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Instrumentation Scientist

Biology


Reed college seeks a service-oriented Instrumentation Scientist to join the Biology Department. This position is responsible for providing a variety of research and teaching support services to students and faculty including expertise in light microscopy, cameras, computers, and image capture/analysis software. This position reports to the Biology Department Chair under the division of the Dean of the Faculty. 

This is a full-time, exempt role with typical work hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday-Friday with a one hour unpaid lunch. The starting salary range for this position is between $65,000-$71,000 per year. Pay offers are dependent on experience and are determined in conjunction with an internal pay equity assessment. Please note that this is an on-site position. Reed College offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive and cost-free medical and dental insurance for you, and a 60% discount on medical and dental insurance for your dependents, 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution (after one year of service), educational assistance for employees and their children, 22 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, half-day Fridays in the summer, and many other campus amenities. 

Who You Are

  • You are service oriented. You are committed to supporting people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. 
  • You have experience and interest in providing technical support across a broad range of Biology courses, utilizing diverse instrumentation. For a complete list of current courses this position would support, please visit https://www.reed.edu/biology/courses/. 
  • You have prior experience in various light microscopy modalities and associated data/image acquisition hardware and software. Examples include: fluorescent microscopy, laser scanning confocal, and light microscopes, ImageJ, FIJI, and/or micromanager. 
  • You have experience and/or interest in molecular biology instrumentation. For a list of current instrumentation and facilities, please visit https://www.reed.edu/biology/facilities.html.
  • You are able to successfully manage and track multiple projects. 
  • You value the balance between mentorship and autonomy. You are comfortable taking direction and making decisions on your own. 
  • You have prior experience training and mentoring others in the use of  lab equipment and biological protocols.
  • You are comfortable and confident in your ability to effectively work with different personality styles. 
  • You are a problem-solver who is able and willing to troubleshoot equipment, protocols, and procedures related to experimental biology. You are also comfortable navigating the complexities of research literature. 
  • You are able and comfortable learning, installing, and deploying new lab equipment and are familiar with repairing equipment as needed. 
  • You have a keen sense of knowing when to call for help when troubleshooting a system and you have experience working with vendors to assist with lab equipment repairs. 
  • You are described as being an effective communicator. 

What You’ll Do

  • Provide training to students on proper use of various lab instruments, particularly microscopes and attached cameras 
  • Troubleshoot and provide routine instrument maintenance
  • Collaborate with faculty to improve on and develop new lab course exercises
  • Prepare and support lab course reagents, supplies, equipment and activities
  • Develop new research techniques for student/faculty collaborative research
  • Train students on proper application of research technique
  •  Perform routine stockroom functions and “customer” service
  • Advise thesis/independent project students in Biology (and on occasion in Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Art and Reed Reactor)
  • Supervise student workers as needed

Minimum Qualifications

  • Masters degree in biology related discipline with 3 years experience, or
  • Bachelor's degree in biology related discipline with 5 years experience
  • PhD scientists encouraged to apply

Apply for this job

Reed College is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Your unique skills, work history, cultural contributions, and lived experiences are essential to building this community. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.