Job Description

The Laboratory Teaching Assistant is part of the Chemistry Department teaching staff at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for the management and functionality of the undergraduate chemistry laboratories. This position includes preparing laboratories for students, maintaining safety guidelines for the lab, and working with the laboratory instructor to fulfill the needs of classes.

About the Work Unit

Chemistry is the intellectual home to over 250 students, post-docs, and faculty members working in a wide range of specializations, as well as the interdisciplinary fields of chemical biology, structural biology, molecular toxicology, materials chemistry, and nanotechnology. Close collaboration with the School of Medicine, School of Engineering and other departments within the College of Arts and Science-particularly the departments of biological sciences and physics--provides valuable opportunities to not only excel in the traditional disciplines of chemistry but also investigate the many ways that chemistry intersects with other fields.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Prepares reagents and solutions for specialized undergraduate instructional laboratories.
• Prepares, sets up and issues materials and equipment for use in student laboratory demonstrations, experiments, exercises and exams; assists in the operation and maintenance of instructional labs; participates in the planning and implementation of lab exercises and experiments; implements new or modified policies and procedures as required; prepares special instructions for non-routine and complex assignments
• Demonstrates the safe and proper use of laboratory equipment and hazardous materials. Prepares, tests, adjusts, modifies, performs routine maintenance on and calibrates a variety of technical laboratory equipment; trouble-shoots equipment and makes minor repairs or arranges for service repair.
• Constructs, adapts, tests and maintains equipment, interface computer systems and apparatus used in the laboratory.
• Administrative oversight of class rolls, course equipment damages, laboratory assignments, FWSP assistance. Assist faculty laboratory supervisor with course development.
• Administrative oversight of maintenance protocols with respect to the infrastructure of all the teaching laboratories.
• Acts as substitute laboratory staff support for current Senior Laboratory Teaching Assistants during summer vacations/absences.
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Teaching Lab Manager.

Education and Certifications:

• Associate degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is necessary.

Experience and Skills

• Minimum 2 years of experience in academic/private sector laboratory environment is strongly preferred.

• Candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills and work efficiently with undergraduate and graduate students and faculty.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.