Research Instrumentation Technician
Ohio
Get more replies from employers
Send a job-specific resume in minutes.
Job summary
Ohio University is seeking a Research Instrumentation Technician to design, fabricate, and maintain advanced laboratory equipment for the Chemistry and Biochemistry department. The role involves machining custom components from CAD drawings, installing specialized devices, and ensuring precise performance within tolerances.
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3–5 years of relevant experience, with strong CAD proficiency and hands-on fabrication skills in a university
Qualifications
- Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3–5 years of professional experience.
- Experience with CAD software and producing components from CAD drawings.
- Strong ability to design, fabricate, install, and maintain scientific instruments.
Responsibilities
- Design, machine, and fabricate custom scientific devices from faculty concepts or CAD drawings.
- Install, modify, and repair specialized equipment to meet research needs.
- Troubleshoot and maintain laboratory instruments and shop equipment.
- Collaborate with faculty, staff and vendors to deliver safe, cost-effective solutions.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the ‘Posting End Date’ shown below.
Position Information Business Title Research Instrumentation Technician Applications Accepted From Public: Open to the Public
Posting Number 2016490T
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. Recommends policies to improve the lab environment. Maintains PPE supply, MSDS information, eye wash station, first aid station.
Position Profile: 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 programs and services. Functions may include specialized architectural, engineering, site, and construction services; energy engineering; project scheduling, estimating, and management; and specialized research‑related engineering.
Level Summary: Provides professional expertise to the University community. 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. Additionally, contributes to larger projects or initiatives that align with department or University goals, often collaborating across teams.
Supervisory Responsibilities: May assist in mentoring or training new employees.
Fiscal Responsibilities: No budgetary responsibility. May be responsible for validating transactions.
Problem Solving: Handles a variety of problems with some independence.
Independence of Action: Some supervision; able to work independently on routine tasks.
Communication and Collaboration: 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.
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.
The starting salary range is $24.65 up to $32.67 per hour, dependent on education, skills, and prior experience and is accompanied by our generous university benefits such as 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 University also proudly offers wellness programs, on‑site wellness facilities, and a generous employee assistance program.
Additional Information is available at: https://www.ohio.edu/hr/benefits/.
Discover the full value of joining Ohio University.
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.
Pay Range $24.65-$41.03
FLSA Status Non‑Exempt
Job Category Administrative at‑will appointment
Employment Type full‑time regular
Job Family Engineering, Architecture & Plng
Job Sub Family R & D Engineering
Job Level IC2NE
Job Open Date 08/21/2026
Posting End Date 09/06/2026
Planning Unit College of Arts & Sciences
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.
Campus Athens Expected hours worked per week 40 Expected duration of assignment On‑going
Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position: Nancy Vandeman, vandemn1@ohio.edu
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.
To view the Clery Act Annual Safety and Fire Report.
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Required Documents
Optional Documents
Ohio University Human Resources | Grosvenor West 103 | 1 Ohio University | Athens, OH 45701 | T: 740.593.1636 | F: 740.593.0386
'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M101.744%2012.4726L102.894%2016.1947L99.0021%2013.2201L101.744%2012.4726ZM105.3%208.40937H100.488L99.0026%203.59473L97.5116%208.41047L92.7%208.40385L96.5965%2011.3834L95.1055%2016.1942L99.0021%2013.2196L101.408%2011.3834L105.3%208.40992V8.40937Z'%20fill='white'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='paint0_linear_5593_1381'%20x1='90'%20y1='9.44471'%20x2='99'%20y2='9.44471'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%2300AD70'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='0.998594'%20stop-color='%2300B67A'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='1'%20stop-color='%23DCDCE6'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
