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Instructional Lab Associate (9617C, temporary) - 38353 About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

Departmental Overview

The Department of Integrative Biology (IB) is part of the College of Letters and Science. Its focus on biological integration and diversity encompasses the full spectrum of biological organization (e.g., from molecular to biosphere) for organisms ranging from viruses to plants and animals. The faculty represent a wide range of expertise, including paleontology, population genetics, physiology, anatomy, human biology and health sciences, and organismal, ecological, and evolutionary botany and zoology. The Instructional Support unit provides assistance to ~110 courses taught each year, with extensive services to approximately 23 lab courses, reaching over 8000 students annually.

The IB department seeks an energetic, detail-orientated Laboratory Instructional Associate that has demonstrated organizational, technical and laboratory skills. This position is responsible for the preparation of material and equipment, and for technical support associated with multiple biology laboratory courses, and in particular, for Anatomy and Physiology courses. Assignments, including day-to-day operations and longer-term projects, are received and work performed under the direction of the IB Instructional Lab Manager and may be from any of our diverse scientific disciplines. The incumbent assists with the purchasing, preparation, set-up, maintenance, and take down of instructional materials, ensures that supplies and equipment are present in the classroom in the required quantities and in working condition for each laboratory section; provides technical support, demonstrations, and troubleshooting with experiments, computers, audiovisual systems, learning management systems, microscopes, and other laboratory equipment; assists with collection or maintenance of organisms and plant material for instruction, conducts special projects, follows all safety procedures and serves as a backup for other Instructional Support employees.

Responsibilities

Teaching Laboratory Preparation, Set-Up, and Take-Down

• Move scientific equipment in and out of labs as needed and set-up equipment ready to be operated. Equipment includes microscopes, osmometers, metabolic equipment, treadmills, fluorometers, pH meters, sodium meters, and various measuring devices, analyzers, computers, etc.
• Prepare and set-up demonstration and study material (including live plants and animals), anatomical models, dissection material, etc.
• Prepare chemical solutions for class use: stains, buffers, media, etc.
• Maintain a stock of glassware and other lab supplies required for setting up different courses. Anticipate course supply needs and ensure that supplies and equipment are present in the classroom in the required quantities and in working condition for each laboratory section. Replenish depleted supplies in between laboratory sessions and maintain cleanliness of work areas and classroom.
• Break-down lab set-ups and clean labs after each lab exercise to prepare for the next course or lab section, which may include time before 8:30 AM or after 6 PM depending on course need.
• Research and purchase teaching material or apparatus to meet the specific needs of the diverse courses (e.g., filters for respirometers or casts of fossils).
• Provide support to the faculty and/or GSI as requested based on the needs of the course.
• Train faculty and GSIs in techniques for use of new equipment, preparation of chemical solutions, use of audiovisual equipment, preparation of animal and plant specimens, safety protocols, etc.
• Stay current with biological instruction innovations to improve presentation of class materials and keep pace with rapid developments in biological sciences. Communicate and collaborate with instructors and staff to maintain ingenuity, imagination, and creativity with regard to class needs.
• Collect, package, and dispose of hazardous waste material through EH&S according to established protocols. Maintain Standard Operating Procedure documents and associated records.

Maintenance of Invertebrate, Vertebrate, and Anatomical Specimens

• Maintain invertebrate, vertebrate, and gross anatomy teaching collections by replacing old solutions (e.g.70% ethanol or 50% isopropanol) with fresh solution, replace cracked containers and worn labels. Gross anatomy teaching collections include human specimens (brains, lungs, hearts, etc.) and specimens from sheep, cows, or other animals (hearts, brains, etc.).
• Understand and follow all safety practices.

Classroom/Equipment Maintenance and Inventory Control

• Perform cleaning, adjusting, calibrating, and minor repair of course equipment and arrange for more extensive service by outside vendors.
• Move equipment between lab rooms and storage areas as needed and process obsolete equipment for disposal.
• Maintain laboratory classrooms by washing countertops and stocking supplies such as paper towels, soap, chalk, etc.
• Maintain equipment & specimen inventory records, adding new purchases when acquired and removing obsolete or broken items. Assist Instructional Support Unit Manager with purchasing, record keeping, and other paperwork.

