Scientific Glassblower (Research Machinist)
Company: Indiana University
Location: Bloomington
Posted on: October 19, 2024
Job Description:
DepartmentCHEMISTRY (BL-CHEM-IUBLA) Department
InformationFaculty and staff in the Department of Chemistry are
committed to developing students, understanding of science and
problem-solving skills and preparing them for careers in science
and the health professions.The Department of Chemistry is a part of
the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University and offers a
variety of outstanding employment opportunities such as academics,
scientist positions, laboratory technicians, administrative and
information technology support, fiscal services and purchasing,
technical services (machinists, electronics, glass blowers),
student and teaching services, and much more. Each and every
individual in every role is integral to the success of the
educational and research mission of the department, the College,
and Indiana University as a whole.Job SummaryThe Scientific
Glassblower is responsible in assisting the manager of the Glass
Shop with the design, construction, and repair of scientific
glassware to support the teaching and research mission of the
Department of Chemistry. This position is also responsible for
assisting with inventory, equipment, and records in relation to
scientific glassblowing.Department-Specific Responsibilities
- Collaborates with researcher (Faculty/Postdoc/Graduate Student)
to develop a drawing for fabricating specialized glassware for a
research project.
- Discusses and researches materials (including quartz and graded
seals) needed for a successful end-product.
- Communicates with researcher about their idea to help in making
design decisions (i.e., what can/cannot be done with glass).
- Compares items in a catalog to determine if it would be more
cost effective to make the item locally; works with the researcher
to determine if they want to modify an existing purchased glass
item.
- Provides expertise in helping to make critical decisions about
design.
- Provides consultations that include training research workers
in basic glassblowing.
- Repairs broken glassware and/or modifies existing specialized
scientific glassware; the decision to repair broken glassware is
based upon the cost effectiveness of making the repair vs
rebuilding.
- Works with manager of Glass Shop to give an estimate on the
cost of a project based upon time and materials to present to the
researcher.
- Sends bill to the researcher in a timely manner.
- Responsible for purchasing materials and supplies used for
various projects and replacement parts needed to maintain equipment
in good working order at all times.
- Keeps notes of special designs regarding materials, drawings,
vendors, etc. to review for similar future projects.
- Demonstrates scientific glassblowing techniques during
Chemistry orientations, ScienceFest, school trips and tours of
facilities by prospective undergraduate and graduate students.
- Participates in educational workshops that are arranged for
graduate students to experience basic scientific glassblowing
techniques; many students will use this knowledge in their careers
when a glassblowing shop is not available, and they need to make
alterations or minor repairs to their glassware.
- Performs routine lubrication of lathes, saws, etc.; replace
belts; change blades; routine cleaning of equipment; changes water
used by equipment that cuts or grinds glass; replaces oven element
as needed.General Responsibilities
- Designs, fabricates, installs, maintains, and repairs new or
unique scientific laboratory devices, equipment, components and
precision instruments for research and teaching purposes.
- Consults with equipment end-users regarding design material
selection and application; manages inventory of necessary
supplies.
- Reads and interprets blueprints and hand-drawn sketches and
oral instructions; measures to desired degree of accuracy.
- Uses computer software/programs to design parts and generate
specifications needed to fabricate devices (such as CNC codes for
machine tools).
- Tests and debugs prototypes and finished products;
troubleshoots and diagnoses equipment failure and prescribes and
makes necessary repairs or modifications.
- Oversees non-shop/lab personnel when in the shop/lab as to use
of machines or tools; provides training and education resources as
needed.
- Modifies purchased and existing equipment to meet
experimental/research needs.
- May provide daily oversight and guidance to less experienced
staff.QualificationsCombinations of related education and
experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required
may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the
minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATIONRequired
- High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED).WORK
EXPERIENCERequired
- 2 years of formal training in machine trades.
- 3 years of experience as a machinist.Preferred
- 4 years of apprenticeship under a Master Glassblower, plus 4
years of additional Glassblowing.
- Experience in a research environment.SKILLSRequired
- Proficient communication skills
- Maintains a high degree of professionalism
- Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills
- Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
- Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic
environment
- Highly thorough and dependable
- Possesses a high degree of initiative
- Ability to build strong customer relationships
- Quickly troubleshoots and resolves problems
- Strong mechanical skills
- Possesses strong technical aptitude
- Ability to work in a safe and efficient manner
- Knowledge of the tools, materials, methods, and techniques of
the machinist trade, such as: operation and programming of CNC
machines (mill and lathe); set-up and use of metal working machines
(mills, lathes, band saw, drill press); maintenance and use of
welding equipment (MIG, TIG, Acetylene, etc.); maintenance and use
of wood working machines both stationary (table saw, drill press,
chop saw, jointer, surface planer, drum stander, vertical sander,
router table/shaper, etc.) and both power and manual hand tools
(drills, grinders, biscuit jointer, saws, routers, etc.); various
design software.
- Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of
the machinist trade.
- Ability to design delicate scientific apparatus from verbal
instructions and rough sketches.
- Ability to maintain close tolerance precision work from oral or
written instructions, sketches, blueprints, and models.
- Ability to use the precision tools and equipment common to the
machinist trade.Preferred
- Demonstrates understanding of the technical requirements of the
instrument they are constructing or repairing.
- Demonstrates understanding of different types of
measurements.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the properties of the specialized
glasses and other materials that are used.
- Master of basic vacuum technology.
- Possesses creativity and innovation in turning goals into
tangible reality.
- Excellent decision-making skills. Working Conditions /
DemandsThis role requires the ability to remain in a stationary
position as well as the ability to move about the workplace for
long durations. It requires effective communication, the ability to
operate machinery, tools, and controls. The role requires the
ability to ascend/descend ladders/stairs, and to position one's
self in low level positions, detect a variety of chemicals and/or
gases. The role requires the ability to ascend to rooftops and move
in tight spaces to perform and complete inspections. The person in
this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or
without an accommodation.Advertised Salary$60,000 - $62,000 per
year based on experience Benefits OverviewFor full-time staff
employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits
including:
- Multiple plan options for medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
- Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
- Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to
vesting
- Additional supplemental retirement plan options
- Tuition benefit for IU classes
- 10 paid holidays per year
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Learn more about our benefits
by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure.Job ClassificationCareer
Level: MasteryFLSA: NonexemptJob Function: ResearchJob Family:
Research MachinistsClick here to learn more about Indiana
University's Job Framework.Posting DisclaimerThis posting is
scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date.
This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the
University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days.
To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application
within 5 business days of the Posted Date.If you wish to include a
cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading
attachments.Equal Employment OpportunityIndiana University is an
equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of
ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration
for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana
University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color,
race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin,
disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University
does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational
programs and activities, including employment and admission, as
required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX
may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for
Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana
University's Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes
contact information.Campus Safety and SecurityThe Annual Security
and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and
fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available
online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public
Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.Contact UsRequest
SupportTelephone: 812-856-1234
Keywords: Indiana University, Bloomington , Scientific Glassblower (Research Machinist), Other , Bloomington, Indiana
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