Support Scientist

Widener University; Chester (Delaware County); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Widener University seeks a Support Scientist in the Science Department to ensure the smooth operation of equipment and instruments across teaching and research activities. You will troubleshoot, repair, and maintain chromatography, spectroscopy, MS, and NMR systems, and support faculty and students with instrument readiness.

Responsibilities include building and modifying lab apparatus, handling high-pressure gas cylinders safely, and assisting in the greenhouse duties on the Kirkbride rooftop.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, engineering or related field.
• Experience with scientific laboratory instrumentation in academic or research settings.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic machining, assembly and repairs.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, including high-pressure gas cylinders and hazardous materials.
• Ability to operate and maintain complex analytical instruments and related software.
• Strong troubleshooting, organizational and time-management skills; able to work independently.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to support faculty, staff, and students.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoots mechanical, electronic, and software issues on scientific instruments used across the science division.
• Applies basic machining and construction skills to build, modify, and repair apparatus used in laboratory instruction and research.
• Safely handles and replaces high-pressure gas cylinders.
• Maintains, operates, and troubleshoots major analytical instruments including chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and NMR systems, ensuring calibration and safety.
• Supports teaching and research by preparing equipment and assisting faculty and students.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Machining basics

Laboratory instrumentation

NMR systems

Chromatography equipment

Spectroscopy equipment

Communication skills

Time management

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, engineering

Job description

Widener University is currently seeking a Support Scientist in the Science department. Reporting to the Associate Dean, the Support Scientist ensures the effective operation of the Science Department by maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting a wide range of scientific instrumentation and laboratory equipment. The position supports faculty and students by preparing equipment for teaching and research, maintaining specialized instruments, and ensuring safe and reliable laboratory operations. Through technical expertise and responsive support, the Support Scientist enhances the quality of scientific instruction and research across the division.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties

• Troubleshoots mechanical, electronic, and software issues for scientific instrumentation used across the science division.
• Applies basic machining and construction skills to build, modify, and repair apparatus used in laboratory instruction and research.
• Safely handles and replaces high-pressure gas cylinders.
• Maintains, operates, and troubleshoots all major analytical instruments in the Science Division including chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and NMR systems ensuring proper calibration, part replacement, safety management, and readiness for teaching and research use.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Maintains greenhouse plant collections housed on the Kirkbride rooftop.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Science department and Widener University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related scientific or technical discipline and/or previous work experience.
• Experience working with scientific laboratory instrumentation in an academic or research setting.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic machining, assembly, and equipment repair.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, including safe handling of high-pressure gas cylinders and hazardous materials.
• Ability to learn, operate, and maintain complex analytical instruments and related software.
• Strong troubleshooting, organizational, and time-management skills with the ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to support faculty, staff, and students.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS

• Must be able to lift and move laboratory equipment and gas cylinders up to 50 pounds with proper safety techniques.
• Subject to periods of standing, bending, climbing stairs, reaching, and performing repetitive motions.
• Works in laboratory, mechanical, and rooftop greenhouse environments, which may involve exposure to noise, fumes, or temperature variations.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours to support instrumentation maintenance or research needs.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D