Technical Support, Digital Imaging Development

• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to instructors and staff with computers, audiovisual, microscopic, and other laboratory equipment.
• Document and update preparation procedures, set-up diagrams and instructional support manuals.
• Work with faculty and staff to develop digital images for courses. Produce visual aids for labs using software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, and PowerPoint.
• Work with faculty and staff to develop and/or maintain lab manuals and bCourses sites.

General Unit Support

• Miscellaneous instructional support tasks assigned by supervisor or requested by Faculty, such as: photocopying, proctoring exams, assisting with accommodations, processing multiple choice exams, overseeing student exam review, assisting with equipment loans, assisting with laboratory inspections or chemical inventories, purchasing, helping streamline tasks, creating signage, assisting with preparation for marine collections, providing back up help to other instructional support staff including plant collectors, general maintenance of classrooms, support rooms and conference rooms, key card issuance, etc.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of biological science laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and exercises involving whole organisms.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, including familiarity with all organ systems.
• Knowledge of equipment to study physiology, such as metabolic carts, heart rate monitors, spirometers, electrodes and exercise equipment.
• Knowledge of instructional support function and a combination of multi-disciplinary fields in Integrative Biology: such as physiology, anatomy, ecology, plant biology, marine biology, organismal biology, evolution or closely related disciplines.
• Proficient computer skills including, but not limited to, use of Google docs & calendars, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Course Management software (Canvas) and web authoring software/tools in a multi-platform environment (Adobe Creative Suite, Chrome, HTML).
• Ability to become proficient with audiovisual production and to produce printed visuals or videos for teaching laboratories and webcasts.
• Ability to recognize difficulties in students and GSIs with a particular laboratory exercise.
• Creative thinking, independent judgment, and critical analysis to provide suggestions regarding lab exercises, protocols or materials to faculty.
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive, to work independently or as part of a team, organize work assignments, establish priorities, develop appropriate recommendations and solutions, and ensure completion of multiple projects to meet all deadlines.
• Ability to manage time efficiently and coordinate efforts between walk-in requests, weekly in-lab preparations and longer-term projects, such that course needs are met.
• Ability to order and maintain supplies and equipment for specific laboratory instructional exercises and ensure their arrival for a particular lab period.
• Ability to maintain a high level of lab cleanliness and organization.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and careful attention to planning and detail.
• Effective interpersonal, customer service and oral/written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with students, faculty and staff, including individuals from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to accurately make chemical solutions and dilutions.
• Ability to become familiar with and follow applicable lab safety procedures and requirements, as well as hazardous materials disposal guidelines.
• Ability to develop instructional display materials, to assist in the production of audiovisual aids for teaching laboratories and to troubleshoot classroom A/V equipment.
• Ability to work in the presence of cadavers and to maintain anatomical specimens.
• Availability for occasional evening or weekend work.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Bachelor's degree in biology, with emphasis in physiology, anatomy, ecology, marine biology, organismal biology, plant biology or closely related disciplines; or 3-4 years of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Biology with an emphasis in physiology, anatomy, ecology, marine biology, plant biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Familiarity with biology laboratory exercises in physiology, anatomy, ecology, plant biology, marine biology.
• Experience handling live vertebrate or invertebrate organisms.
• Skill with power tools and working in maker spaces.
• Knowledge of the University organizational structure and administrative policies and procedures, such as purchasing. Knowledge of safety and EH&S procedures, processes, regulations and policies. Knowledge of department policies and procedures.

Salary & Benefits

This is a 900 hours non-exempt temporary position at 75 - 100% (30 - 40 hrs a week). This position is paid hourly and eligible for UC Benefits with the possibility of extension. Hourly pay is commensurate with experience.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume when applying.

Driving Required

A valid driver's license and DMV check for driving record is required.

Other Information

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant see:

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:
http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

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To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=21&JobOpeningId=38353&PostingSeq=1





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