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Kalamazoo College is a community of students, faculty, staff and alumni who are committed to making an exceptional place to learn, live, and work. Kalamazoo College is committed to a sense of belonging and strives to support inclusivity. Individuals who share similar commitments are invited to apply for employment.

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Primary Objective
Kalamazoo College seeks an instrument technician for the Science Division. Reporting to the Physics Department Chair in consultation with Chemistry Department Chair, this full-time, benefits-eligible position cares for our extensive collection of instruments in Chemistry and Physics. The primary use of these is for the lab portions of courses in both departments, while use for student research is secondary.
Nature of Duties
General Duties
Periodically check, repair (or arrange for outside service), and document service and repair of electronic and analytical laboratory instruments (e.g., spectrophotometers, chromatographs, centrifuges, including cryogenic needs of NMR, etc.) particularly for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Departments, with occasional service for departments outside of the Natural Science and Mathematics Division.
Be responsible for the acquisition of equipment and materials as needed and at the request of science department chairs. Maintain an inventory of tools, parts, and consumable supplies, and maintain a logbook for repairs and construction tasks. Keep small electrical, mechanical, and optical items (e.g. microscopes, analytical balances, hot plates, centrifuges) in working order.
Computer Maintenance

• Coordinate with Information Services for faculty and lab computer repairs, regular backups, orders, and installing software.
• Work closely with Information Services for instrument computer maintenance and updates.
• Maintain the electronic security locks for the Science Division.
• Coordinate electronics recycling pick-ups with IS and proper disposal of obsolete equipment.

Lab and Classroom Preparation

• Primarily for Physics with some assistance to other Science Division staff as needed.
• Prepare and remove set-ups for designated labs and classroom demonstrations. Construct laboratory apparatus and other items as directed by faculty members. Help on occasion with the maintenance of a safe and useful physical facility (e.g., installation of safety equipment, flood clean-up, etc.).

Liquid Cryogens
Manages liquid cryogens for departments. Coordinate cryogen tank orders, deliveries, and returns. Fill NMR with liquid N2 weekly or biweekly as needed. Fill liquid He in NMR, twice a year. Monitor and fill cryogen in cell storage Dewars biweekly. Supply liquid Nitrogen to the Student Health Center weekly.
Student Workers
Supervise student help assigned to provide assistance in carrying out the above responsibilities.
Qualifications
Kalamazoo College is an equal employment/affirmative action institution and particularly encourages women and members of underrepresented minorities to apply.
The successful candidate will bring the required traits and will also have many of the desired traits.
Required Education and Experience

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Electronics Technology (or Bachelor’s Degree in Physics or Chemistry with experience in servicing laboratory instruments).
• Ability to perform electronic and mechanical troubleshooting is essential.
• Self-motivated, mature individual with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• Must have working knowledge of Word and Excel, or equivalents.
• Physical requirements include ability to lift and move 25 – 50 pounds on a regular basis, to stand for extended periods, to move between and within laboratories and storerooms, to use computer and telephone, to read and write, and to handle and process paper and electronic documents.
• Must be able to work near a high-field magnet. (Similar to an MRI, NMR magnet interferes with some medical devices, and ferrous implants or jewelry.)

Desirable Education and Experience

• Experience with the use of microcomputers.
• Some experience with supervising workers, ability to schedule and direct student workers, and bookkeeping helpful.

Application Instructions
Applicants are asked to upload a resume and a copy of undergraduate or graduate transcripts; (unofficial accepted), and the names of two professional references with their submission. Transcripts may also be sent to HR.JobApplications@kzoo.edu with your last name in the subject. Completed applications received by June 4, 2024, will receive full consideration, with later applications reviewed as needed until the positions are filled.
Benefits
Kalamazoo College is proud of offer a robust and reliable slate of benefits. A continued goal is to maximize our benefits while minimizing costs to employees, families, and the College. Click here to learn more.

Medical Insurance
ASR Health Benefits
Choice of two PPO plans with options for double and family coverage. Both plans include prescription drug benefits. Robust support for behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, and chronic condition management.

Dental Insurance
ASR Health Benefits
Includes options for double and family coverage.

Vision Insurance
ASR Health Benefits
Includes options for double and family coverage.

Supplemental Insurance
Unum
Voluntary accident insurance

Tax-Advantaged Accounts
Burnham & Flower
Health Care FSA
Dependent Care FSA

Life and ADD Insurance
Unum
Basic life insurance – Employer paid
Voluntary life and ADD – Employee paid

Disability Insurance
Unum
Long- and Short-term disability insurance – employer paid

403(b) Retirement Plan
TIAA
With automatic enrollment and an employer match

Employee Assistance Program
Behavioral Health Services
Available to all employees and their household members at no cost

Benefits Concierge
Acrisure Benefits Group
Assistance in navigating complex employee benefit situations at no cost

Additional Benefits and Perks
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Intentional community-building efforts

More Details
Visit our complete Benefits Guide for more information

About Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo College is a highly selective nationally regarded liberal arts college, offering an integrated undergraduate experience that weaves a traditional liberal arts curriculum into educational experiences in both domestic and international settings with the majority of our graduates participating in study abroad. Kalamazoo College is committed to the liberal arts and sciences, experiential education, freedom of individual conscience and celebration of diversity and inclusion. It is one of the nation’s 100 oldest colleges and universities and a thought leader and innovator in higher education.
The campus of Kalamazoo College is located midway between Chicago and Detroit/Ann Arbor in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a metropolitan community of 261,000, which supports multiple college and university campuses along with numerous civic arts and cultural associations and sports teams. Thirty-five miles from Lake Michigan, the area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown, outstanding restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Kalamazoo College encourages candidates who will contribute to the cultural diversity of the College to apply and to identify themselves if they wish. An equal opportunity employer, Kalamazoo College is committed to equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal protection under the law. Please be invited to review our full EEO statement by visiting https://www.kzoo.edu/about/nondiscrimination-policy/. Kalamazoo College is an E-Verify participating employer. Please select Notice_ and _Rights_ for more information._

Job Type: Full-time