Laboratory Operations Specialist

Job SummaryLaboratory Operations Specialist, P2/P3College of Science | Research Instrumentation CenterTurn your technical expertise into meaningful support for scientific discovery. The College of Science is seeking a Laboratory Operations Specialist to join the Research Instrumentation Center (RIC), supporting sophisticated instrumentation and helping faculty, students, and staff conduct high-quality research.In this role, you will support the day-to-day operation of laboratory spaces and instrumentation, train researchers on proper instrument use and data acquisition, and help maintain a safe, efficient, and collaborative laboratory environment.What You’ll DoSupport or oversee daily laboratory operations and provide guidance to RIC users.Train faculty, students, and staff on instrument operation, data acquisition, and basic analysis.Perform routine maintenance, calibration, tuning, troubleshooting, and repair of instrumentation.Provide sample analysis services, including mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, and/or CHN analysis.Manage instrument scheduling and laboratory access systems.Partner with customers to understand needs, establish expectations, and provide effective service.Help develop and implement policies, procedures, training resources, and standards that strengthen RIC operations.Collaborate with management and faculty on laboratory initiatives and continuous improvements.Participate in outreach through presentations, posters, talks, and other educational activities.P2 Laboratory Operations SpecialistAt the P2 level, you will work under general supervision while building expertise in RIC instrumentation and operations. You will assist with oversight of laboratory users, instrumentation, training, maintenance, troubleshooting, and the development of new processes and procedures.P3 Laboratory Operations SpecialistAt the P3 level, you will work with greater independence, overseeing assigned laboratory operations and serving as a subject matter expert for at least one type of instrumentation. You will take a larger role in developing training materials, establishing policies and procedures, troubleshooting instrumentation, and identifying opportunities to increase the RIC’s effectiveness and impact.Dual-Level OpportunityThis position may be filled at the P2 or P3 level commensurate with the education and experience of the chosen candidate. The selected level will be determined by the hiring manager based on the successful candidate’s education and experience.Join the College of Science and bring your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach to an environment supporting research across the University.What We're Looking ForEducation and Experience Required:As the P2 Laboratory Operations Specialist you will need the following:Bachelor's degreeMinimum of Two (2) years of experienceoperating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing scientific equipment and instrumentationtraining or mentoring less experienced researchers in using scientific equipment and instrumentationpreparing samples and performing instrumental analysis including quantificationPreferred:Advanced degreeExperience in an academic core facility environment Experience in performing trace level elemental quantification using ICP-MSExperience with optical spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and/or electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopyExperience with iLab online equipment reservation/billing softwareAs the P3 Laboratory Operations Specialist you will need the above and following:Master's degreeMinimum of two (2) years of experience is required.Experience in operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing scientific equipment and instrumentationExperience in training or mentoring less experienced researchers in using scientific equipment and instrumentationExperience in preparing samples and performing instrumental analysis including quantificationAn equivalent combination of education and experience may also be consideredRequired SkillsSkills Required:For both levels you will need the following:Instrument Maintenance & Repair: Practical skills in troubleshooting and electromechanical repair, vacuum system maintenance, optical alignment, temperature and flow control, and routine tuning/calibration to fix complex multi-component instrument failures independentlyWet Chemistry & Sample Preparation: Expertise in chemical handling, micro-pipetting, weighing, acid digestion procedures, standard/reference solution preparationAnalytical Method Development: Ability to apply analytical parameters to adapt standard protocols for non-routine or complex sample typesAdvanced Data Processing & Software Proficiency: Proficiency in specialized vendor software for data analysis and presentationEHS & Chemical Safety Compliance: Thorough operational knowledge of OSHA/university safety protocols, Chemical Hygiene Plans (CHP), SDS interpretation, proper storage of incompatible chemicals, and regulated hazardous/toxic waste segregationAsset & Logistics Management: Skills in inventory control, spare parts procurement, vendor contract negotiation, and preventative maintenance scheduling to minimize instrument downtimePedagogy & Technical Instruction: The capability to break down complex physical and chemical principles into structured, accessible instruction for users with varying skill levelsExperimental Design & Troubleshooting (Scientific Method): Ability to follow established protocols to evaluate research hypotheses, diagnose common analytical anomalies, identify sample contamination, and suggest alternative experimental approachesTechnical Writing & Scientific Communication: Ability to assist in drafting clear, concise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), contribute grant text (such as NSF/NIH instrumentation proposals), and contribute to methodological sections for peer-reviewed journal publicationsConsultative Communication & Project Management: Interpersonal skills to manage user expectations, scope project timelines, communicate analytical limitations clearly to non-expert clients, and handle core facility user dynamicsAdditional InformationPurdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position A background check will be required for employment in this positionFLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days -Summary of Benefits for Professional levels 1-3, Management levels 1-2 - Human Resources - Purdue University.Career StreamProfessional 2Pay Band S065Job Code #20003177Professional 3Pay Band S070Job Code #20003178Career path maker: Who We ArePurdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.Equal Opportunity EmployerPurdue University is an EOE employer.