Laboratory Technician

• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $55,700 to $75,000

Position Summary

We are seeking a Laboratory Technician for the Makerspace @ Columbia University housed in the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). This position is primarily responsible for assisting in the operation and daily activities in the Makerspace.

Reporting to the Senior Manager of the Makerspace, the incumbent assists with the needs of the Makerspace, which include instructing students and Makerspace members on the proper use of tools and equipment. Maintaining and operating Makerspace equipment; including, but not limited to, laser cutters, 3D printers, mechanical and electronic equipment, computers interfacing with equipment, water jet, mills, lathe, saws, etc. Providing hands-on assistance and training for students and Makerspace members in the design and implementation of their projects. Overseeing Makerspace usage for personal, academic, and research usage. Assisting students in the design and implementation of personal, academic, or research projects for any staff, students, and/or faculty within CU; including ENG Student Clubs (i.e. CSI, FSAE, CURC, AIAA). Monitoring student activities and responsibilities in shops and online. Developing and updating operational, safety, and educational documentation, as well as educational workshops (i.e. SOPs, training videos, quizzes, seminars, etc.). Serving on committees regarding "lab" safety and coordination, and other committees as requested.

Responsibilities

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  (25%) Instructing students and Makerspace members on the proper use of tools and equipment. Maintaining and operating Makerspace equipment; including, but not limited to, laser cutters, 3D printers, mechanical and electronic equipment, computers interfacing with equipment, water jet, mills, lathe, saws, etc.

  
  
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  (25%) Providing hands-on assistance and training for students and Makerspace members in the design and implementation of their projects.

  
  
  
  
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    Overseeing Makerspace usage for personal, academic, and research usage. Assisting students in designing and implementing personal, academic, or research projects for any staff, students, and/or faculty within CU, including ENG Student Clubs (i.e., CSI, FSAE, CURC, AIAA).

    
    
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    Monitoring student activities and responsibilities in shops and online.

    
    
  
  
  
  
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  (20%) Developing and updating operational, safety, and educational documentation, as well as educational workshops (i.e., SOPs, training videos, quizzes, seminars, etc.). Serving on committees regarding "lab" safety and coordination and other committees as requested.

  
  
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  (20%) Maintaining and updating Makerspace inventories and ordering replacement supplies and equipment.

  
  
  
  
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    This role includes becoming a P-Card cardholder, placing orders for supplies, materials, and equipment, and then reconciling all transactions in the financial system, ARC.

    
    
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    Assisting with the acquisition of new equipment and purchase orders, as well as coordinating billing. Oversee organization and storage.

    
    
  
  
  
  
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  (10%) Performs other tasks, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

  
  

Minimum Qualifications

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  Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent in a related field, including mechanical engineering.

  
  
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  Minimum of 3 years of related experience or other general experience working in a "hands-on" laboratory environment.

  
  
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  Strongly prefer machining experience.

  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.