Lab Technician IV

Auburn University•Auburn, AL

About The Position

The College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) seeks a Lab Technician IV within the CADC Research Office to oversee shop operations in the CADC Research Shop and support specialized equipment and its users. The Research Shop supports faculty and student research, teaching, and learning focused on mass timber, coastal resilience, and product prototyping. The role provides specialized technical support by maintaining, scheduling, and operating advanced equipment, while independently overseeing shop operations. It also manages the facility and safety program and develops and implements procedures that advance research and instructional objectives. This is a part-time position funded by external sources. Continued employment depends on funding availability and satisfactory performance. Additional external funding is expected but not guaranteed to be available to renew the position in future years. Typical hourly pay rates are between $23.34 and $26.67 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Six years of experience in research and/or laboratory equipment operations.
Job-related licensure may be required for specific positions; upon hire required, as stated in the posting.
When a candidate has the required education but lacks the required experience, relevant education may normally be applied toward the experience requirement at a rate of one year of relevant education per year of required experience.

Nice To Haves

Advanced technical proficiency with the CLT press, including operation and oversight of hydraulic systems, pressing-force calibration, electrical controls, and emergency shutdown mechanisms.
Expertise navigating the CLT press user interface, operational modes, maintenance icons, diagnostic messages, system history logs, and troubleshooting codes.
High technical judgment and equipment knowledge, with the ability to independently manage complex machinery essential to the Research Shop’s instructional and research mission.
Ability to perform preventive maintenance, identify system faults, and ensure safe, reliable equipment operation under varying use conditions.

Responsibilities

Oversee operation, maintenance, and training for specialized Research Shop equipment, including a cold-set Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) press, woodworking equipment, an Emriver Em4 Stream Table, and large-format 3-D printing equipment.
Maintain experiments, lab classroom setups, lab projects, and services.
Maintain supplies, equipment, and facilities used in research activities.
Provide expertise and advice concerning Research Shop operations and safety.
Collect and analyze data and perform observations for analysis.
Inventory and requisition supplies and equipment in support of research activities.
Coordinate the availability, use, and maintenance of laboratory equipment, materials, and key inventories.
Train faculty, staff, and students involved in research projects to operate equipment and follow related technical procedures.
Coordinate stakeholder needs across research, instructional, and outreach activities, ensuring responsive service and effective faculty access.
Oversee equipment maintenance, vendor relationships, service contracts, and technical troubleshooting to ensure operational reliability.
Coordinate with industry and/or other university researchers and provide input on experimental designs and practical implications of research results.
May assist with writing research papers and funding statements and with literature and record searches.
Assist faculty in preparing, teaching, or conducting laboratory courses and lecture demonstrations.
May provide additional support to other departments and CADC schools.