Science Lab Technician

Chapman University; Orange (CA); Presencial; USD 32.000 - 39.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Chapman University in California's Orange campus seeks a Science Lab Technician to support undergraduate instructional laboratories across physical sciences. The role involves preparing materials, maintaining equipment, and assisting faculty with experiments.

The ideal candidate has a biology/chemistry/physics background, one year of lab experience, and a solid understanding of safety procedures. This is a full-time, on-campus, non-exempt position offering hourly pay in the range above.

Formación

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or a related STEM discipline.
• One year of laboratory experience with scientific techniques and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and proper waste disposal.

Responsabilidades

• Interpret experimental protocols and determine equipment, chemicals, and materials.
• Prepare chemical solutions, reagents, dilutions, and materials.
• Assemble and configure experimental apparatus and labs.
• Test setups and troubleshoot preparation or setup issues.
• Monitor inventory and coordinate procurement.
• Train student employees and supervise work.

Conocimientos

Lab techniques

Quantitative calculations

Safety compliance

Educación

Bachelor’s degree in biology/chemistry/physics or related STEM

One year of laboratory experience

Herramientas

Spectrometers/Chromatographs

Descripción del empleo

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title

Science Lab Technician

Position Type

Regular

Job Number

SA96524

Full or Part Time

full-time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification

Non-Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range

$23.00 - $28.00

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate ofthe compensation range for this position. This range takes intoaccount a variety of factors that are considered in makingcompensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge,abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and otherbusiness and organizational needs. Salary offers are determinedbased on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, aswell as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipatedpay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

The Science Laboratory Technician performs specialized technicalwork in support of undergraduate instructional laboratories acrossthe physical sciences and related scientific disciplines. Thisposition applies scientific principles, laboratory techniques,quantitative calculations, and technical problem-solving toprepare, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratoryexperiments, instrumentation, and equipment.

Working in collaboration with faculty, course laboratorycoordinators, and laboratory operations staff, the technicianinterprets experimental protocols, determines material andequipment requirements, prepares chemical solutions and reagents,evaluates equipment functionality, and resolves technical issuesthat affect laboratory readiness and experimental outcomes. Theposition requires an understanding of scientific methods,laboratory instrumentation, chemical properties, and safelaboratory practices to support consistent, reliable, and safeinstructional experiences.

The technician exercises independent judgment in organizinglaboratory preparation activities, adapting established proceduresto available equipment and materials, identifying technical andsafety concerns, and maintaining compliance with universitypolicies and applicable regulations. The position also supportslaboratory inventory and procurement, hazardous-materialmanagement, documentation, and the training and work direction ofstudent employees.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Preparation and Experimental Implementation

• Interpret experimental protocols and laboratory procedures todetermine the equipment, chemicals, reagents, materials,quantities, and preparation methods required for assignedexperiments.
• Calculate and prepare chemical solutions, reagents, dilutions,and other laboratory materials using appropriate scientificcalculations, measurement techniques, and establishedprocedures.
• Assemble and configure experimental apparatus, laboratorystations, and materials according to established protocols andtechnical specifications.
• Test experimental setups and prepared materials to identifydiscrepancies or conditions that could affect the execution orreliability of laboratory activities.
• Apply scientific principles and systematic troubleshootingmethods to resolve preparation errors, experimental setup issues,reagent discrepancies, and other technical problems.
• Determine material quantities and prepare appropriateallocations of supplies based on experimental protocols, enrollmentfigures, and scheduled laboratory activities.
• Develop, maintain, and revise laboratory preparation sheets,material lists, and experiment-specific technicalinstructions.
• Verify the identity, concentration where applicable, labeling,and readiness of prepared solutions and materials before use.
• Organize and maintain laboratory preparation areas to ensurematerials and experimental setups are ready for scheduledinstructional activities.

Laboratory Equipment, Instrumentation, Inventory, and Procurement

• Operate, inspect, assemble, and test laboratory equipment,scientific instruments, and apparatus to determine functionalityand readiness for use.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, operational checks, andbasic calibration where applicable, following equipmentspecifications and established procedures.
• Diagnose routine equipment malfunctions and performance issues;determine when specialized repair or technical support isrequired.
• Coordinate equipment servicing and repairs with vendors,service providers, and appropriate university personnel.
• Maintain equipment records, including inventory, location,condition, maintenance, and service history, as applicable.
• Monitor laboratory supplies and consumables, assess inventorylevels, anticipate replenishment needs, and identify shortages thatcould affect laboratory operations.
• Prepare purchase requests, place orders through universitypurchasing systems, communicate with vendors, coordinate receipt ofmaterials, and monitor order status.
• Reconcile purchasing card transactions and maintain supportingprocurement documentation in accordance with universityprocedures.
• Evaluate equipment and supply options and recommend practical,cost-conscious solutions to meet laboratory needs.
• Receive, assemble, test, and organize newly acquired equipmentand materials; maintain accurate inventory records for itemsreceived.

