Teaching Lab Technician

TEACHING LAB TECHNICIAN

Number of Openings: 1

Institution: Cleveland State Community College

Department: Arts & Sciences

Reports to: Chair of the Math & Science Dept.

Campus Location: Cleveland, Tennessee

Salary Range: $40,642-$44,760

Position Status: Non-Exempt / Full-Time

Moving Allowance: N/A

Cleveland State Community College is a comprehensive, two-year post-secondary institution, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Cleveland State is committed to providing open access and quality education to all students. A Tennessee Board of Regents institution, Cleveland State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). At Cleveland State, our mission is to build strong minds, careers and communities through exceptional teaching and learning, workforce development and service. We wish to hire individuals with similar values who can help us accomplish those goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered for a position at Cleveland State, you must complete an online application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated solely based on the information provided in your application. Any work experience not included will not be considered for meeting the minimum requirements or determining compensation for the position.

Please note the following:

• Attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form.
• Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Teaching Lab Technician supports instructional laboratory operations by preparing and maintaining laboratory materials, equipment, cultures, chemicals, and instructional resources for day and/or evening classes. This position assists faculty and students through laboratory setup, demonstrations, instructional support, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and adherence to laboratory safety and operational standards. The Technician also supports student success, recruitment, and retention efforts while ensuring efficient and effective laboratory operations aligned with institutional and academic program goals.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICIATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Degree must be in Biology, Chemistry, or a related Science
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in any combination of: Laboratory experience (e.g., educational lab, healthcare lab, scientific environment, etc.). Laboratory preparation (e.g., culture media, reagents, chemical solutions, etc.). Equipment operation (e.g., autoclaves, decontamination processing, analytical balances, pH meters, filtration systems, etc.).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Instructional and Student Support (35%)

• Prepare and present instructional materials for day and/or evening laboratory classes, including demonstrations using laboratory equipment for a maximum of twelve (12) TLE per year.
• Assist with the preparation of tests, projects, laboratory exercises, and other student evaluation materials as needed.
• Maintain accurate student records and perform related computer operations to support instructional activities.
• Promote and participate in student recruitment, engagement, and retention initiatives that support student success.

Laboratory Preparation and Operations (25%)

• Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions in accordance with established laboratory procedures and safety standards.
• Set up laboratories with required supplies, materials, cultures, and electronic or mechanical apparatus for instructional use.
• Order, stock, and maintain inventories of chemicals, media, laboratory supplies, and instructional materials to ensure laboratory readiness.
• Maintain microbial stock cultures and support safe laboratory practices and procedures.

Equipment Maintenance and Safety (35%)

• Operate laboratory equipment including autoclaves, sterilizing ovens, dishwashers, balances, filtration appliances, pH meters, timers, and vortex mixers.
• Clean, sterilize, and properly store laboratory equipment, instruments, and materials after use.
• Perform routine inspections and basic maintenance to ensure equipment functionality and safe operation.
• Follow established safety, sanitation, hazardous material handling, and laboratory operational procedures.

Non-Essential Functions (5%)

• The Teaching Lab Technician will be required to meet standards now required or which may be required by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).
• May be required to achieve additional skill, knowledge, or credential levels.
• May be required to serve on college committees.
• Must attend all college functions as required.
• Pursue ongoing professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to support day and/or evening laboratory operations.
• Strong ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions accurately, thoroughly, and in a timely manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and the ability to create documents, manage data, prepare reports, and support daily operations.
• Knowledge of the preparation, handling, and use of culture media, chemicals, reagents, and related laboratory materials.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures, equipment setup, and safety protocols that could be applicable to an instructional laboratory environment.
• Proficiency in the use, operation, and maintenance of laboratory tools, equipment, and instructional materials.
• Proficiency in preparing culture media, solutions, reagents, and related laboratory materials in accordance with established procedures and instructions.
• Proficiency in operating laboratory tools, instruments, and specialized equipment safely and effectively.
• Preferred experience: Higher education classroom instruction

WORK ACTIVITIES & EQUIPMENT

Work activities routinely involve the use of standard office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones, and other related devices. Employees are expected to perform tasks such as data entry, document preparation, email communication, and report generation using these tools. Additionally, this position requires the use of laboratory equipment, etc. as indicated above.

JOB LOCATION

This on-site position is based in the Science Lab located in the Math & Science Building on the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. The position will be assigned between the Cleveland main campus and the McMinn Higher Education Center in Athens, Tennessee, with weekly location determined by the Department Chair and Dean.

The role may also require travel throughout the College’s five-county service area, as well as occasional travel to state meetings, conferences, and other professional development events as needed.

Applicants may be subject to a background check and credit check.

Cleveland State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following: Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HAS; Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in health); Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement; Employee Assistance Program; Longevity Pay; Retirement Options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401k with $50 match, 403b, and 457; Fourteen (14) Paid Holidays/Year; Sick and Annual Leave; Sick Leave Bank; State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

Applications can be assured full consideration if submitted by June 2, 2026