Chemistry Laboratory Technician II

Texas A&M • McAllen, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chemistry Laboratory Technician II supports the day-to-day operations of instructional chemistry laboratories and related STEM laboratory sections. This role involves preparing, setting up, and maintaining laboratory spaces, materials, and equipment to ensure readiness for scheduled activities. The technician will test and troubleshoot laboratory experiments, modify and operate scientific equipment, and prepare solutions and reagents. A key aspect of this role is maintaining laboratory safety, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, proper handling of hazardous chemicals, and compliance with environmental health and safety regulations. The position also supports chemical waste handling and disposal, assists with EHS inspections, and coordinates with faculty and staff for efficient laboratory operations. Additionally, the technician will manage laboratory inventory, assist with ordering and receiving supplies, and maintain accurate records. Equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and ensuring a clean laboratory environment are also core responsibilities. Travel to Texas A&M University–College Station may be required for coordination and training.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of related experience.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as needed based on laboratory schedule and operational needs.
• Ability to travel as needed to support laboratory operations and coordination with Texas A&M University–College Station.
• Knowledge of chemistry laboratory operations, procedures, and safety practices, including chemical handling, preparation, storage, and disposal.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations and standards, including EPA, OSHA, and Globally Harmonized System (GHS) requirements.
• Knowledge of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), hazardous materials, and related reference resources.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and scientific procedures used in chemistry and related laboratory environments.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Ability to identify, assess, and resolve technical and operational problems in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, safety procedures, and operating instructions.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and data analysis as required for laboratory preparation and reporting.
• Ability to adapt to changing laboratory needs, operational demands, and high-volume periods.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks accurately while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary laboratory support team.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare routine reports, and follow established procedures and safety protocols.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting the mission of Texas A&M University.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices, including handling and disposal of chemical waste.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, laboratory data management systems, Windows-based environments, and internet research tools.
• Ability to operate specialized laboratory instruments, equipment, and software used in instructional laboratory settings.
• General office equipment including computer, telephone, and calculator.
• Laboratory safety equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE), eyewash stations, and safety showers.
• Chemistry laboratory instrumentation and equipment including tabletop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, Shimadzu Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, Shimadzu gas chromatograph (GC), analytical balances, top-loading balances, hot plates, and laboratory drying ovens, as well as standard chemistry laboratory glassware and preparation equipment.

Nice To Haves

• BA in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology or related course work.
• 2 years of laboratory experience.
• 2 years working in a clinical setting.
• 1 year working experience in a Chemistry lab.
• Experience in a science laboratory setting, clinical laboratory, medical laboratory, or other related technical laboratory environment.
• Experience in higher education instructional laboratories is preferred.
• Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance, troubleshooting experimental procedures, and development of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• OSHA 10 / HAZWOPER certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supports day-to-day chemistry laboratory operations for instructional laboratory courses and related STEM laboratory sections.
• Prepares, sets up, and turns over laboratory spaces, materials, and equipment to ensure readiness for scheduled laboratory activities.
• Tests, evaluates, and troubleshoots laboratory experiments and procedures to ensure proper function and reliability.
• Modifies, assembles, and operates scientific laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Prepares solutions, reagents, and chemical materials by measuring, weighing, and dispensing according to established procedures.
• Maintains laboratory safety during operations and ensures adherence to established safety protocols including the usage of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while handling hazardous chemicals and operating laboratory instrumentation.
• Supports chemical waste handling and disposal in accordance with federal, state, and university regulations.
• Assists with preparation and readiness for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) inspections, including verification of laboratory safety equipment and documentation.
• Travels to Texas A&M University–College Station as needed for coordination and training.
• Supports laboratory documentation including standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinates with faculty, staff, and laboratory personnel to ensure safe and efficient laboratory operations.
• Maintains laboratory inventory of chemicals, reagents, supplies, and equipment.
• Assists with ordering, receiving, storing, and organizing laboratory materials and supplies.
• Maintains accurate records related to inventory and laboratory operations.
• Communicates supply needs to the Laboratory Manager to ensure timely procurement of materials required for laboratory operations.
• Inspects, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory equipment and instrumentation to ensure proper functionality.
• Performs routine maintenance and coordinates repairs or service requests with appropriate personnel and vendors.
• Evaluates laboratory equipment performance and supports implementation of improvements as needed.
• Utilizes computer systems for equipment operation, data tracking, and laboratory documentation.
• Maintains a clean and organized laboratory environment, proper handling and disposal of chemical waste in accordance with established safety protocols, and routine cleaning of laboratory glassware and equipment.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Free exercise programs and release time.
• All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.
• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED