Laboratory Technical Specialist

I served as a Laboratory Technical Specialist at Amherst College from January 2023 to December 2023, filling the one-year position for the Biology department. This interim role was created to provide critical support to the department until the permanent replacement was able to start and define the scope of the position. I successfully defined and executed the position’s responsibilities during my tenure, collaborating with 10 professors, 5 staff members, and numerous students to optimize laboratory operations and ensure seamless instrumentation management over the course of the year.

My primary responsibility involved managing departmental instrumentation, including nanodrops, plate readers, and microscopes. I developed quick-start guides, troubleshooting sections, and use logs to ensure safe equipment operation. Additionally, I assisted professors with personal equipment needs, coordinating purchases, repairs, and maintenance for various instruments.

A significant aspect of my role involved laboratory setup for teaching wet labs. I managed inventory, stocked supplies, and ensured equipment readiness for each lab day. This experience honed my project management skills, allowing me to optimize workflows and improve efficiency.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at Amherst College was mentoring students. As a young staff member with a Ph.D., I occupied an uncommon space for a liberal arts college STEM department.The students I worked with were all in research labs, highly ambitious, and considering graduate school. I used my position to provide them realistic insights into graduate school and research careers. I worked closely with students, sharing my experiences and offering guidance to help them navigate their academic and professional paths."