Science Lab Technician

Job Description

Job Description

The Science Laboratory Technician performs specialized technical work in support of undergraduate instructional laboratories across the physical sciences and related scientific disciplines. This position applies scientific principles, laboratory techniques, quantitative calculations, and technical problem-solving to prepare, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments, instrumentation, and equipment.

Working in collaboration with faculty, course laboratory coordinators, and laboratory operations staff, the technician interprets experimental protocols, determines material and equipment requirements, prepares chemical solutions and reagents, evaluates equipment functionality, and resolves technical issues that affect laboratory readiness and experimental outcomes. The position requires an understanding of scientific methods, laboratory instrumentation, chemical properties, and safe laboratory practices to support consistent, reliable, and safe instructional experiences.

The technician exercises independent judgment in organizing laboratory preparation activities, adapting established procedures to available equipment and materials, identifying technical and safety concerns, and maintaining compliance with university policies and applicable regulations. The position also supports laboratory inventory and procurement, hazardous-material management, documentation, and the training and work direction of student employees.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Preparation and Experimental Implementation

• Interpret experimental protocols and laboratory procedures to determine the equipment, chemicals, reagents, materials, quantities, and preparation methods required for assigned experiments.
• Calculate and prepare chemical solutions, reagents, dilutions, and other laboratory materials using appropriate scientific calculations, measurement techniques, and established procedures.
• Assemble and configure experimental apparatus, laboratory stations, and materials according to established protocols and technical specifications.
• Test experimental setups and prepared materials to identify discrepancies or conditions that could affect the execution or reliability of laboratory activities.
• Apply scientific principles and systematic troubleshooting methods to resolve preparation errors, experimental setup issues, reagent discrepancies, and other technical problems.
• Determine material quantities and prepare appropriate allocations of supplies based on experimental protocols, enrollment figures, and scheduled laboratory activities.
• Develop, maintain, and revise laboratory preparation sheets, material lists, and experiment-specific technical instructions.
• Verify the identity, concentration where applicable, labeling, and readiness of prepared solutions and materials before use.
• Organize and maintain laboratory preparation areas to ensure materials and experimental setups are ready for scheduled instructional activities.

Laboratory Equipment, Instrumentation, Inventory, and Procurement

• Operate, inspect, assemble, and test laboratory equipment, scientific instruments, and apparatus to determine functionality and readiness for use.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, operational checks, and basic calibration where applicable, following equipment specifications and established procedures.
• Diagnose routine equipment malfunctions and performance issues; determine when specialized repair or technical support is required.
• 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 inventory levels, anticipate replenishment needs, and identify shortages that could affect laboratory operations.
• Prepare purchase requests, place orders through university purchasing systems, communicate with vendors, coordinate receipt of materials, and monitor order status.
• Reconcile purchasing card transactions and maintain supporting procurement documentation in accordance with university procedures.
• Evaluate equipment and supply options and recommend practical, cost-conscious solutions to meet laboratory needs.
• Receive, assemble, test, and organize newly acquired equipment and materials; maintain accurate inventory records for items received.

Laboratory Safety, Hazardous Materials, and Regulatory Compliance

• Apply university laboratory safety policies, established procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements to assigned laboratory activities.
• Assess chemical hazards and compatibility to support appropriate chemical storage, segregation, labeling, and handling practices.
• Collect, label, segregate, store and document the disposal of hazardous laboratory waste in accordance with university procedures and applicable requirements.
• Inspect assigned laboratory areas and chemical storage locations for safety deficiencies, improper storage, labeling issues, and other potential hazards.
• Correct safety deficiencies within the scope of the position and promptly report hazards or compliance concerns requiring additional action.
• Maintain required safety and compliance records, including hazardous-waste documentation, chemical-related records, and applicable inspection documentation to prepare for EHS inspections.
• Review and update laboratory safety procedures and related documentation to support consistent practices and compliance with applicable requirements.

Instructional Coordination, Technical Guidance, and Student Employee Oversight

• Coordinate laboratory schedules, preparation timelines, and operational requirements with faculty, instructors, and laboratory operations staff.
• Communicate course-specific logistical needs, equipment limitations, material shortages, and scheduling conflicts to relevant personnel in a timely manner.
• Provide technical guidance to faculty, instructors, and undergraduate students regarding established laboratory methods and appropriate equipment use.
• Demonstrate established equipment operating procedures and laboratory techniques when needed to support instructional activities.
• Train student employees on assigned laboratory tasks, established procedures, and applicable safety expectations.
• Assign and monitor student employee work, provide task-specific guidance, and verify completion of assigned responsibilities.
• Coordinate competing requests and communicate operational priorities to help ensure laboratory activities are supported within established timelines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or a closely related science or STEM discipline from an accredited institution. Or a combination of coursework and work experience that would prepare someone for this role.
• One year of laboratory experience involving scientific techniques, laboratory equipment, experimental preparation, instrumentation, or laboratory operations.
• Knowledge of scientific principles and laboratory methods relevant to the assigned discipline.
• Experience preparing chemical solutions, reagents, dilutions, or other laboratory materials using appropriate measurements and calculations.
• Working knowledge of laboratory apparatus, scientific equipment, and routine maintenance practices.
• Ability to interpret experimental protocols, apply quantitative calculations, identify technical problems, and troubleshoot preparation or equipment issues.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, chemical hazard communication, chemical storage compatibility, and hazardous-material handling and disposal.
• Ability to maintain accurate technical records, inventory documentation, and laboratory procedures.
• Ability to organize work independently, prioritize multiple requirements, and meet fixed instructional deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability 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 and inventory systems.

Chapman University is a nationally ranked institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California’s most diverse and vibrant regions. The university achieved R2 status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction held by just 10 percent of all U.S. universities.

Chapman University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status or sexual orientation in the administration of its education policies or any other policies or programs administered by the university.

Company Description

Chapman University is a nationally ranked institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California’s most diverse and vibrant regions. The university achieved R2 status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction held by just 10 percent of all U.S. universities. \r\n\r\nChapman University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status or sexual orientation in the administration of its education policies or any other policies or programs administered by the university.