Laboratory Technician

Job Summary

The College of Engineering seeks a laboratory Technician who can support the areas of Chemical, Civil, Environmental, or Electrical Engineering, whose primary responsibility will be to assist faculty and students in teaching and research laboratories. These responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, maintenance of laboratory equipment, instructing students and faculty on safe and proper use of equipment, ordering supplies and materials for laboratories.

Health & Safety:

• Maintain the cleanliness of the laboratories.
• Weekly check fume hoods, safety showers, and eyewash stations.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
• Hazardous Waste Management.
• Student/Faculty Safety Training, maintain records, develop and administer training.

Laboratory Operation

• Operation, Diagnostics, and Maintenance of lab equipment.
• Set up labs before class and clean up afterwards.
• Train faculty/students on safe use of equipment.

Essential Job Functions

Lab Equipment Maintenance:

• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and testing of equipment to ensure reliability and accuracy.
• Identify, document, and report malfunctioning equipment (coordinate with vendors for repair or replacement).
• Maintain detailed service logs and repair histories to support budget planning and compliance audits.

Student Access and Instructional Support:

• Provide technical guidance to students during lab sessions, enhancing their hands-on learning experience.
• Provide lab access outside scheduled hours, particularly to support senior design projects, while ensuring safe use of facilities.
• Monitor lab usage and ensure proper check-in/check-out procedures for tools and equipment.

Inventory and Asset Management:

• Keep accurate inventory records of equipment, tools, and consumables; track usage, availability, and condition of supplies and equipment to support efficient lab operations and contribute to cost-effective resource management.
• Assist in procuring, receiving, and setting up new equipment and supplies.

Lab Organization and Safety Compliance:

• Ensure labs are clean, organized, and free of hazards to maintain a professional and safe learning environment.
• Ensure safety protocols are being followed by all personnel working in the labs.
• Conduct safety briefings or training sessions for students and faculty when necessary.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Coordinate effectively with faculty, staff, and IT personnel to support teaching, research, and departmental initiatives.
• Document and report technical issues, resolutions, and equipment status to relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in departmental meetings or planning sessions to provide.

Service and Outreach:

• Support university and departmental service goals, including outreach and community engagement activities when required.
• Other duties may be assigned to this position on a regular or occasional basis to respond to the needs of the university.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or relevant work experience of two years or more) in chemical, electrical, or environmental sciences or engineering (or closely related field).
• Fundamental understanding of laboratory equipment, including pumps, valves, overhead cranes, and instrumentation.
• Experience in laboratory safety.
• Experience in training others in the use of laboratory equipment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in analytical equipment for analyzing liquid and gas samples.
• Experience in process controls, instrumentation, or robotics.

Supplemental Information

Key Competencies:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and apply.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to lift 25 lbs and be able to perform a variety of physical tasks, including lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, stair climbing, and walking between buildings.

Job Conditions:

• May require occasional evening and/or weekend work to meet university and departmental needs.

Special Note:

• We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.