Science Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

Windward School, a grade 7-12 college-preparatory, independent day school in vibrant West Los Angeles, seeks an experienced and innovative educator to join our Science & Technology Department. This is a benefit-eligible, temporary position that will last from mid-May - Mid-August.

A nationwide leader in educational models and practices that excite students about learning, Windward is committed to building a nurturing, inclusive culture. We welcome teachers and staff members who bring skills, qualities, and experiences that demonstrate an understanding of and ability to support our work fostering a diverse school community.

At Windward, we are dedicated to cultivating an environment that encourages and supports growth and belonging amongst all community members. Windward teachers, parents, and administrators work together to inspire our students to be responsible, caring, well-informed, ethical, prepared, and well-balanced young adults.

For more information on what Windward has to offer, please visit windwardschool.org/about/careers.

In the Science & Technology Department, students and teachers work together to develop a growth mindset, and deepen skills and understandings in critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving. Laboratory and inquiry-based courses support and challenge students to better understand their own learning processes and to acquire increasingly sophisticated strategies as learners. Teachers in our department strongly value collaboration within the department and with colleagues across disciplines. In addition to professional development opportunities, the Science & Technology department utilizes cutting edge technologies for conducting research, running experiments, and otherwise implementing lab-based learning for all students, with assistance and material preparation from two full time lab technicians. 

Duties for the temporary Lab Technician primarily include lab preparation for high school and middle school life science classes; organization of the lab prep room spaces and lab supplies; and laboratory maintenance as needed. Laboratory maintenance usually involves inspection, cleaning, calibration, testing of lab equipment including sensors and probeware, and organization and cleaning of lab spaces and materials. In addition, the temporary Lab Technician will be asked to independently research new labs, test their viability and work collaboratively with teachers to implement workable lab experiences in the classroom. This includes preparation of materials, coordination of quantities of materials needed, and occasional presence and availability during lab experiments to ensure sensors and probeware are functioning correctly.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

As a member of the Science & Technology Department, the temporary Lab Technician will:

• Report directly to the Chair of the Science & Technology Department and the permanent Lab Technician
• Troubleshoot, set up, break down, and clean up all Life Science and Middle School Science labs for their courses (high school Biology, AP Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology & Evolution, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Plant Science, and Middle School Life Science and Physical Science lab experiments) in addition to helping with the Physics and Chemistry labs as assigned by the department chair and/or the permanent Lab Technician
• Support the permanent Lab Technician in maintaining the order and organization of the prep rooms, lab rooms, classrooms, and all equipment used for labs and experiments
• Calibrate, set up, test, clean, and store sensors and probeware before, during, and after experiments
• Keep all used glassware and instruments clean using the dishwasher or autoclave following experiments
• Stock all clean glassware, ceramics, plastics, and metals in designated spaces 
• Work effectively and efficiently with little to no supervision after being provided with goals and tasks
• Determine which tasks have higher priority, whether by urgency or importance
• Communicate effectively with the permanent Lab Technician, Science & Technology Department, teachers, and other faculty and staff within the school
• Accept calendar invites, zoom calls, and attend Science & Technology Department meetings
• Support a professional workplace climate that contributes to a healthy and safe workplace
• All other related duties as assigned

This is a great chance to be part of a dynamic, close-knit, independent school culture and community. 

We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Paid Holidays and Wellness days
• Retirement Plan, including up to 6% employer match
• School-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account Plans
• Lunch Allowance (Prorated)
• MetLife Group Home & Auto Group Discount
• Access to Peak Performance Center to promote physical and mental health
• Wellness Initiatives, including Chair Massages, free Wellness Coaching, Self-Care Reimbursement, and much more!
• Employee Assistance Program
• Upon acceptance to Windward School by the Admissions Committee, employees may apply for tuition remission for their children
• Nurturing, supportive and inclusive community
• And much more!

Salary Range: $25-35/hour, depending on experience.

To Apply: All interested candidates should send a resume and a cover letter via the Application link.

EOE

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering (i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Biochemistry, Bioengineering) preferred
• 3-5 years experience working in a scientific wet lab environment preferred
• Strong understanding of Safe Laboratory Practices and Procedures

Skills & Requirements

• Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize tasks, use electronic and in person communication to determine next steps, and follow through with constituents 
• Proficiency with basic computer operating systems and office software (e.g. Google Suite including Sheets and Docs, Vernier Graphical Analysis, Logger Pro)
• The ideal candidate will be organized, detail oriented, and capable of balancing multiple deadlines by prioritizing and communicating effectively with colleagues and vendors
• Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
• Constantly (Occurs 2/3 or more of the time): Sitting, standing, walking, push/pull, reaching, gripping, neck rotation/extension, foot use, ability to lift/carry up to 10 lbs.
• Frequently (Occurs 1/3 to 2/3 of the time): Climbing/balancing, stooping/twisting, squatting, keyboarding, pinching, visual acuity (near/far), ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. 
• Occasionally (Occurs up to 1/3 of the time): Kneeling, crawling, ability to lift/carry up to 100 lbs.
• Uneven ground, working at heights, exposure to dust/fumes, exposure to bio hazards, exposure to hazards, working with machinery.