Research Instrumentation Technician

Ohio University

Athens (GA)

On-site

USD 34,000 - 45,000

Full time

4 days ago

Be an early applicant

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Vision benefits

Dental benefits

Life insurance

Winter break closure

Paid holidays

Educational benefits

Sick leave

Vacation

Retirement

Job summary

Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, seeks a Research Instrumentation Technician to design, machine, and fabricate custom scientific devices from CAD drawings, support the department’s lab equipment, and ensure accurate, safe operations.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, plus 3–5 years of relevant experience, with proficiency in CAD and hands-on machining. The role includes maintaining safety protocols, collaborating with faculty, and supporting research infrastructure.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, chemistry, or a related field.
Associate degree or completed vocational/technical program in machining, mechanical technology, mechatronics, industrial technology, electrical technology, chemical technology, engineering technology, or a closely related field plus experience can be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
Experience in a chemistry, physics, engineering, biomedical, or other research-intensive laboratory environment.
Experience maintaining RO/DI/ ultrapure-water systems, vacuum pumps, autoclaves, centrifuges, compressed-gas systems, laser-table installations, or comparable research infrastructure.
Proficiency with CAD software and experience producing components from CAD drawings.
Training or certification in welding/brazing, rigging or powered industrial trucks, chemical hygiene, hazardous-material awareness, lockout/tagout, or related safety areas.
Advanced practical knowledge of machining, fabrication, mechanical systems, materials, tolerances, and repair methods.
Working knowledge of chemical compatibility, laboratory hazards, contamination control, and safe work practices in research or industrial environments.

Responsibilities

Design, machine, and fabricate custom scientific devices from faculty concepts and CAD drawings.
Install, modify, and maintain specialized equipment to meet research needs and goals.
Repair laboratory instruments and maintain departmental machine shop equipment.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, vendors to develop safe, cost-effective solutions.
Promote safe lab practices and maintain PPE, MSDS, eye wash and first aid stations.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Machining & fabrication

Laboratory instrumentation

Safety training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or related field

Associate degree or technical program with related experience

Tools

CAD software

RO/DI water systems

Vacuum pumps

Laser-table installations

Welding/Brazing training

Job description

Research Instrumentation Technician

Position Information: Business Title Research Instrumentation Technician Applications Accepted From Public: Open to the Public Special Instructions to Applicants. This position is eligible for the following benefits: medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.

This position utilizes a variety of technical skills to provide advanced technical support for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry through designing, machining, and fabricating custom scientific devices and components from faculty concepts, sketches, CAD drawings, or specifications to perform within precise tolerances; installing and modifying specialized equipment to meet the research needs and functions, and goals; maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, and specialized research devices.

Operates and maintains the departmental machine shop equipment including lathe, drills, welding, electrical, vacuum, optical, and filtration systems.

Supports laboratory utilities, equipment moves, research-space transitions, and safe handling of compressed gases, vacuum systems, water‑purification systems, and potentially contaminated equipment.

Works independently with faculty, staff, students, University units, contractors, and vendors to develop practical, safe, and cost‑effective solutions for research and instructional needs.

Promotes safe laboratory and maintenance practices by educating faculty, staff, students, and others on best practices. Recommend policies to improve the lab environment. Maintain PPE supply, MSDS information, eye wash station, first aid station.

Provides engineering expertise in designing and maintaining University facilities and systems. Ensures high‑quality, innovative infrastructure for the University’s growth. Conducts research and development activities related to the design, development, fabrication, modification, installation, and testing of state‑of‑the‑art electronics or electronic components.

Responsibilities include programmatic administration, coordination and management of projects, budgetary oversight, facilities management, and leadership of programmes and services. Functions may include specialized architectural, engineering, site, and construction services; energy engineering; project scheduling, estimating, and management; and specialized research‑related engineering.

Provides professional expertise and serves as a resource and guide to others in the department and/or university. Completes operational tasks essential for the daily functioning of the University. Contributes to larger projects or initiatives that align with department or University goals, often collaborating across teams.

Assists in mentoring or training new employees. (No budgetary responsibility.) May be responsible for validating transactions.

Handles a variety of problems with some independence. Some supervision; able to work independently on routine tasks. Collaborates with team members and shares knowledge.

Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing, and use of hand and power tools; sustained fine‑motor and visual work for precision fabrication and repair.
Frequent lifting and carrying of tools, cylinders, parts, and equipment; ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently and to use team lifts, carts, hoists, rigging, or contracted movers for heavier loads.
Work in machine‑shop and laboratory environments with noise, vibration, sharp tools, hot surfaces, compressed gases, vacuum equipment, chemicals, oils, dust, fumes, and potentially contaminated equipment; required use of appropriate PPE and engineering controls.
Occasional work at height, in confined equipment spaces, outdoors, or outside normal business hours when necessary to respond to urgent equipment or utility failures.

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3-5 years of related professional experience, or equivalent education and experience.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, chemistry, or a related field.
Associate degree or completed vocational/technical program in machining, mechanical technology, mechatronics, industrial technology, electrical technology, chemical technology, engineering technology, or a closely related field plus experience can be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
Experience in a chemistry, physics, engineering, biomedical, or other research-intensive laboratory environment.
Experience maintaining RO/DI/ultrapure‑water systems, vacuum pumps, autoclaves, centrifuges, compressed‑gas systems, laser‑table installations, or comparable research infrastructure.
Proficiency with CAD software and experience producing components from CAD drawings.
Training or certification in welding/brazing, rigging or powered industrial trucks, chemical hygiene, hazardous‑material awareness, lockout/tagout, or related safety areas.
Advanced practical knowledge of machining, fabrication, mechanical systems, materials, tolerances, and repair methods.
Working knowledge of chemical compatibility, laboratory hazards, contamination control, and safe work practices in research or industrial environments.

Pay Rate

The starting salary range is $24.65 up to $32.67 per hour, dependent on education, skills, and prior experience. Benefits include tuition for self and dependents, a comprehensive insurance package (including but not limited to health, prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance), an excellent retirement plan including company contributions, parental leave, adoption reimbursement, and more. OHIO is also proud to offer wellness programs, on‑site wellness facilities, and a generous employee assistance program. Additional information available at https://www.ohio.edu/hr/benefits/ .

Total Compensation Estimator (For Full‑Time Benefits Eligible Employees)

Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by visiting https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator. Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university‑paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.

Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, usually 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Due to the nature of the work, occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support critical research or instructional activities, perform equipment maintenance, respond to emergencies, or address other operational needs.

Expected hours worked per week: 40 | Expected duration of assignment: ongoing.

Applicants may contact Nancy Vandeman at vandemn1@ohio.edu regarding this position.

Non‑Discrimination Statement: Ohio university is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio university is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.

Get your free, confidential resume review.

or drag and drop your file here.