Laboratory Operations Specialist

Description of Job Duty:

The overall purpose of this job is to provide advanced technical leadership for instructional, research, A/V, fabrication, and immersive technologies used by the STEM Center. Evaluates technology needs, recommends solutions, troubleshoots complex systems, coordinates implementation with university departments and vendors, and provides technical training and support for STEM Center programs, equipment, and events.

Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Provides advanced technical leadership for the integration, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of audio/visual, instructional, research, fabrication, and immersive technologies throughout the STEM Center, including video conferencing, projection systems, recording and streaming technologies, digital signage, high-speed photography, 3D printing, large-format printing, virtual reality, and the Virtual Theater.
• Captures, produces, and edits digital media, including traditional and 360-degree video. Develops and provides training to faculty, staff, students, educators, and other users on STEM Center technologies and equipment. Coordinates technical and audio/visual requirements for STEM Center programs, meetings, conferences, and special events.
• Operates, maintains, and provides technical support for specialized digital fabrication and production equipment, including 3D printers and large-format printers. Prepares and processes digital files, troubleshoots equipment and software issues, performs routine maintenance, and provides training and technical assistance to faculty, staff, students, and other users.
• Independently evaluates STEM Center technology needs, researches available technologies and solutions, develops specifications and recommendations for hardware and software purchases, and coordinates with ITS, Purchasing, university departments, and external vendors regarding acquisitions, contracts, installation, integration, and ongoing support.
• Provides technical and operational leadership for STEMobile and portable planetarium programming at on-campus and remote locations. Coordinates technology setup and teardown, remote monitoring, technical support, maintenance, vendor services, and communication with participating school systems and other external partners.
• Coordinates technology- and facility-related operational needs with appropriate university departments. Maintains a copy of emergency operations information, coordinates facility maintenance needs, and oversees STEM Center technology and equipment inventory.
• Evaluates emerging technologies and identifies opportunities to enhance STEM Center instructional, research, outreach, and event capabilities. Develops and implements solutions to complex technical and operational challenges and provides recommendations regarding future technology investments and infrastructure needs.

Physical Demands:

Those typical of an office environment. Ability to do some lifting when setting up events and programs.

Work Hours:

Regular hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Evening and weekend hours are typical, travel is required for STEMobile remote site setup and teardown. Additional hours if/when needed.

Special Instructions:

Applicants will be required to electronically upload a cover letter, resume, copy of transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire), and a list of three references. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all materials are received. Applications without all required documents are incomplete and will not be considered.

Salary:

Level P4, Grade 11.

Benefits:

Tennessee Tech offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits include the accumulation of two vacation days per month and one sick leave day per month, and thirteen University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a related field and at least seven (7) years of related professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Superior understanding of audio and video technologies and standards. Knowledge about virtual reality and chroma key technology. Knowledge regarding computer software and hardware. Understanding of basic electronics and circuits. Basic understanding of data-acquisition and sensors. Effective management skills.