Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under limited supervision, evaluate, select, and apply techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgment in making adaptations. Work is assigned as an objective to be reached and is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. The engineer is responsible for the undergraduate chemical engineering laboratories, including the overall operation of the facilities, development of new curricular elements, and instructional delivery to students. The engineer maintains all facilities and particular sets of experiments in the undergraduate laboratories, and leads the continuous improvement in safety protocol. The engineer takes the leadership role in the experimental thrusts of new curricular initiatives, including entirely courses as well as new components of existing courses. The engineer plays a key role in course instruction, including the delivery of some lecture material; guiding, advising, and mentoring students in laboratory activities; and supervising undergraduate laboratory assistants assigned to the laboratories. The position also provides support to researchers in the department regarding data acquisition, chemical instrumentation, electronic instrumentation, and simple mechanical systems.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Independently evaluate, select, and apply techniques, procedures, and criteria using their own judgment in making adaptations. Oversee the undergraduate laboratory experiments; including building the computer interfaces and the actual experimental apparatuses, using sound professional judgement to fix problems with these experiments, upgrades to software and data systems, and provisioning supplies. (20%)
Investigate a number of possible variables and often there are no precedents for the choices that must be made. Lead the development of new curricular elements. Independently evaluate, select and apply techniques, procedures and criteria and use own judgement in making adaptions when planning and coordinating the ideation, design and fabrication of new undergraduate laboratory experiments, and the development of associated curricular materials. (15%)
Design and develop complex and specialized equipment, instruments, or systems; coordinate detailed phases of work related to responsibility for part of a major project or for an entire project of moderate scope. Provide expertise towards the research mission in the department, by providing help to faculty and graduate students in developing experimental apparatus and methods. Educate and train researchers on how to use department-owned equipment and instrumentation. Oversee maintenance of department-owned equipment. (15%)
Develop technical and methodological solutions to complex engineering/ scientific problems requiring independent analytical thinking and advanced knowledge. Lead continuous improvement activities to maintain a safe work environment and safe practices in the undergraduate laboratories. (10%)
Develop creative new or improved equipment, materials, technologies, processes, methods, or software important to the advancement of the field. Work closely with program faculty to develop, design and build experiments to meet program objectives; identify key areas for program improvement and work alongside primary faculty to develop and execute solutions utilizing industry best practices. (8%)
Contribute technical expertise, and perform basic research and development in support of programs/ projects; act as adviser/ consultant in area of specialty. (8%)
Contribute to portions of published articles or presentations; prepare and write reports; draft and prepare scientific papers. Participate in activities where appropriate (e.g., research and educational), including funding opportunities and publications. (8%)
May supervise technicians in the completion of assignments. Provide technical direction to other staff, associates, and/ or students, as needed. Train, educate, and manage laboratory assistants for undergraduate laboratories (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Supervise undergraduate laboratory assistants involved in laboratory preparation and maintenance. (2%)
Lead tours of the lab and give presentations on occasion. (2%)
Maintain non-laboratory equipment (poster printer, display monitors, etc.). (2%)
Continued professional growth through conference attendance and presentations. 2%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)
CONTACTS
Department: Continuous contact with supervisor, faculty and staff, in regard to formal lab courses and research activities.
University: Occasional contact with faculty and staff from other departments, in regard to lab procedures.
External: Frequent contact with vendors to acquire supplies and equipment for the labs.
Students: Frequent contact with graduate and undergraduate students in regard to formal lab courses and research activities.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees, but will supervise undergraduate laboratory assistants and teaching assistants assigned to undergraduate laboratories.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 3 to 5 years of professional engineering experience.
Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures with the Chemical Engineering department.
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory environment. Medium to heavy lifting of equipment and packages will be required of the employee. Proper use of personal safety equipment is required.
