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Instructional Lab Associate (9613C) - 53278 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.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

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/field and course-based undergraduate research experience courses (CUREs), reaching over 8000 students annually.

The IB department seeks an energetic, detail-oriented Laboratory Instructional Associate that has demonstrated organizational, time management and laboratory research skills. This position is responsible for performing laboratory and field experimental procedures, for preparing material and equipment, and for technical support associated with multiple biology discovery-based laboratory courses from any of our diverse scientific disciplines, and in particular, for Anatomy, Physiology and Bio-inspired Design courses.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 05/25/2023.

Responsibilities

Conduct Course-Based Research Experiments

• Perform standard repetitive laboratory experimental procedures for a wide variety of courses in anatomy, physiology, endocrinology, genetics and other biological topics.
• Perform standard field research procedures (e.g. transects, sample collections) for ecology courses.
• Discuss discovery-based experimental procedures with students and provide demonstrations.
• Train faculty and GSIs in techniques for use of new lab equipment and lab safety protocols, etc.
• Prepare chemical solutions for class use: stains, buffers, media, etc.
• Collect data on course research outputs.
• Improve/modify lab protocols to ensure good experimental outcomes in the classroom.
• Review science literature when developing new experiments with the Instructor.
• Maintain invertebrate, vertebrate, and gross anatomy teaching collections for student science inquiries.

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

• Utilizing excellent time management and prioritization skills, execute all phases of teaching lab setup, break down and cleanup for IB laboratory classes, many of which overlap or occur simultaneously.
• 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, centrifuges, pH meters, sodium meters, and various measuring devices, analyzers, computers, etc.
• Anticipate and purchase course research supply needs to meet the specific needs of the diverse courses (e.g., filters for respirometers or casts of fossils) according to the class schedule.
• Provide support to the faculty and/or GSI as requested based on the needs of the course.
• Develop and plan strategies for optimizing and executing lab prep responsibilities during the academic year.
  • For example, incumbent will consider how best to schedule and plan for labs that will use the same tools for different projects.
• Maintain laboratory classrooms and prep rooms by washing countertops and stocking supplies such as paper towels, soap, chalk, etc.
• Perform cleaning, adjusting, calibrating, and minor repair of course research equipment and arrange for more extensive service by outside vendors.

Technical Support and Documentation

• 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, classroom signage and instructional support manuals for ongoing classes, maintaining a current file of solutions, experimental procedures, and supplies and equipment lists for all 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 update lab manuals and bCourses sites.
• Assist faculty with lecture technology (i-clicker, poll everywhere, zoom, kaltura, etc.)
• Keep equipment & specimen inventory records updated.

General Unit Support and Outreach

• Provide exam support: photocopying, proctoring exams, assisting with accommodations, processing multiple choice exams, posting grades and overseeing student exam review.
• Assist with specimen and equipment loans for courses and outreach.
• Assist with room reservations and issuing key cards.
• Provide backup help for other instructional support staff including plant collectors.
• Organize and tidy classrooms, support rooms and conference rooms.
• Miscellaneous instructional support tasks and projects assigned by supervisor or SRA IV or requested by faculty and lab instructors.

Safety and Training

• Collect, package, and dispose of hazardous waste material through EH&S according to established protocols.
• Assist with laboratory inspections and chemical inventories.
• Serve as backup IB teaching lab safety officer.
• Complete job related and safety training as required.

Required Qualifications

• Familiarity with experimental protocols and laboratory equipment in the biological sciences involving whole organisms.
• Ability to assist students with course-based research projects in one or more multi- disciplinary fields in Integrative Biology such as physiology, anatomy, endocrinology, genomics, ecology, plant biology, marine biology, organismal biology, evolution or closely related disciplines.
• Medium to advanced proficiency of computer/productivity software in a multi-platform environment to email, create and modify photos, documents and spreadsheets, organize files and use of the internet to place orders and gather information essential to the position.
• Must be dependable, meticulous, and be able to maintain a high level of laboratory cleanliness and organization.
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive, to work independently or as part of a team, organize work assignments, establish priorities, and ensure completion of multiple projects to meet all deadlines, often with multiple overlapping deadlines.
• Ability to order and maintain supplies and equipment for specific laboratory instructional exercises and ensure their arrival for a particular lab period.
• 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.
• Flexibility in worktime, which may include time before 8:30 AM or after 6 PM depending on course need.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Incumbents are expected to possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the positions.
  • These skills, knowledge, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of extensive study and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA or BS degree in Biology with an emphasis in physiology, anatomy, endocrinology, genomics, ecology, marine biology, plant biology, zoology or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of equipment to study physiology, such as metabolic carts, heart rate monitors, spirometers, electrodes and exercise equipment.
• Familiarity with discovery-based biology laboratory exercises in physiology, anatomy, endocrinology or ecology.
• 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.

Salary & Benefits

This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) non-exempt career position, which is paid hourly and eligible for full UC Benefits.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's https://www.google.com/url?q=http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html&source=gmail&ust=1674324686328000&usg=AOvVaw2GpIWYW1GodaOMhx7gsK4r' href='https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=4182461&targetURL=http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html' style='font-variant-ligatures:normal; text-align:start; white-space:pre-wrap; color:blue; text-decoration:underline' target='_blank'>Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $24.88 (Step 1) - $29.68 (Step 9).

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

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

• This is not a visa opportunity.

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, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.



For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.



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=53278&PostingSeq=1









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