Instrumentation Specialist

Job Title

Instrumentation Specialist

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Biology

Proposed Minimum Salary

$29.00 hourly

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

The Department of Biology at Texas A&M University is responsible for research and teaching within the vast disciplines of the biological sciences, from molecular cell biology to ecology and evolutionary biology. Our faculty perform cutting edge research in a wide array of biological sciences in the laboratory and in the field. Our graduate research programs prepare scientists for careers in academia, industry and government and enhance our understanding of the central role of biological systems in the global environment. Our undergraduate students gain a firm foundation in modern biological sciences to prepare them for a multitude of careers that depend on a solid understanding of biology. To learn more, please visit us at https://www.bio.tamu.edu/.

What We Want

The Instrumentation Specialist will provide the maintenance, repair, and modification and calibration of departmental biological laboratory instrumentation. The selected candidate will troubleshoot and oversee the repair of research and teaching laboratory equipment used in the Biology Department and provide training when necessary. If the description sounds exciting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity to join our team.

What You Need To Know

Salary: $29.00 an hour

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or any equivalent combination of training and experience
• Five years of experience in operating and maintaining scientific instrumentation
  
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications
• Experience with scientific instrumentation or equivalent field
• Good manual dexterity
• Excellent color vision and hearing abilities are essential for this role due to the nature of the tasks involved
• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects, ability to exert heavy force
• Must be able to use and move the equipment required in essential duties
• Must be able to maneuver around equipment and through labs
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years in Bio-Medical electronics and instrumentation repair
• High level comprehension of scientific fields
• Extremely adaptable to a wide variety of maintenance conditions
• Knowledge of computers and interfaces
• Skills with electromechanical equipment and hand tools
• Refrigeration repair experience/certification
  
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Testing & Repair: Test and repair non-functional teaching and research laboratory instrumentation. Test and evaluate laboratory instrumentation systems of all sorts including electronic systems, data systems, mechanical systems, hydraulic systems, plumbing systems, vacuum systems, alarm systems, environmental control systems, and - 20 & -80 refrigeration units to determine feasibility of repair or need for replacement. Complete miscellaneous building maintenance, such as hanging shelves and pictures and repairing locks and office equipment.
• Preventative Maintenance: Complete equipment maintenance, including periodic preventative maintenance, on a wide variety of scientific research and teaching instrumentation. The types of equipment include but are not limited to autoclaves, printers, incubators, centrifuges, ultracentrifuges, electronic balances, mechanical balances, shakers, electrophoresis power supplies, water baths, liquid scintillation counters, and spectrophotometers, and - 20 & -80 refrigeration units. Advise faculty and staff regarding operation and maintenance of scientific instrumentation. Be a primary contact for all departmental autoclaves. Coordinate preventative maintenance (PM) and repair on all departmental autoclaves. Responsible for sterile indicator testing, analysis, and problem solving.
• Administration: Enter data of work orders. Maintain inventory of parts and supplies, ordering parts as needed. Continuously update reference materials to allow up-to-date repair information and supply catalogs. Maintain a computerized preventive maintenance schedule of primary departmental equipment.
• Equipment Fabrication & Installation: Commission, calibrate and install new instrumentation in accordance with manufacturers specifications. Design and fabricate special purpose equipment for laboratory needs using whatever materials necessary, as required by the faculty and staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Supervision: Supervise and train entry- level technicians to perform preventative maintenance on a wide variety of scientific instrumentation and research equipment.
  
  
  

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. 

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees
  
  
  

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.