STEM Instructional Lab Technician

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California is seeking a Laboratory Support Technician to prepare solutions, reagents, and materials for scheduled experiments and demonstrations, set up and test workstations, and provide routine technical support for instructional labs. You will assist with pre-testing experiments and maintain lab equipment and safety standards.

Responsibilities include proper handling and disposal of chemicals, inventory management, and maintaining clean, secure laboratories.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical training required.
• Minimum 1 year in instructional/academic lab environment or equivalent.
• Experience with chemical solutions, reagents, and materials following safety protocols.
• Experience operating and maintaining lab equipment and data-acquisition systems.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety, hazardous-waste procedures, inventory management.
• Ability to organize and prioritize lab activities and communicate with students and staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare solutions, reagents, equipment, and materials for scheduled experiments and demonstrations.
• Set up, test, and break down laboratory workstations and provide routine technical support before, during, and after sessions.
• Pre-test experiments and equipment to verify functionality and readiness for instruction.
• Operate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment; assist with minor repairs as directed.
• Guide students and staff on established procedures and safe use of equipment.
• Inspect, calibrate, and maintain equipment per procedures and manufacturer recommendations.
• Keep laboratories clean, organized, and safe; assist with cleanup and equipment reset for sessions.
• Ensure labs are secured and restored to a safe, operational condition after activities.
• Follow health and safety requirements for chemical handling, labeling, storage, waste disposal, and PPE; report hazards.
• Monitor supplies and chemicals; assist with inventory, ordering, receiving, and cataloging; support annual inventories.
• Maintain routine preparation, equipment, inventory, safety, and activity records and prepare reports.
• Manage laboratory waste per USC policies, including segregation, labeling, storage, and disposal coordination.
• Review references and procedures to support planning of instructional experiments.
• Prioritize instructional lab responsibilities and perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Equipment maintenance

Data acquisition

Safety compliance

Inventory management

Communication

Education

Associate's degree

Technical training

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Job description

The University of Southern California is seeking a Laboratory Support Technician to prepare solutions, reagents, and materials for scheduled experiments and demonstrations, set up and test workstations, and provide routine technical support for instructional labs. You will assist with pre-testing experiments and maintain lab equipment and safety standards.

Responsibilities include proper handling and disposal of chemicals, inventory management, and maintaining clean, secure laboratories.