Chemistry Lab Assistant (Onsite)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is STEP 1: $25.51- STEP: 5: $30.37. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $25.51.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 14th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is union represented by the bargaining unit UPTE: Technical - TX.

This position is fully on-site.

This position is an evening shift with the expectation of working as late as 11pm.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Under the direction of the Chemistry Instructional Lab Coordinators, the Lab Assistant's primary responsibility will be assisting in the setup and maintenance of the chemistry instructional labs. This will include preparation of chemical solutions for laboratory experiments. The incumbent will also be responsible for operational support for the chemistry instructional labs, including organizing and monitoring supplies, directing student assistants, requesting orders, maintaining lab room equipment inventories, and maintenance/repair of lab room equipment.

The lab is a 24-hour operation and employees may be assigned and reassigned to varying shifts as needed depending on the needs of the operation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• From written procedures, formulas, and/or verbal instructions, independently plan and prepare chemical solutions for instructional laboratory experiments, test sensitive chemical solutions for viability, plan and prepare course supplies, and plan and prepare lab room equipment.
• Set up and tear down General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic lab course experiments, maintain levels of chemicals and supplies used in courses each week, and attend weekly instructional meetings as schedule allows.
• Assist teaching staff with chemical, supply, and equipment issues. Assist teaching staff with safety and emergency procedures. Provide instructional materials to teaching staff as needed.
• Train and direct student assistants in the safe handling of chemicals, safe laboratory practices, and support activities.
• Maintain working knowledge of lab safety and emergency procedures; assure compliance with proper procedure. Properly process, monitor, and dispose of hazardous materials. Maintain chemical inventory for chemistry lab courses in electronic format. Update UC Chemicals frequently.
• Monitor course supply inventories and request orders to ensure adequate levels of supplies at all times. Maintain lab room equipment inventory in electronic format. Perform inventory checks at the end of each semester and locate lab room equipment as necessary. Maintain and prepare lab room equipment for use, checking for proper repair. Prepare lab room equipment for storage (clean and/or disassemble).
• Ensure the lab preparation areas and the class laboratories are maintained in a clean and orderly manner. Report facilities issues immediately to Lab Coordinators or facilities management.
• Assist in the development and electronic maintenance of procedure lab documentation to support all lab operations.
• Provide performance evaluation information of student assistants to Lab Coordinators. Assist in hiring of student assistants as requested.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training. (Required)
• Bachelor's degree Chemistry or related science and/or equivalent certification/experience/training. (Preferred)
• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and three years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and two years of laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse range of chemicals, from organic to inorganic.
• Demonstrated communication skills to convey information accurately, clearly, and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with people from a wide variety of ethnic, social, and educational backgrounds. (Preferred)
• Demonstrated skill in writing logical, concise, and grammatically correct documents, procedures, and instructions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse populations and establish good working relationships with internal and external staff. (Preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain clear and complete records.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and maintain a clean, shared laboratory preparation area.
• Demonstrated skill in setting priorities under conflicting demands of time to reflect organizational goals; ability to work with frequent interruptions and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to operate PC with software for Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other programs as needed.
• Ability to read and comprehend fine print on chemical labels and catalogs. (Preferred)

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 (on the application) Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.