Biological Sciences Research Technician 2: Environmental Research (Internal Employment Opportunity)

This is an Internal Employment Opportunity. This recruitment will be used to fill one part-time (approximately 24-hours per week), Biological Sciences Technician 2 position for the Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology at Oregon State University (OSU).

About the role

The Biological Sciences Research Technician 2 provides technical support for environmental contaminant research in the Garcia-Jaramillo Lab. The position assists with environmental sample collection and preparation, LC–MS analysis and data processing, quality-control documentation, laboratory maintenance, and preparation of research summaries.

Responsibilities

• Collect, receive, label, preserve, transport, and store environmental and experimental samples following established protocols.
• Prepare samples, standards, and quality-control materials for chemical analysis using filtration, dilution, solid-phase extraction, and related techniques.
• Perform LC–MS analyses using established instrument methods, including preparing analytical sequences and monitoring system suitability and quality-control results.
• Process, organize, document, and summarize LC–MS data using established software, libraries, templates, and workflows.
• Support laboratory operations by maintaining equipment and work areas, monitoring supplies, managing chemical waste, and maintaining accurate laboratory and instrument records.

Qualifications

• Two years of college-level courses in a field of biological science relevant to the assignment and one year of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Sciences Research Technician 1 level; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience performing laboratory procedures and maintaining accurate research records.
• Ability to follow detailed analytical methods, standard operating procedures, and quality-control requirements.
• Ability to safely handle toxic substances, organic solvents, chemical standards, and hazardous waste.
• Ability to use appropriate personal protective equipment and comply with laboratory and Environmental Health and Safety requirements.
• Demonstrated reliability, attention to detail, adaptability, and ability to manage multiple tasks and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to communicate technical information and work collaboratively with faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
• Commitment to foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment for faculty, staff, and students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental science, toxicology, biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Experience with environmental sample collection and preparation.
• Experience with solid-phase extraction or related sample-preparation techniques.
• Experience operating liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry instrumentation.
• Experience processing LC–MS data.
• Experience working with cyanotoxins or other environmental contaminants.

Key Requirements

• This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq.
• Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
• This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience. Salary range: $18.06 - $26.20. Anticipated start date: July 21, 2026.

Benefits

Working Conditions/Schedule: Work is performed primarily in laboratory and office environments on the Corvallis campus, with occasional field sampling. The technician may work with toxic chemicals, environmental contaminants, organic solvents, chemical standards, and hazardous waste and must follow all applicable safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment. The work may require extended periods of standing and occasional schedule adjustments to accommodate field sampling or analytical runs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system.