Laboratory Safety, Hazardous Materials, and Regulatory Compliance

• Apply university laboratory safety policies, establishedprocedures, and applicable regulatory requirements to assignedlaboratory activities.
• Assess chemical hazards and compatibility to supportappropriate chemical storage, segregation, labeling, and handlingpractices.
• Collect, label, segregate, store and document the disposal ofhazardous laboratory waste in accordance with university proceduresand applicable requirements.
• Inspect assigned laboratory areas and chemical storagelocations for safety deficiencies, improper storage, labelingissues, and other potential hazards.
• Correct safety deficiencies within the scope of the positionand promptly report hazards or compliance concerns requiringadditional action.
• Maintain required safety and compliance records, includinghazardous-waste documentation, chemical-related records, andapplicable inspection documentation to prepare for EHSinspections.
• Review and update laboratory safety procedures and relateddocumentation to support consistent practices and compliance withapplicable requirements.

Instructional Coordination, Technical Guidance, and Student Employee Oversight

• Coordinate laboratory schedules, preparation timelines, andoperational requirements with faculty, instructors, and laboratoryoperations staff.
• Communicate course-specific logistical needs, equipmentlimitations, material shortages, and scheduling conflicts torelevant personnel in a timely manner.
• Provide technical guidance to faculty, instructors, andundergraduate students regarding established laboratory methods andappropriate equipment use.
• Demonstrate established equipment operating procedures andlaboratory techniques when needed to support instructionalactivities.
• Train student employees on assigned laboratory tasks,established procedures, and applicable safety expectations.
• Assign and monitor student employee work, provide task-specificguidance, and verify completion of assigned responsibilities.
• Coordinate competing requests and communicate operationalpriorities to help ensure laboratory activities are supportedwithin established timelines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or a closelyrelated science or STEM discipline from an accredited institution.Or a combination of coursework and work experience that wouldprepare someone for this role.
• One year of laboratory experience involving scientifictechniques, laboratory equipment, experimental preparation,instrumentation, or laboratory operations.
• Knowledge of scientific principles and laboratory methodsrelevant to the assigned discipline.
• Experience preparing chemical solutions, reagents, dilutions,or other laboratory materials using appropriate measurements andcalculations.
• Working knowledge of laboratory apparatus, scientificequipment, and routine maintenance practices.
• Ability to interpret experimental protocols, apply quantitativecalculations, identify technical problems, and troubleshootpreparation or equipment issues.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, chemical hazardcommunication, chemical storage compatibility, andhazardous-material handling and disposal.
• Ability to maintain accurate technical records, inventorydocumentation, and laboratory procedures.
• Ability to organize work independently, prioritize multiplerequirements, and meet fixed instructional deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and theability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, vendors,and laboratory operations personnel.
• Proficiency with standard office applications, spreadsheets,and email, and the ability to learn university purchasing andinventory systems.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting undergraduate instructional laboratoriesin higher education.
• Experience operating or maintaining scientific instrumentation,such as spectrometers, chromatographic instruments, or otheranalytical equipment relevant to assigned courses
• Working knowledge of operation, maintenance, and proper storageof visible, UV, IR spectrometers, HPLC, GC, and LC
• Experience with equipment calibration, preventive maintenance,quality control checks, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience developing, testing, or documenting laboratoryprocedures and experimental protocols.
• Experience with chemical inventory management, hazardous-wasteprocedures, and laboratory safety compliance.
• Experience in training or providing work direction to studentemployees.
• Familiarity with electronic inventory, procurement, orlaboratory management systems.

Special Instructions to Applicants

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives throughin-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, andemployees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staffeach day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that providesequal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless oftheir protected characteristics. All qualified applicants andemployees are encouraged to apply and will receive considerationfor employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex,sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, nationalorigin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mentaldisability, medical condition, military and veteran status, maritalstatus, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristicprotected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currentlyauthorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completionand outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning tothe Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of theChapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Minimum Number of References

2

Maximum Number of References

3

Pre-screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. 3 References Listed on One Page

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Letter of Recommendation 1
3. Letter of Recommendation 2