Instructional Support Technician

CSU Careers•San José, CA

17h

About The Position

The Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging is hiring an Instructional Support Technician I to support laboratory courses and related instructional activities. The role prepares laboratory materials and solutions, maintains supplies and equipment, supports food and laboratory safety procedures, and guides student assistants. It also provides assistance to faculty, staff, and students; performs general laboratory cleaning and maintenance; coordinates student locker assignments; and provides coverage for the Instructional Support Technician II. The position requires knowledge of nutrition/dietetics and food science support practices, chemical solutions and hazardous-material safety, and the use of laboratory and kitchen equipment. The incumbent must communicate professionally, organize competing work priorities, maintain records and sensitive information, and use workplace software. The role also calls for general awareness of emerging technologies, including AI, and willingness to develop skills for their responsible and ethical use in higher education. The anticipated hiring range is $5,631–$5,976 per month (Steps 16–19); the CSU salary range is $4,184–$6,096 per month (Steps 1–20). SJSU states that its employee benefits package is typically worth 30–35% of base salary. Employment requires satisfactory completion of a background check. Applications were accepted November 2–16, 2026, and the position is open until filled.

Requirements

Equivalent to two years of experience providing instructional support services for a unit or discipline, acting as a student assistant, or producing materials or supplies related to the discipline; a combination of education and experience will be considered.
Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully, including strong oral communication and customer service skills.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position.
Knowledge of principles of support and lead services and of methods and techniques related to nutrition/dietetics and food science.
Knowledge of curriculum materials and supplies and their uses.
Knowledge of preparing chemical solutions and related safety protocols, and of safety methods and regulations for handling and disposing of hazardous materials.
Ability to operate microscopes, pH meters, gas and electric ranges, stand mixers, blenders, and other laboratory and kitchen equipment.
Ability to maintain records-management databases and to work in a health- and safety-compliant scientific environment using perishable and hazardous materials.
Thorough knowledge of English grammar, business writing, punctuation, and spelling; ability to compose and format correspondence and reports.
Working knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet, and database-management software.
Ability to successfully complete the SJSU Defensive Driver Training Course and pass its exam.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and organize and plan work and projects.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive communications appropriately.
General awareness of emerging technologies, including AI, and willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices.
Satisfactory completion of a background check, including criminal records check, is required for employment.

Nice To Haves

Food safety experience or knowledge (strongly preferred).
Laboratory safety experience or knowledge (strongly preferred).
Chemical handling experience or knowledge (strongly preferred).
Technical background; knowledge of a food- or nutrition-related field is a plus.
Ability to operate, maintain, and set up equipment and troubleshoot repairs.
Proficiency with computer software such as Word, Excel, and Google Workspace.
Personnel management experience.

Responsibilities

Prepare, organize, distribute, and clean up laboratory supplies, equipment, food samples, solutions, and linens.
Follow food, laboratory, and hazardous-material safety procedures; maintain temperature logs and inspect safety equipment.
Train, guide, and oversee student assistants, and maintain student and instructional support handbooks.
Inventory and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, facilities, and instructional spaces, and report issues.
Assist faculty, staff, and students; coordinate student locker assignments; support procurement and departmental activities.
Perform general laboratory cleaning and maintenance and provide coverage for the Instructional Support Technician II.