Chemical Media Buffer Technician

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

• Perform FACS (Fluorescence-activated cell sorting) machine QC daily. Tasks include but are not limited to emptying sheath waste, refilling sheath tank and running daily test cycle.
• Perform preventative maintenance on the DNA sequencing machines.  Task is performed 3 times weekly. Tasks include emptying and refilling buffer trays, rinsing and drying critical parts and contacting respective end-users with any issues or material orders. 
• Check ViCell reagents and cups in all locations twice a week.
• Track levels of remaining ViCell reagents and cups and inform Lab Consumable Supplies when more needs to be ordered.
• Check volumes and fill Multitron and Stability chamber carboys 3x per week. (Mobile phase solutions for HPLC).
• Distribute distilled water for incubators daily.
• Deliver RODI (reverse osmosis deionized) and USP water to designated Labs.
• Distribute FBS from central stock to appropriate locations once per week; monitor central stock and track usage to inform when the reordering process needs to occur.
• Perform distiller maintenance by descaling and cleaning the unit at the beginning of each month and doing a full shutdown.
• Track & document shelf life of media mixes, and plan for re-occurring mix preparation
• Follow SOPs, protocols, and other guidelines as it relates to the preparation of reagents and buffers
• Quality control testing of these materials to ensure products are free of contaminations and are formulated appropriately
• Maintain relevant lab supplies and materials, manage stock solution inventory and prepare as needed.
• Be able to interact with colleagues in other functions and department to solve technical problems.
• Maintain training and compliance in areas of health and safety, security, environmental and operational aspects of daily activities in the working environment.
• May require support of on-call service for specific research units in the lab areas. Hours are between 5:00pm-7:30am Monday thru Sunday. Tasks include but are not limited to transfer of contents from failing fridges and incubators to designated back up units, photograph original items, properly document failure, provide a work order of failing unit to facilities team and inform respective end-users about the transfer via email based on the SOP instructions

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time

Critical Skills:

• Demonstrated technical skills utilizing balances, pH meters, and liquid-transfer devices
• Sufficient math skills to calculate Mass/Molarity, concentrations, and dilutions

• Attention to detail and understanding of the basic laboratory environment
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to troubleshoot and solve problems independently
• Ability to follow oral and written directions
• Proficient with MS Office: Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Basic Qualifications:

• Associate Degree in a chemistry, biology, or other relevant discipline with 1+ years of experience in a laboratory environment OR
• High School Degree/GED with 2 years' experience in a laboratory environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Media Prep experience in a pharmaceutical laboratory environment    
• Basic understanding of the basic chemistry of buffer preparation including titrations and reactions    

Working Environment:

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory. 
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high. 
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time 

• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite.
• Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.   
• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds). 
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.   
• Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. 
• Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations.  Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste. 

The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $45,000.00 - $68,500.00. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.