Laboratory Technician

Summary

The Laboratory Technician assists in overseeing operations for the LSUS College of Arts and Sciences departments of Chemistry/Physics and Biological Sciences academic labs. This includes coordinating stockrooms by receiving, stocking incoming supplies, and ordering resources as directed. Lab Tech will assist faculty with weekly preparations or restocking supplies for the teaching laboratories. The technician will also operate and coordinate the maintenance and repair of moderately complex laboratory equipment; check for malfunctions and may perform minor repairs. May provide training on the use of equipment and assist faculty in building specialized equipment for research. May provide directions and guidance student workers. Reports to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and is a full time, unclassified position.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology, or closely related field, from an accredited university. LSUS values skills, experience and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply - a degree is not required if the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description
• 1 year of related experience, preferably in a lab setting.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry or biology.
• 3 year’s experience working in a lab or closely related role.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Dedication to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that benefits all students.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

• Distribute, maintain, and appropriately store chemicals in stock rooms and teaching labs.
• Maintain and organize stock rooms and laboratory supplies.
• Coordinate the maintenance and repair of departmental instrumentation such as NMR, IR, HPLCs, spectrophotometers, water purification, autoclaves, etc.
• Handle liquid nitrogen and perform liquid nitrogen refills for the NMR and assist the faculty with liquid helium refills for the NMR.
• Schedule and coordinate with third-party equipment repair companies as needed.
• Assist faculty with the safe delivery and storage of gases and cryogens.
• Maintain an accurate chemical inventory with current Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Ensure all hazardous chemicals/products are appropriately labeled, including secondary containers.
• Handles classification and proper disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous material.
• Assist in setting up, evaluating, and troubleshooting new techniques, policies, and procedures.
• Assist in developing SOPs and training students, staff, and faculty on the use of equipment.
• Perform routine inspections and ensure results are communicated.
• Ensure appropriate signage is placed for regulated materials and equipment.
• Ensures all academic lab areas are safely maintained, clean and compliant with regulations.
• Collaborate with departmental staff to perform laboratory equipment inventory.
• Collaborate with the Director of Environmental Health and Safety, and the Chairs of the Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry and Physics to ensure safe and functional teaching and research environments.
• Look for opportunities for continuous improvement.
• All other duties as assigned.