Technical Instructor in Science

Bennington College welcomes applications for a Technical Instructor in Science to support a wide range of responsibilities in the Science & Mathematics discipline group. The Technical Instructor in Science provides technical assistance in the science labs to support the research and learning of faculty and students, including setting up and maintaining the labs and equipment, maintaining the safety of the labs, and maintaining and organizing the supply inventory in accordance with an established budget.  The position is full-time during the appointment period (33 weeks/year). 

These duties currently include, but are not limited to:

• Organize and assist in the running of labs for chemistry and biology classes, including set-up and breakdown, troubleshooting experiments, and developing new labs, as requested by the faculty. 

• Provide technical support and general assistance, as needed, to students and faculty. 

• Work with students and faculty to develop new labs to support student research across the science curriculum, and develop demonstrations to support classroom learning in chemistry and biology. 

• Run and maintain the Dickinson chemical inventory. 

• When requested by the faculty, provide instruction in the proper and safe use of equipment. 

• Work in collaboration with Campus Chemical Hygiene Officer to maintain a clean and safe work space. You will serve as the Laboratory Safety Officer for chemistry and biology labs. 

• Provide safety apparel and Personal Protective Equipment as needed. 

• Attend science/math faculty meetings each week to keep current with faculty issues and initiatives. 

• Organize and maintain control of material stock and inventory. Be responsible for ordering and collecting materials and supplies in a timely fashion in accordance with established budget. Keep up-to-date records of all items ordered and received. Ensure any necessary billing paperwork is given to the Program Coordinator for payment. 

• Assist in field collection of specimens for cell biology lab experiments. Provide care and monitor humane treatment of lab animals. 

• Maintain equipment in the chemistry lab. Equipment includes IR spectrometer, gas chromatograph, fluorimeter, UV-Vis spectrometers, pH meters, and rotary evaporators. 

• Maintain microscopes used in the biology classrooms. 

• Perform other special projects or duties in support of the science faculty or students; participate in the science community. 

As directed, coordinate, train and/or guide the work of student workers, volunteers, and/or temporary personnel. 

• Outside of the academic terms, provide technical assistance to other areas/programs on campus as assigned by the Provost and Dean’s Office. 

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA , and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values. The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply.

Qualifications 

1. BA degree and relevant laboratory experience preferred. 

2. Strong knowledge and desire of chemistry or biology is a must to understand specific tasks when working in the labs and maintaining equipment. 

3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills 

4. Ability to work independently, collaboratively and across disciplines. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands. 4. Clean/valid driver’s license. 

5. Flexible and creative - enthusiastically agile.

6. Demonstrated ability to work well with students and faculty to enable learning and research. 

7. A high regard for personal and work-place safety. 

8. Willingness and ability to work across disciplines with a diverse body of students and faculty. 

This position requires successful completion and acceptable results of a background check.

The College

Bennington College is a small residential liberal arts college in southern Vermont, long distinguished for its progressive approach to higher education. The College was founded in 1932 on the principle of active engagement in learning, which is manifest in individualized plans of study developed by students together with faculty. We serve a diverse student population, and our faculty and staff also reflect diverse backgrounds and identities.  Our aim is to educate students towards self-fulfillment and constructive social purposes, and we believe that equity, diversity, and inclusivity--in community and in curriculum--are vital to achieving those aims.

Nestled at the foot of the Green Mountains in Vermont, the campus consists of approximately 370 acres. The College was named one of ten with the best architecture by Architectural Digest.  From campus, it is a short drive to the cultural offerings of the northern Berkshires in Massachusetts, Albany, New York, and many of Vermont’s top recreational centers. New York City, Boston, and Burlington, Vermont are all within three and a half hours by car.