Overview
Silklab research focuses on materials that can be employed at the interface between technology and life sciences. The laboratory’s goal is to provide innovation and solutions of global societal impact through advances in naturally derived, abundant, sustainable materials. The core research is based on advanced material processing, prototyping, and manufacturing based on structural proteins, with specific focus on silk and other biomaterials. Over the past decade, the laboratory has pioneered biomaterials-based applications in edible and implantable electronics, food preservation, energy harvesting, wearable sensors, compostable technology, distributed environmental sensing, medical devices and therapeutics, biospecimen stabilization, advanced medical diagnostics, and structural components.
What You'll Do
This Silklab research technician job exists to assist in the daily lab maintenance and in the processing, analytical measurement, and characterization of biopolymeric materials. The opportunity involves a collaboration project with an industrial partner involved with global consumer electronics and technology. Candidates will be part of an interdisciplinary team with expertise in technological applications of biomaterials and with opportunities for professional development and growth. If you are a dedicated, passionate individual with a strong commitment to research, education, and collaboration, we encourage you to apply for this Lab Technician position and be part of our exciting journey to advance biomaterial research.
As a Lab Technician, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the safety, functionality, and outreach efforts of our biomaterial lab. Your responsibilities will include:
• Maintain the Lab: ensure that the lab spaces are safe, tidy, and in compliance with all safety protocols.
• Safety Protocols: ensure that safety protocols are in place and adhered to by all lab members. Attend mandatory annual training sessions in fire safety, chemical hygiene, and laboratory HIPAA compliance.
• Instrument Calibration: regularly calibrate and maintain lab instruments to ensure accurate and reliable data. Perform troubleshooting, take and record corrective actions.
• Training: train and mentor new lab members, ensuring they have a clear understanding of lab procedures and safety guidelines.
• Outreach Programs: participate in the development and execution of outreach programs, events, and curricula to engage with the broader community and foster interest in biomaterials research.
• Lab Tours: assist with lab tours for students, visitors, and potential collaborators.
• Processing and Characterization: assist in the processing, analytical measurement, and characterization of biopolymeric materials.
• Procedures: assist in the setup of new procedures, modification, and update of existing procedures.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: be part of an interdisciplinary team with expertise in technological applications of biomaterials. Maintain collaborative team relationships with peers and colleagues to effectively contribute to the working group's achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment. Interface with industry partners and collaborators as needed, fostering partnerships and innovation in the field.
• Perform other similar and related duties as required or directed.
What We're Looking For
Basic requirements:
• BS degree in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering or related field.
• Wet lab experience.
• Must be able to work accurately, effectively, within a team and independently under pressure and to meet deadlines. Ability to manage work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; highly self-motivated.
• Ability to multi-task and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail.
• Motivation to learn and grow in scientific expertise.
• Ability to trouble-shoot technical issues.
• Ability to plan and prioritize work while responding flexibly to rapidly changing priorities.
Preferred qualifications:
• MS degree in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering or related field.
• Background in bio-silk and biomaterials
• Background in optics, electronics, rapid prototyping.
• Research experience in an academic lab.
• Ability to read scientific literature and adapt/design new protocols.
• Accurate, detailed data and record keeping.
Pay Range
Minimum $19.80, Midpoint $23.55, Maximum $27.30
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
