Responsibility

　　Responsible for Repair and Replacement fund center in the Dean's budget. Mon tors the budget year around and invests the funds to ensure minimal impact on teaching and research. Reviews and prioritizes the requests/needs from all campuses and either makes decision or brings complete information to the Dean's attention so as to ensure critical items are addressed in a timely manner. While all expenses out of this fund center are approved by the Dean, not every item needs prior approval from the Dean. The individual should be able to use good judgement and consult with the Dean on items that needs prior approval.

　　Supervisory Responsibility

　　May occasionally supervise student workers to maintain and service instruments.

　　Minimum Requirements Profile

　　Completion of 60 college credits including nine credits in chemistry, natural science, or a related field.

　　Preferred Qualifications

　　Bachelor's in science, engineering, technology or related field as well as three years of demonstrated post-baccalaureate experience managing instrumentation or relevant experience.ORAssociates Degree in science, engineering, or technology along with seven years of demonstrated experience managing instrumentation or relevant experience.

　　Previous experience in maintenance, use or operation of scientific instruments such as NMR, SEM, Confocal Microscope, XRD, chromatography, spectroscopy, electrical instruments used in college science and engineering labs is preferred.

　　Special Instructions to Applicants

　　*For full consideration, applications must be received by January 21, 2024. *Finalists for this position must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process.Completing this search is contingent upon available funding.