Lab Technician

CLEMU Clemson University; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University in Charleston, SC seeks an assistant to support the Vegetable & Strawberry Entomologist and lab team in laboratory, greenhouse and field research.

You will coordinate experiments, collect data, maintain insect colonies and plants, and ensure safety policies are followed. This time-limited staff role offers engaging research opportunities and contributes to ongoing agricultural projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in relevant field.
• Experience in agricultural research or animal care.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and maintain inventories.

Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments.
• Set up and maintain field experiments; collect data and enter records.
• Maintain insect colonies and research plants; keep work areas clean.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain up-to-date chemical inventories.

Skills

Laboratory knowledge

Data entry

Inventory management

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture, animal husbandry, or related field

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Assists Vegetable & Strawberry Entomologist and other lab members with laboratory, greenhouse and field research. Coordinates and carries out field, greenhouse and laboratory experiments. Ensures policies and procedures are in place and followed. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES

• 15% - Administrative support: Assists with ordering laboratory, greenhouse, field supplies and equipment as needed and assessing inventory of research supplies. Submits paperwork required for ordering.
• 10% - Strategic planning: Follows schedules for activities and projects. Sets priorities in order to avoid backlog. Sets short-term goals to support long-range plans.
• 70% - Research support: Assists with set up and maintenance of field experiments with minimal assistance from farm manager and crew. Collects and enters data. Assists with set up and maintenance of lab, growth chamber, and greenhouse experiments. Maintains insect colonies and research plants. Maintains clean and orderly work areas.
• 5% - Safety management: Follows all required safety protocols. Checks lab safety maintenance records. Assists with maintaining up-to-date chemical inventories.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB CODE

LA20

EMPLOYEE TYPE

Time-Limited (TLP) Staff

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A bachelor's degree in animal husbandry, agriculture or a related field and experience in agricultural research or animal care that is directly related to the area of employment. Work experience in animal care or agricultural research may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Not responsible for supervising employees.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: % Use taste or smell to detect or determine particular flavors or odors: % Extends hands or arms in any direction: % Move, transport, raise or lower 50 lbs or more: % Recognize or inspect visually: % Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: % Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl): % Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder): % Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.: % Walk or move about: % Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: % Stand for Prolonged Period: %

WORKING CONDITIONS

Overnight travel: % Burn hazards: % Chemical hazards: % Mechanical hazards: % Vibration: % Noise: % Wet and/or humid: % Exposure to dust/fumes: % Exposure to heat or cold: %

WORK SCHEDULE

Standard Hours: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Expected Salary Range 16 - 18 Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives, and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION

Charleston, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE

September 28, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties. Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions or issues.

CLOSING STATEMENT

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.

ABOUT US

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others. Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond. So, are you ready?