About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Massachusetts Pesticide Analysis Lab located on the UMass Amherst campus, is seeking a Laboratory Technician. The Massachusetts Pesticide Analysis Laboratory (MPAL) provides analytical services and scientific expertise for the regulation and enforcement of pesticide use in Massachusetts. The Laboratory Technician conducts analysis of soil, plant tissue, water and other environmental samples for the presence of pesticides.

Essential Functions

• Logs in prepares and conducts analysis of soil, plant tissue, water and other environmental samples for the presence of pesticides.
• Supervises 3-4 undergraduate students per semester.
• Operates analytical equipment including GC/MS/MS, LC/MS/MS, HPLC/UV, and GC/FID.
• Operates sample prep equipment such automated solid phase extraction, analytical balances, cryomills and centrifuges.
• Prepares reagents extracting solutions and mobile phases as needed.
• Manages hazardous waste inventory and schedule pickup when needed.
• Operates computers associated with analytical equipment, as well as lab software used by the Massachusetts Pesticide Analysis Lab for report generation.

Other Functions

• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• One (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in laboratory work.
• An associate’s degree or above may substitute for the required experience.
• Background in Analytical Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Proficient with Windows based software.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• General knowledge of chromatography and GC/LC detectors.
• Laboratory experience working with hazardous chemicals.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Tasks require the use of PPE – lab coat, gloves and goggles.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 4:30pm (37.5 hours per week).

Salary Information

• USA/MTA Non-Exempt Grade 14
• This is a one (1) grant-funded position, renewal will be contingent upon availability of funding.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here. (https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan). 

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women,