Laboratory Glassblower
Class Specifications – I.20
Principal Laboratory Glassblower – 8311
Senior Laboratory Glassblower – 8312
Laboratory Glassblower – 8313
Laboratory Glassblower Trainee – 8314
February, 1976
Series Concept
Laboratory Glassblowers perform or supervise the fabrication of a wide variety of glasswares from blueprints and drawings; and perform other related duties as required. Typically, incumbents have knowledge of the characteristics of glass, skill in the manipulation of glass, and the ability to operate machine tools.
Class Concepts
Principal Laboratory Glassblower
Under general direction, incumbents manage a glassblowing shop and make original contributions to research techniques by designing, developing and constructing intricate scientific glass apparatus. Tasks which are most difficult are defined as those having a requirement for (1) the design of custom research apparatus, (2) precise dimensions of its parts, (3) fabrication of the parts and their subsequent assembly into the completed piece of apparatus, and (4) full knowledge of chemical silvering or gold plating of glass and vacuum-jacketed apparatus.
Typically, incumbents determine costs and priorities of work orders, requisition necessary supplies and equipment, recommend the purchase of major glassblowing equipment, and may supervise a staff of one or more Glassblowers or Trainees. In addition, incumbents act as consultants on glassblowing to scientists and students; instruct faculty and students in attaining glassblowing skills; prepare and write operating instructions for newly developed apparatus; and may publish the results of research. Incumbents are required to handle all facets or requirements of the trade.
The class of Principal Laboratory Glassblower is distinguished from the class of Senior Laboratory Glassblower in that incumbents manage the operation of a glassblowing shop and make original contributions to the design of research apparatus (including more assignments requiring particularly difficult and/or unique design efforts on a more independent basis).
Senior Laboratory Glassblower
Under direction, incumbents design and fabricate unusually complicated and intricate apparatus such as that described in the Principal Laboratory Glassblower Class Concept, requiring glassblowing knowledge and skill above and beyond those required at the operational level. Examples of such knowledge and skill are: proficiency in high vacuum techniques and silvering; skill in making step seals between different grades of glass; knowledge of how to work quartz, vycor, uranium, jena, lead, nonex, glassbake, and metal-to-glass seals. In addition, incumbents work with research personnel in the design of special apparatus for research purposes, indicating what is feasible and suggesting alternatives and simplifications.
The class of Senior Laboratory Glassblower is distinguished from the class of Laboratory Glassblower in that incumbents perform tasks characterized by a variety of special techniques used in the design and construction of complex apparatus which are above and beyond those required at the operational level.
Laboratory Glassblower
Under supervision, Laboratory Glassblowers perform at the operational level of glassblowing in fabricating apparatus from several kinds of glass. Incumbents make such apparatus as vacuum pumps, McLeod gauges, special stopcocks, liquid air flasks, dewars, mercury arc lamps, geiger counters, absorption cells and spiral condensers. In addition, incumbents cut, Join and anneal glass tubing and flasks; evacuate, de-gas, and seal liquid air flasks and other vacuum apparatus; introduce gases into evacuated tubes; and operate a glassblower lathe.
The Laboratory Glassblower class is distinguished from the Laboratory Glassblower Trainee class in that incumbents perform at the operational level in fabricating a wide variety of glassware. Incumbents have knowledge of the characteristics of glass, skill in its manipulation, and the ability to operate machine tools.
Laboratory Glassblower Trainee
Under close supervision and in a training capacity, incumbents receive instruction in the fundamentals of glassblowing while acquiring operational skills for laboratory purposes.
Typically, incumbents fabricate simple glassware involving straight tubes, plain flasks, and bulbs, involving the sealing of tubes of different diameters; learn to cut glass tubing, to join and anneal tubes, and to manipulate glass in flame while blowing it into shape in the fabrication of such items as various shaped flasks, burettes, simple innerseals, T, Y, and other shaped tubes; and learn to operate a glass lathe and to read blueprints and drawings.
Minimum Qualifications
Principal Laboratory Glassblower
Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations, and eight years of experience in glassblowing of experimental laboratory apparatus, including at least two years at the Senior Laboratory Glassblower level; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Senior Laboratory Glassblower
Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations, and six years of experience in glassblowing of experimental laboratory apparatus, including at least two years at the operational level; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Laboratory Glassblower
Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations, and three years of experience in glassblowing of experimental laboratory apparatus; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Laboratory Glassblower Trainee
Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations, plus a demonstrated glassblowing ability; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.