Laboratory Prep Technician

South Dakota State University; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Tuition assistance

Paid holidays

Retirement plan

Job summary

South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, seeks a self-motivated Laboratory Program Assistant to support teaching and research labs within Biology and Microbiology. This role requires coordinating with instructors, preparing labs, managing supplies, and advancing safety practices.

The position offers a pathway to develop instructional laboratory skills, supervise student assistants, and contribute to a land‑grant mission. Minimum $21.41/hour plus benefits; sponsorship not available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree by start date.
• Experience with safe lab practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with instructors to meet teaching lab needs.
• Support general lab operations as part of a team.
• Prepare labs, set up materials, and clean tools.
• Maintain lab prep room inventory and order supplies.
• Train and supervise graduate/undergraduate assistants.
• Enforce safety standards and protocols.

Skills

Lab safety

OSHA compliance

Lab techniques

Lab equipment

Inventory management

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Salary: Minimum of $21.41 per hour, depending upon qualifications, plus benefits.

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is currently seeking a self-motivated and customer-service oriented Laboratory Program Assistant to join the Department of Biology and Microbiology within the College of Natural Sciences

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of adynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.This Department of Biology and Microbiology offers a variety of undergraduate degree programs including Human Biology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology. Together these majors train over 500 undergraduates for admission to professional programs in healthcare domains, graduate school, careers in industry, and a variety of other career paths. The Department is a key driver of South Dakota State University’sR1 Our Way mission to expand federally funded research and has active research and graduate programs focused on mammalian physiology and cell biology, microbial biology, plant physiology and molecular biology, and bioprocessing biotechnology. Department members lead or contribute to large research programs including multiple federally-funded research centers and engage in STEM outreach and workforce development. South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

This position is located inBrookings, SD.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Responsibilities:

This position provides technical support for the academic and instructional labs within the department. Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Communicating closely with instructors to ensure teaching lab needs are met.
• Working effectively as a team member in supporting general laboratory operation.
• Timely preparation of laboratories including set-up and take-down of teaching materials and equipment and cleaning and organizing of teaching labs.
• Maintenance of lab prep room including keeping inventory of and ordering supplies as needed as well as proper disposal of all waste. (biohazard, chemical, etc.)
• Training and managing graduate and undergraduate laboratory assistants.
• Adherence to and education of others on appropriate safety standards and protocols.

Benefits:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays.Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Safe handling and cleaning of common laboratory tools. (pipettes, microscopes, centrifuges, etc.)
• OSHA guidelines and safe laboratory practices.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in laboratory testing.
• Basic laboratory principles, practices and procedures including equipment operation and general terminology.
• Inventory Management.
• Microsoft Office Suite.

Skill & Ability to:

• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effective organizational, time-management and record-keeping.
• Understand and interpret laboratory protocols and procedures including chemical and biological safety standards.
• Train, supervise and/or direct the work of others effectively.
• Working effectively in a team environment as well as independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree by start date.

Comments:

This position is classified as a Laboratory Program Assistant.

For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission.SDSUis an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, andSDSUprohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by [e-mail]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100,SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: [phone].