Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University
Text Size: AAAPrint Page

Geology Laboratory Supervisor

Position Title: Laboratory Supervisor
Department: Geology
Supervisor's Title: Department Head
Status: Full-time with benefits
Schedule: Normally M-F, 8 AM – 5:35 PM, other hours as necessary
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: n/a
EEOC: Tech/Para-Professional

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As such, we are interested in candidates who are committed to high standards of scholarship, performance and professionalism and to the development of a campus climate that supports equality and diversity in our faculty, staff and student body.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Geology Department Laboratory Supervisor will support teaching and research activities related to the Geology laboratories and field equipment. The Supervisor is responsible for maintenance and use of laboratory and field equipment for both research and teaching, provision of laboratories, upkeep of rock and mineral samples, and assistance with technical instruction during classes and research.

ESSENTIAL AND RELATED FUNCTIONS:

1. Essential: effectively manage laboratory facilities, and instruct faculty and students in the use of laboratory instrumentation.

  • responsible for maintenance, calibration, training, and use of the following equipment: scanning electron microscope, inductively coupled plasma spectrometer, x-ray diffractometer, ion chromatograph, field monitoring equipment (soil and rain gauges), survey and tracking GPS receivers, rock preparatory equipment (saws, crushers, sieves, etc), geophysical instruments, vehicles, earthquake seismographs, and laboratory demonstration equipment (deformation tables and presses, sedimentation tank, stream table, etc).
  • responsible for quality control assurance for much of the data collected using Geology laboratory facilities and field equipment.
  • maintain an electronic database of Geology Department equipment and user manuals, supplies, maps, and samples.

2. Essential: assist the teaching mission of the Geology Department where it involves technical equipment

  • teach students to use analytical and field equipment as part of classes, and during student/faculty research.
  • participate in the development of laboratory exercises
  • provision the teaching laboratories with microscopes, glassware, maps, hand samples and other minor equipment
  • occasional teaching during field trips and laboratories when required and approved by the department head

3. Essential: enable productive and efficient student and faculty research

  • design and carry-out analytical procedures
  • participate in the development of research and equipment grant applications

4. Related: contribute to the computational needs of the department

  • upkeep of the department data server and spatial/photographic data collection
  • maintain working knowledge of GIS, remote sensing, and geophysical software used in teaching and research
  • participate in the development of laboratories and research using GIS and computational software

5. Related: participate in other departmental activities

  • train and supervise work-study students
  • interact with other science faculty and technical staff on the use of Geology equipment
  • participate in the budgeting process
  • seek and enroll in continuing education for appropriate geological and technical fields
  • participate in community activities

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • 40 hrs per week during normal class hours (8 – 5:35)
  • valid drivers license and safe driving record
  • physical ability to work with equipment, samples, and supplies
  • some activities may extend beyond normal working hours (lab assistance, field trips, research)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Masters Degree in Geosciences
  • Direct research experience with geochemical laboratory equipment (SEM, ICP, XRD, etc)
  • desired: additional experience with field equipment (GPS, surveying, geophysical instruments) and GIS

TO APPLY:

Send completed Washington and Lee University Application for Employment, resume, letter of interest and contact information for three references via e-mail to jobs@wlu.edu. The Employment Application can be obtained from the form section.

Resources For: