Student Lab Technician- Chemistry POOL

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Center for Public Partnerships & Research seeks Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Technicians to support maintenance, setup, and safety in general chemistry labs on campus.

As a student hourly, you will assist with cleaning, organization, equipment checks, and coordination with faculty, helping provide a safe learning environment for freshmen and transfer students while developing practical lab skills.

Qualifications

• Good academic standing, as indicated on application materials.

Responsibilities

• 40% Laboratory Maintenance & Organization: Maintain cleanliness and order in lab and prep areas; ensure equipment and materials are returned to proper storage locations; restock supplies as needed.
• 30% Technical Support & Setup: Assist with the preparation and setup of lab materials and equipment for upcoming experiments; ensure all tools and instruments are functioning properly.
• 15% Safety & Compliance: Follow and reinforce lab safety protocols; report any hazards, spills, or equipment malfunctions to supervisors promptly.
• 10% Communication & Coordination: Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and peers; respond to requests and instructions in a timely and professional manner.
• 5% Learning & Development: Learn and apply new lab procedures, technologies, and tools; respond to feedback and adapt to evolving lab needs.

Job description

Position Overview

Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Technicians are primarily responsible for the general upkeep, organization, and maintenance of general chemistry laboratories, preparation areas, and storage spaces. These technicians play a critical support role in ensuring a safe, efficient, and well-equipped environment for students, many of whom are freshmen or transfer students new to college-level chemistry. Lab techs provide essential technical support to faculty and staff to help deliver a seamless and safe laboratory experience.

Job Description

40%- Laboratory Maintenance & Organization

• Maintain cleanliness and order in lab and prep areas; ensure equipment and materials are returned to proper storage locations; restock supplies as needed.

30%- Technical Support & Setup

• Assist with the preparation and setup of lab materials and equipment for upcoming experiments; ensure all tools and instruments are functioning properly.

15%- Safety & Compliance

• Follow and reinforce lab safety protocols; report any hazards, spills, or equipment malfunctions to supervisors promptly.

10%- Communication & Coordination

• Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and peers; respond to requests and instructions in a timely and professional manner.

5%- Learning & Development

• Learn and apply new lab procedures, technologies, and tools; respond to feedback and adapt to evolving lab needs.

Required Qualifications

• Good academic standing, as indicated on application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate student in Chemistry or a related field who has completed CHEM 130/135 (or equivalent courses), as indicated on application materials.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

• Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
• This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Contact Information to Applicants

Laboratory Program Director

Jason Applegate

[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$15.00

Anticipated Start Date

Monday September 14, 2026