Instructional Support Technician II - Cell & Molecular Biology

California State University, Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 51,280 - 74,705; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Sacramento is seeking an Instructional Support Technician II to provide independent instructional support for undergraduate and graduate biology labs, including the preparation of reagents, cultures, and materials. The role ensures safe handling and storage of chemicals and biohazards, coordinates safety documentation, and assists with equipment maintenance.

The incumbent also supervises student assistants and teaching associates, manages inventories, and supports

Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles for instructional support in cell and molecular biology courses.
• Ability to follow written protocols and plan work effectively.
• Experience handling lab materials and supplies for biology labs.
• Knowledge of chemical and biohazard waste handling and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent instructional support for undergraduate and graduate biology labs.
• Order, prepare, and maintain supplies, reagents, and cell cultures.
• Coordinate safety, inventory, and disposal in the assigned spaces.
• Lead undergraduate/graduate student workers and teaching assistants as needed.

Skills

Lab safety knowledge

Aseptic techniques

Independence & prioritization

Record keeping

Equipment troubleshooting

Lead work direction

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Outlook

Job description

Instructional Support Technician II - Cell & Molecular Biology

Apply now Job no: 560117
Work type: Staff
Location: Sacramento
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Education Support Professionals, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Working Title:Instructional Support Tech II - Cell & Molecular Biology

Classification Title:Instructional Support Tech II

Priority Application Date (Posting will remain open until filled):Tuesday, August 11, 2026 @ 11:55pm PT

Hiring Preference

Eligible on-campus applicants in California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) Bargaining Units 2,5,7, and 9 will be given first consideration in the recruitment.

Position Summary

The IST II is responsible for working independently to provide overall instructional support for undergraduate and graduate laboratory courses in cell and molecular biology, as well as support for related courses and research as necessary. This includes the ordering and preparation of supplies, reagents, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell cultures, and experimental set-up. The IST II is responsible for safe storage and handling of materials and equipment in the cell/molecular area, laboratory preparation and ordering for cell/molecular courses, as well as preparing and/or maintaining all reagents, supplies and consumables, eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell cultures and nucleic acid samples. The IST II coordinates chemical, laboratory and biological safety in assigned spaces, which includes maintaining a chemical inventory, ensuring proper handling and disposal of chemical and biohazardous waste, conducting inspections, and maintaining updated safety documentation. They are also responsible for troubleshooting and basic routine maintenance of equipment used in cell and molecular biology laboratory courses, including biosafety cabinets, incubators, microscopes, thermocyclers, and other routine equipment. The incumbent also provides lead work direction to undergraduate and/or graduate students.

FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,595 per month (Step 1) - $4,780 per month (Step 3)

CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,595 per month (Step 1) - $6,694 per month (Step 20)

Salary step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Recruitment Type: Regular (Probationary)

Time Base: Full-Time

Pay Plan: 12 months

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Department Information

The Department of Biological Sciences at Sacramento State is one of the largest programs on campus, with approximately 1,500 undergraduate and 60 Master’s students, 30 permanent faculty, approximately 40 temporary faculty, and 12 technical and administrative support team members. Most of the Department is located in the Tschannen Science Complex, and courses cover the range of biology, including entomology, evolution, microbiology, molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and conservation biology.

Knowledge of the principles of performing support services; knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques related to the discipline and the curriculum; knowledge of the materials and supplies in the curriculum and the curriculum and their uses.

Ability to plan, organize, and schedule activities; ability to operate technical equipment related to the discipline; ability to maintain records; ability to adjust and perform simple maintenance of technical and scientific equipment.

and

Experience:

Equivalent to three years of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline, or in producing materials or supplies or repairing equipment in a discipline related to the area to which assigned.

or

Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

or

Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area to which assigned may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

RequiredQualifications

• Knowledge of the principles of performing support services for lower and upper division and masters-level cell and molecular biology courses
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple work priorities, organize and plan work and projects effectively, and follow written protocols.
• Knowledge of the use of materials and supplies in cell and molecular biological sciences laboratory courses.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including state and federal guidelines and regulations for laboratory safety
• Ability to safely handle, store, and dispose of chemicals and biohazardous waste.
• Experience and ability to use aseptic techniques to prepare and culture both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell cultures and freeze and recover viable eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell lines
• Experience with and ability to prepare and store and maintain DNA, RNA and protein samples, enzymes, agarose and SDS-PAGE gels, and other cell and molecular reagents.
• Experience with and ability to prepare buffers, PCR reagents, sterile culture media, and other cell and molecular reagent solutions.
• Knowledge of ordering laboratory materials needed for specific laboratory exercises and protocols.
• Ability to provide lead work direction and coordinate student assistants and teaching associates in the preparation of materials.
• Ability to troubleshoot and provide basic maintenance of laboratory equipment used in cellular and molecular biology courses, such as centrifuges, UV transilluminators, brightfield and fluorescent microscopes, cameras and digital imagers, spectrophotometers, thermal cyclers, pH meters, CO 2 incubators, pipettes, micropipettes, and glassware.
• Experience using basic computer software including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook.
• Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.

Condition of Employment:

• Satisfactory completion of the background check process.

PreferredQualifications

• B.S. or B.A. degree and graduate coursework in biology or related field.
• Experience working or assisting in teaching laboratories.
• Experience working with diverse student populations.
• Familiarity with general molecular biology and eukaryotic cellular biology experimental workflows.
• Knowledge of state and federal guidelines and regulations for storage and disposal of hazardous and biohazardous waste.

Documents Needed to Apply

• Resume

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol.

The lush, 300-acre park-like campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million.

“As California's capital university, Sacramento State transforms lives by preparing all students to lead, serve, and succeed. We are committed to our designations as a Hispanic Serving Institution, an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution, and a Black Serving Institution, and to intentionally serving students reflective of these designations and all students who have been historically underserved in education.”

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code , Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety ActNotification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery.

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics ofCleryAct crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at [e-mail] .

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Education Code 89521 Requirements

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants:

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.

Learn more about working at the California State University and the impact of our mission.

Advertised: July 28, 2026 (9:30 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Open Until Filled

• Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services 1

Job Search Category/Discipline

Time Basis

• Full Time 1

Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac)

• On-site (work in-person at business location) 1