Laboratory Technician - Physical Science

Department: Physical Science (PHS) Division – Mathematics and Sciences (MAS)
Employee Status: Continuous Part-time (up to 25 hours/week)
Grade: 9 ($20.00-$21.00 hourly)

About the role

Perform specialized chemical lab duties using knowledge from a chemistry education. Responsibilities include preparing chemical solutions, setting up and removing laboratory equipment for student exercises and faculty demonstrations, and ensuring safe storage and handling of chemicals to meet state OSHA requirements. Work closely with faculty and the full-time laboratory manager to identify and mitigate laboratory safety hazards. Excellent communication and organization skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare materials and anticipate prompt setup and take-down of items and resources needed for chemistry labs, including experiments and lab practicals.
• Prepare stock solutions and unknowns using analytical equipment (e.g., burette hand titration, serial dilution). Familiarity with IR and GC operations preferred.
• Provide laboratory solutions and chemicals in appropriately labeled containers and in amounts suitable for student use to reduce waste and contamination.
• Maintain and restock general laboratory utility equipment and scientific/analytical instrumentation support materials; report low stock to the full-time laboratory manager for re-ordering.
• Repair minor equipment breakdowns (e.g., drawer locks) and facilitate glass waste removal.
• Perform daily maintenance and rudimentary cleaning of equipment and countertops in student laboratories and storage rooms to ensure a safe and clean work environment.
• Maintain a safe and logically ordered laboratory storage room; store chemicals in recommended cabinets or shelving by compatibility groups.
• Clean and wash laboratory equipment and glassware improperly cleaned by students after use.
• Assist the full-time Laboratory Manager in ordering chemical supplies using Colleague and assorted vendors.
• Maintain and update the chemical inventory database (minimum annually) and the computer database of experiment setup sheets (updated each semester).
• Assist in coordinating laboratory check-in and check-out procedures.
• Request maintenance service for needed items from Plant Operations and Maintenance or IT.
• Conduct informational tours for prospective students as needed.
• Assist in the safe storage of in-house generated hazardous wastes and maintain ongoing inventory lists.
• Prioritize and organize work effectively, work with minimal supervision, and develop effective working relationships with faculty and the full-time lab manager.
• Regular attendance is expected and mandatory for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life science or physical science (preferred) or Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field with a major in Chemistry; must have a minimum of 20 credit hours total in chemistry and physics.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices and procedures, computers and software, analytical instrumentation operation and maintenance, and spreadsheets/databases.
• Ability to interact positively with all Physical Science faculty (Chemistry, Physics, Geology, and Physical Geography).

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works indoors.

Physical Demands

Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. Frequently required to stand, talk, and hear.