Laboratory & Research Specialist II – Instrumentation & Laboratory Systems

WM001 William & Mary; South Carolina; On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

William & Mary’s Applied Research Center (ARC) seeks a part-time Laboratory & Research Specialist II to support operation, maintenance, and improvement of scientific instrumentation and laboratory systems used in research and teaching. This role requires hands-on work across mechanical, electrical, vacuum, and related systems with focus on troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.

The successful candidate will diagnose problems, install or modify equipment, and work independently within a

Qualifications

• Demonstrated hands-on experience maintaining, repairing, installing, or troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, laboratory, or other technical equipment.
• Ability to diagnose technical problems and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a laboratory environment.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on scientific instrumentation, laboratory equipment, and associated support systems.
• Assist with installation, relocation, modification, and commissioning of laboratory and research equipment.
• Support mechanical, electrical, vacuum, pneumatic, compressed gas, cooling, and related laboratory systems.
• Fabricate, modify, or repair laboratory fixtures, components, and equipment as needed.
• Coordinate and interact with equipment manufacturers, vendors, contractors, and service personnel during maintenance, repairs, installations, and other technical activities.
• Assist ARC staff, faculty, students, and researchers with technical aspects of laboratory equipment and research projects.
• Maintain appropriate equipment, maintenance, and technical documentation.
• Support laboratory safety, organization, and general operations.
• Perform other technical and operational activities necessary to support the research and teaching mission of the ARC.

Skills

Hands-on repair/troubleshooting

Independent work

Communication

Job description

Laboratory & Research Specialist II – Instrumentation & Laboratory Systems

The Applied Research Center (ARC) at William & Mary seeks a part-time Laboratory & Research Specialist to support the operation, maintenance, and improvement of scientific instrumentation and laboratory systems used in research and teaching. The position performs a broad range of hands‑on technical work involving scientific equipment and associated mechanical, electrical, vacuum, pneumatic, and other laboratory systems. Responsibilities include troubleshooting and repair, preventive maintenance, equipment installation and modification, and general technical support for ARC laboratories. The successful candidate will have broad technical aptitude, practical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work independently in support of complex laboratory operations.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience maintaining, repairing, installing, or troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, laboratory, industrial, or other technical equipment.
• Ability to diagnose technical problems and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a laboratory environment.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: Scientific or research instrumentation.
• High‑vacuum or ultra‑high‑vacuum systems.
• Vacuum pumps, compressors, or pneumatic systems.
• Electrical and electronic troubleshooting.
• Gas handling and laboratory utility systems.
• Mechanical fabrication, machining, or equipment modification.
• Reading technical documentation, schematics, or mechanical drawings.
• Supporting equipment in research, industry, manufacturing, military, or similar technical environment.

Conditions of Employment

This is a non‑exempt position, which may be eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. All hourly employees are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program and total hours worked may not exceed, on average, 29 hours per week, over the course of a twelve‑month period beginning May 1 each year. Ability to work safely in laboratory and research environments and comply with applicable university and laboratory safety procedures. Ability to perform hands‑on work with scientific and laboratory equipment, including work that may require standing, bending, reaching, lifting or moving equipment and components, and using hand tools. Ability to work in laboratory environments involving mechanical equipment, electrical systems, vacuum systems, compressed gases, pumps, and related research infrastructure. Must be able to complete required university and laboratory safety training. Work schedule will be coordinated with ARC operational needs and may occasionally require flexibility to support equipment installation, maintenance, repair, or vendor/service activities.

Compensation

$28.00 per hr.

Job Duties

• Troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on scientific instrumentation, laboratory equipment, and associated support systems.
• Assist with installation, relocation, modification, and commissioning of laboratory and research equipment.
• Support mechanical, electrical, vacuum, pneumatic, compressed gas, cooling, and related laboratory systems.
• Fabricate, modify, or repair laboratory fixtures, components, and equipment as needed.
• Coordinate and interact with equipment manufacturers, vendors, contractors, and service personnel during maintenance, repairs, installations, and other technical activities.
• Assist ARC staff, faculty, students, and researchers with technical aspects of laboratory equipment and research projects.
• Maintain appropriate equipment, maintenance, and technical documentation.
• Support laboratory safety, organization, and general operations.
• Perform other technical and operational activities necessary to support the research and teaching mission of the ARC.

Additional Job Description

Job Profile: JP0147 - Laboratory & Research Specialist II - Nonexempt - Hourly - H08

Qualifications: Pay Rate Type: Hourly Compensation Grade: H08 Recruiting Start Date: 2026-09-02

Position Restrictions: Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

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Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility. William & Mary and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) are vibrant, innovative and engaged communities and we are delighted about your interest in a career with us.

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