The Catholic University of America

Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, performs routine chemical laboratory functions primarily supporting VSL crucible laboratory operations, including preparation and handling of chemical materials and samples, operation of laboratory equipment, performance of established chemical tests and measurements, and accurate recording of experimental results. Maintains laboratory supplies, equipment, chemical inventories, and other resources necessary to support laboratory operations, including monitoring equipment status and identifying maintenance or calibration needs. Works independently on assigned activities while collaborating with VSL personnel and maintains the flexibility to learn and perform laboratory functions in other VSL laboratories, including the analytical laboratory, as operational needs require.

The projected salary range for this position, which represents the full range of anticipated compensation, is: $25/hr.

• Supports routine operations of the VSL crucible laboratory and other assigned laboratory areas in compliance with the VSL Quality Assurance Program.
• Prepares chemicals, materials, crucibles, samples, test vessels, and other laboratory items required for experimental and testing activities; performs established chemical tests and processes samples according to approved laboratory procedures.
• Operates laboratory equipment and instrumentation used in assigned laboratory activities; monitors equipment performance, identifies and assists with routine maintenance needs, as required.
• Performs chemical measurements and analyses using established laboratory procedures and techniques, including weighing, pipetting, pH measurement, titration, sample preparation, and other applicable analytical methods.
• Maintains complete, accurate, and timely records of laboratory activities, measurements, test results, and observations in controlled laboratory notebooks, forms, electronic systems, or other approved records
• Supports analytical laboratory activities, as assigned, including preparation and processing of samples and operation of laboratory equipment and instrumentation following established procedures.
• Maintains laboratory chemical and supply inventories; receives, labels, stores, and tracks chemicals, laboratory supplies, and chemical wastes in accordance with VSL and University requirements.
• Maintains laboratory work areas and equipment in an orderly and appropriate condition and follows applicable safety, environmental, hazardous-material, and waste-handling requirements.
• Maintains and supports assigned laboratory systems and equipment, as applicable to assigned duties, in accordance with VSL quality assurance procedures.
• Collaborates with VSL laboratory and administrative personnel to coordinate assigned activities and priorities and communicates issues affecting laboratory operations, equipment, materials, or test activities to the appropriate supervisor.
• Learns and performs additional laboratory procedures and functions as assigned and maintains the flexibility to work across VSL laboratory areas to support changing operational and research needs.

A Bachelor’s degree preferably in a discipline related to the duties of the position such as chemistry, materials science, or engineering; or equivalent experience.

A minimum of one (1) year of practical laboratory experience, preferably in a wet chemistry, materials science, chemistry, or related laboratory environment. Experience working with laboratory equipment, chemical materials, sample preparation, and laboratory documentation is desirable.

• Laboratory knowledge and technical skills: Working knowledge of chemical laboratory methods and practices, including chemical weighing, quantitative pipetting, preparation of solutions and samples, pH measurement, titration, physical and chemical separation techniques, and other routine wet-chemistry procedures. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and basic analytical methods is desirable.
• Laboratory operations and equipment: Ability to safely operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation, follow established operating and maintenance procedures, recognize abnormal equipment conditions, and communicate equipment or process issues to supervisory personnel. Ability to learn and apply laboratory-specific procedures and instrumentation.
• Quality and accuracy: Detail-oriented and able to accurately follow established laboratory, quality assurance, safety, and regulatory procedures; perform scientific measurements; collect and document data; and maintain complete and accurate laboratory records.
• Independent work and judgment: Ability to perform assigned laboratory functions independently without continuous supervision, organize and prioritize routine work, recognize situations requiring additional guidance, and seek assistance when appropriate.
• Adaptability and teamwork: Ability and willingness to learn new laboratory procedures and work across multiple VSL laboratory areas, including the crucible and analytical laboratories, as operational needs require. Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a collaborative laboratory team.
• Communication: Good oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate laboratory results, observations, equipment issues, supply needs, and other information clearly and effectively.

Computer skills: Proficiency in the use of standard office productivity software and the ability to learn and use laboratory information systems, electronic recordkeeping systems, and instrumentation software.