POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Laboratory and Stores Supervisor Chemistry
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5567
GRADE 26
CLASSIFICATION Nonexempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Department Head of Chemistry
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Laboratory and Stores Supervisor-Chemistry utilizes knowledge of chemical reactivity to supervise the Chemistry Department stores and laboratories including assuring proper storage and disposal of reagents. The Laboratory and Stores Specialist-Chemistry provides solutions and reagents for the instructional laboratories by preparing solutions of specific concentrations, properly purifying reagents, and troubleshooting problems that occur with solutions. The Laboratory and Stores Supervisor-Chemistry trains and supervises undergraduate students functioning as student laboratory assistants, orders equipment, chemicals, and supplies, and maintains inventory control over all materials, equipment, and supplies received and contained within the Department of Chemistry storage facilities. The Laboratory and Stores Supervisor-Chemistry is designated an Academic Affiliate and teaches selected college courses in the Chemistry curriculum.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Master's degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry is required.
Experience: At least one year of experience is required in a laboratory setting (industrial, commercial, government, or educational setting including relevant undergraduate and or graduate experiences), where knowledge of chemical and physical properties is employed, including accepted methods for the safe storage, handling, and disposal of chemical substances typically used in a university chemistry laboratory. Experience preparing and handling laboratory chemicals is required.
Skills: Effective interpersonal and managerial skills are required. Computer application skills including word processing, spreadsheet, email, and internet skills, are required. Strong organizational skills are required. The ability to contribute to the department’s teaching is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Effort: Must be able to lift and carry materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
Other: Must possess normal olfactory response.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Utilizes an understanding of chemical reactivity to assure compliance with all
applicable
safety regulations and standards by storing reagents in the proper manner (at room
temperature, at very cold temperatures, in a nitrogen atmosphere, in a hood, etc.),
safely disposing of hazardous waste generated by the Department, (in coordination
with the Director of Environmental Management), and keeping accurate records, including
Material Safety Data Sheets, of receipt, storage, and disposition of reagents.
2. Helps to ensure an effective laboratory experience for students by providing all
necessary
equipment, glassware, solutions and reagents for the instructional laboratories, preparing
solutions of specific concentrations by weighing and measuring the volume correctly,
mixing the solution correctly, properly purifying reagents utilizing recrystallization,
distillation, chromatography, and extraction techniques, and troubleshooting and problem
solving when solutions do not work as desired in the teaching laboratories.
3. Helps to assure laboratory safety at the university by working with the University’s Director of Environmental Management, attending seminars related to scientific laboratory operation, reagent storage, and hazardous waste disposal, and making recommendations to assure and enhance the safe operation of laboratories and chemical storage facilities.
4. Complies with established guidelines and regulations for the proper and safe storage of all equipment and glassware maintained in the department.
5. Helps to ensure an effective instructional operation in the Department of Chemistry by training and supervising student laboratory assistants in the safe preparation of chemical reagents and other materials and supplies as specified by laboratory instructors and in the delivery and storage of these items.
6. Maintains active involvement in the Chemistry department’s academic program by participating as an academic affiliate, providing classroom instruction as assigned by the department head in accordance with Faculty Duties and Responsibilities section of the current Missouri State University Faculty Handbook relative to teaching, and actively participating in activities required Missouri State University.
7. Contributes to the learning experience of students by maintaining and utilizing
a current
knowledge of reagents, equipment, and new approaches to laboratory instruction.
8. Contributes to laboratory safety by providing sanitized safety goggles and other safety equipment, as prescribed by Missouri statues, to students and instructors in all chemistry laboratories.
9. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
10. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing
professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses,
and attending training and/or courses required by the Department Head.
11. Contributes to the overall success of the Department of Chemistry by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Laboratory and Stores Supervisor-Chemistry is supervised by the Department Head of Chemistry and supervises student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2021