Laboratory Technician
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. (RMD), founded in 1974, has been recognized as a national leader in the specialized fields of radiation detector materials, nuclear instrumentation, and custom detector applications. RMD has a unique corporate culture that incorporates a combination of intellectual excellence, challenging cutting-edge research, as well as diversity, stability and flexibility that combine to create an outstanding working environment. The organization is built around the principle that when the best people in the field are encouraged to merge their entrepreneurial spirit with their knowledge and curiosity, the best work product will emerge. Ultimately, through the pursuit of individual success and achievement, the organization will benefit.
We are seeking an organized and detail-oriented laboratory technician to support the research and development of advanced materials grown by thin film deposition. As a lab technician you will support innovative research by performing a wide range of tasks in the labs, collaboratively working with other Senior Engineers and Scientists to carry out lab work, providing technical support and assistance with regard to projects and experiments. You will assume a pivotal role in supporting our research efforts, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the lab, including inventory control, purchasing lab supplies, walk-throughs to ensure equipment is maintained, control and safe handling of samples, chemicals, and other materials used in lab experiments, and organizing calibrations and managing lab equipment. Additionally, you will operate and preform some maintenance on equipment such as ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, gas manifolds, gas cabinets, vacuum pumps, and glove box. You should expect to work with vendors in person, over the phone, and via email. You will have basic knowledge on chemical safety and will be trained on specific safety measures as necessary to maintain lab safety.
Successful candidates will be organized, self-motivated, creative, detail-oriented, capable of juggling multiple lab tasks to completion, a team player, an excellent communicator, has the desire to “figure things out”, the ability to work independently, is eager to learn and enthusiastic. Your work will assist in the development of novel and refined materials and products, designed to address unique challenges in a variety of advanced technologies.
Essential Functions:
1. Work directly with laboratory staff to establish and maintain day-to-day operations within the laboratory, including safety, inventory, equipment, and service needs.
2. Execute laboratory experiments according to standard procedures, make observations, and interpret findings.
3. Act as point of contact for deliveries, packing, shipping, and ordering of chemicals, laboratory equipment, and office supplies.
4. Manage vendor relations by contacting and scheduling vendors for calibrations, qualifications and/or repairs of equipment and instrumentation. Escort vendors through the facility.
5. Performs preventive maintenance functions as directed.
6. Assist maintenance personnel with technical troubleshooting.
7. Maintain company-required performance and maintenance records for identified equipment as well as records of experiments and data collected.
8. Strong organizational and time management skills.
9. Identify and troubleshoot issues that may arise during experiments, collaborate with colleagues to find solutions, and improve experimental processes.
10. This job also includes the responsibility of keeping the labs operational, clean, and safe.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions onsite. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift and move items over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00p.m., 40 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
Qualifications:
• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in a scientific related field (chemistry, materials science, engineering, etc.) preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year experience working within a laboratory environment.
• Prior experience in operating electrical and nonelectrical laboratory equipment and potentially dangerous substances (flammable liquids, corrosives, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of MS Office (especially Excel) and data entry.
• Ability to follow protocols and SOPs accurately.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task and work well in fast paced environments.
• Effective communications skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
RMD is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status, or any other protected factor.