Job Title: Laboratory Scientist

Department: College of Arts and Sciences

Job Summary/Basic Function: Lake Superior State University seeks qualified applicants for a Laboratory Scientist.  Under administrative direction of the Dean, the Laboratory Scientist is responsible for the day-to-day logistics, sample collection, and sample processing for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater related to the LSSU SEWER Network. LSSU is a small (<1,500 undergraduate students) state university located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. LSSU is surrounded by three Great Lakes and many state, provincial, and national forests and parks that provide tremendous recreational opportunities and a high quality of life.

Duties and Responsibilities:

•     Supervise student employees who prepare chemical reagents and equipment

•     Coordinate activities/work assignments for student employees

•     Coordinate the use of the instrumentation and field sampling gear utilized in the SEWER project

•     Inventory and maintain chemicals and laboratory equipment utilized in the SEWER project

•     Maintain cleanliness and organization of the laboratory and related storage areas

•     Develops, updates, and assists with the enforcement of laboratory policies and procedures

•     Prepares orders for chemicals, reagents, supplies and equipment

•     Receive and distribute incoming supplies, to include the purchase of supplies locally as required

•     Engage project partners and visit SEWER sampling locations weekly

•     Perform related work as assigned by the immediate supervisor

 Minimum Qualifications and Skills:  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a science field. 

• Previous experience with lab operations
• Ability to work under Biosafety 2+ protocols including full PPE
• Ability to relate to a diverse population and maintain composure when faced with difficult situations
• Ability to multi-task and organize, prioritize, and follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion with an attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other department staff, students, and the public
• The ability to coordinate several undergraduate student employees
• Efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Word, Excel, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in a science related field and demonstrated PCR experience

Physical requirements:

• Essential functions of this position require: lifting, manual dexterity, and ability to communicate
• Daily duties require lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds; requires a good deal of walking or standing
• Critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills are important
• Some job functions require an employee to work in an environment that involves exposure to chemicals, biological materials and organisms, and unpleasant/noxious fumes and odors
• Travel, early morning, evening, and weekend work may be required
• Possess a valid driver’s license

For additional information: Contact Benjamin Southwell, Assistant Professor in College of Arts and Sciences.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.

Required Documents:

            Curriculum Vitae

            Contact information for 3 references

            Transcripts