MultiUse Lab Assistant Supervisor (Spectrum Center)

Compensation Range:

Position Summary

Assist the Multiuse Laboratory Supervisor and/or Director in the overseeing of the Multiuse laboratories in support of National University academic programs.  Provides technical support to the Mulituse laboratories at the campuses. Work closely with university staff, faculty and students to ensure a positive teaching and learning experience. Under the supervision of the Multiuse Laboratory Supervisor ensure compliance with OSHA / EPA / California regulations and safety requirements. Assist with supervision, training, and coordination of the work schedule of the Multiuse Laboratory Assistant(s) and/or Technician(s). Maintains a positive team environment, leading the team when the Multiuse Laboratory Supervisor and/or Director is not present, providing reporting and class preparation support for team members, driving results, and coaching to outcomes for the team. In addition, is the first point of contact for students and organizational escalations.

Essential Functions

• Act as the auxiliary supervisor for all Multiuse Laboratories within the National University System.
• Supervise the preparations for laboratory experiments and demonstrations for scheduled classes in close collaboration with university faculty.
• Assist with and train multiuse laboratory staff on experiment set-ups. Assist instructors and students during laboratory classes.
• Provide monthly and long-term laboratory schedules to campus directors, SoALS and resolve scheduling conflicts.
• Develop a hands-on operating guide for the SeqStudio genetic analyzer, and keep it updated when forensic procedures change.
• Develop a hands-on operating guide for the Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) for chemical separation and analysis.   
• Add procedures for confirmatory testing of when chemical materials are added to the forensic curriculum.   
• Provide guidance to Facilities, SoALS, and Campus Operations on laboratory design/workflow when new laboratories are added or when existing laboratories are updated. Guidance could include equipment lists, pricing, water/electrical requirements, laboratory safety equipment requirements, and storage requirements.
• Follow policies and procedures for good laboratory practices.
• Maintain consumable and perishable components to OSHA / EPA standards.
• Assist with and train multiuse laboratory staff and instructors on experiment set-ups and outcomes.
• Assist with and train multiuse laboratory staff, professors, and students in the proper disposal of HAZMAT / BIOHAZ materials.
• Train multiuse laboratory staff on the Medical Waste Management Plan, SDS use and maintenance, chemical storage, and inventories, chemical and bio-hazardous disposal, logs, and laboratory safety, I.A.W, National University policies.
• Ensure multiuse laboratory staff understand and comply with the proper handling and storage of hazardous materials and human pathogens per OSHA / EPA regulations and standards.
• Ensure the laboratory is maintained in good working order. Emphasis on neatness, cleanliness, stocked reagents bottles, and all equipment is in good working order.
• Perform depot level maintenance on all microscopes, clean lenses, correct adjustment on ocular lenses, clean & align condenser, repair stage, and change light assembly.
• Perform periodic maintenance on SeqStudio Genetic analyzer, Polaris Q mass spectrophotometer (MS), Trace gas chromatograph (GC), and UPLC per the manufacturer’s guidelines.  Contact the manufacturer if warranty repairs are needed.
• Order, store, and maintain a current and complete inventory of laboratory supplies. Replenish stock, as needed.  Export packaged courses to other university campuses.
• Manage projects and deadlines set by the Multiuse Laboratory Supervisor and/or Director to ensure timely progression and completion.
• Provide team member training support.
• Identify current team and individual challenges to provide early intervention for team member improvement. 
• Maintain team member coaching log and provide feedback to Associate Director for annual evaluations and regular 1:1s.
• Provide escalation support and first level conflict resolution. 
• Lead department meetings.
• Hold 1:1s with team members and provide skills coaching.
• Team oversight and coverage support in the absence of the Multiuse Laboratory Supervisor and/or Director
• Remediation committee team member for performance management.
• Maintain the highest level of integrity and professionalism.
• Coach and provide feedback for team members on lab and chemical preparation and safety
• Support front line team members through safety changes as well as course changes and all things involved with being able to teach those courses
• Oversee team member engagement in class as necessary when expectations are not being met.
• Provide support and coverage for team as needed.
• Participate in ongoing department projects, or other special projects, as needed.
• Reasonable and consistent attendance to fulfill requirements of the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  

• Indirect oversight of up to 6 front line team members.
• Coaching, performance support and feedback, outcome delivery, process management, and team member training required.

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in science-related field of study required; and, two to four (2-4) years of experience in science laboratory techniques and concepts in the areas of life, physical, and forensics sciences, safety regulations and procedures in science laboratories.
• Manage teams of technicians at the Spectrum, South Bay, Naval Hospital, Fresno, and Los Angeles locations.
• Provide lab technicians training on the operation and maintenance of all laboratory equipment using written, Zoom sessions, and onsite visits.
• Provide training on Aseptic techniques, bacterial culturing, and sterile bacterial media preparation to all technicians.
• Ensure technicians know how to interpret course syllabi and laboratory schedules to provide timely laboratory preparation and setups.
• Operation and maintenance of SeqStudio Genetic Analysis, UPLC chromatography, PCR, electrophoresis, physiology workstations, microscopes, FT-IR and UV-VIS spectrophotometry.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills:

• Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate organizational goals and deadlines to team members.
• Ability to create a positive and productive work environment.
• Ability to provide support in the hiring and training process of new team members.
• Ability to coach to skill improvement and outcome development.
• Strong understanding of all degree programs, specializations, and courses.
• Ability to stay current via self-study on university policies, including policy update
• In-depth knowledge of science laboratory procedures, safety and chemical hygiene plans and small spill clean-up.
• Ability to conduct internet search and requisition for laboratory supplies, chemicals, and equipment.
• Strong understanding of Natural Science and science laboratory operations/vernacular.
• Strong written and verbal skills, organization, and follow-through.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to use science laboratory tools and equipment required to support a typical university level academic environment/curriculum.
• Function as university laboratory operations and safety expert and achieve compliance with external and internal safety policies and procedures.
• Achieve compliance with regulations regarding storage/use/disposal of HAZMAT and BIOHAZ material. Establish new vendor contracts and maintain current vendor agreements and warranties.
• Solves problems and develops relationships through shared goal of providing optimum learning environment for university students.
• Ability to participate as an active team member of the team and organization and work toward a common goal.
• Accepts personal accountability, proactively seeks resolution for personal limitations head-on; and supports honesty and respect towards others, the company and oneself.
• Work independently and foster a cooperative spirit within a large and/or small team of diverse cultures, while working in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects, deadlines, and frequently changing priorities.

Location: Onsite, Spectrum Center

Travel: May be required to other National University campuses with a multiuse laboratory and other areas to assess new locations for a laboratory.  

#LI-Onsite

Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and competencies.  Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. The minimum salary will be offered based on the minimum exemption threshold based on state of residency. Base pay is one component of National University’s total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the “whole you” with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family.  For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu. For Part-time benefits, please click here.

National University is committed to maintaining a high-quality workforce representative of the populations we serve. National University employs more than 4,500 faculty and staff and serves over 45,000 students. We are united in our mission to meet the global education demands of the 21st Century and are dedicated to creating a supportive academic and work environment that allows students, faculty and staff to develop their interests and talents while experiencing a sense of community. With programs available both online and at our many campus locations, National University is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and meeting the needs of our student population, including adult learners and working professionals.

National University (NU) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a mix of highly talented, innovative and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University.