Job Description
ABOUT US
The Jewish Leadership Academy is a world-class Jewish Middle and Upper School dedicated to developing the skills, curiosity, and potential of Miami’s most ambitious students for a life of purpose, commitment, and service.
JLA is committed to:
● Challenging inquisitive minds to think critically and creatively to pursue the highest
academic standards across all disciplines.
● Putting values into action by embedding leadership training and community service into
the heart of the educational program.
● Engaging the mind and stirring the soul to connect with the Jewish past and the Jewish
present, the Jewish People and the Jewish State, through the broad and embracing lens
of Modern Orthodoxy.
JLA seeks an outstanding faculty of all faiths who believe in and actively support the school’s mission to educate Jewish students at the highest academic levels while connecting them deeply to their heritage and faith. We carefully seek to create and maintain a values-driven faculty culture committed to high standards, and rooted in respect for all. Above all, we seek faculty who have a genuine love for teaching.
STEM DEPARTMENT
The STEM Department at JLA offers students an in-depth and rich sequence of core and elective courses designed to develop problem-solving skills, foster creativity, and spark curiosity about the world. Our physics and engineering curriculum emphasizes both conceptual understanding and applied, hands-on learning through labs, design challenges, and collaborative projects.
We seek faculty with a growth mindset, eager to continually expand their teaching practice, integrate new tools and technologies, and prepare students for success in college and beyond.
POSITION
The Lab Technician supports Middle & Upper School science. This role ensures safe, efficient, and effective laboratory operations by preparing experiments, maintaining equipment, managing inventory, and upholding safety standards. The technician works closely with STEM faculty to deliver exceptional hands-on learning experiences.
- Start Date: August 2025 (full-time, 12-month role)
- Reports To: STEM Department Chair and Associate Head of School
RESPONSIBILITIES
Core Lab Operations
- Prepare, set up, test, and break down labs and demos across STEM.
- Keep labs, prep areas, and makerspace clean, organized, and instruction‑ready.
- Maintain inventory; receive/store supplies and manage simple purchasing.
- Calibrate and perform minor repairs on common equipment (balances, microscopes, oscilloscopes, power supplies, Vernier/PASCO).
Physics & Engineering (Primary)
- Set up/verify mechanics, optics, E&M, and thermodynamics investigations.
- Support makerspace tools (3D printers, laser cutter/CNC, soldering/electronics, robotics kits) and data‑acquisition systems.
- Maintain parts, raw materials, and tool storage for safe, efficient access.
- Troubleshoot routine hardware/software issues.
Chemistry & Biology (Support)
- Prepare standard solutions, slides/cultures, and specimens as needed.
- Maintain glassware, microscopes, and essential instruments; coordinate service.
- Follow SDS and aseptic/sterilization practices; label and store appropriately.
- Assist with compliant chemical/biological waste handling.
Safety & Compliance
- Uphold Chemical Hygiene Plan; maintain SDS library and safety signage.
- Train/reinforce safe use of PPE and equipment; support incident reporting.
- Coordinate hazardous waste pickup with approved vendors.
Student & Faculty Support
- Assist during high‑impact labs/demos and special programs (e.g., Fridays).
- Help pilot new activities and improve lab SOPs and checklists.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor’s degree
- Demonstrated competence with laboratory techniques and equipment across at least two of the following: physics/engineering, chemistry, biology.
- Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, SDS, and chemical hygiene practices.
- Proficiency with data collection hardware/software (e.g., Vernier/PASCO) and comfort learning new tools and technologies.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic school environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; committed to collaborating with faculty and supporting students.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs; stand for extended periods; move equipment and carts safely between spaces.
- Completion of background check and fingerprinting as required by law and school policy.
Preferred
- Experience maintaining makerspace/engineering equipment (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC, electronics, robotics).
- Experience in a school, university teaching lab, or similar educational environment.
- Ability to perform minor mechanical/electrical repairs and basic fabrication (hand and power tools).
- Experience working with gifted and talented students.
BENEFITS
- Highly competitive salary
- Full health, dental, and vision coverage for the employee
- 8% annual retirement match
- Daily breakfast and lunch
- Generous PTO
- Relocation stipend
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Short- and long-term disability and life insurance
To apply, send a cover letter and CV to Zak Cohen zcohen@jlamiami.org