Laboratory Technician

Washington and Lee University•Lexington, VA

About The Position

The Department of Cognitive & Behavioral Science Laboratory Technician supports teaching and research activities related to the department’s technological resources, equipment, and facilities. The role manages software and laboratory equipment installation and maintenance, monitors consumable supplies, provides logistical and instructional support for laboratory-based courses, teaches undergraduate students specific technological, laboratory, and research skills, and supports faculty research programs. The position assists faculty with technical instruction, laboratory demonstrations, and common research-related content, including research ethics and IRB and IACUC protocols and guidelines. It supports course and research preparation, student projects, independent studies, research design, statistical procedures, and IRB proposal development. The technician also supports animal-related teaching and research, participant recruitment, laboratory facilities and safety, equipment and supply management, and departmental policies and procedures for shared research resources. Washington and Lee University describes its campus community as welcoming and committed to recognizing the value of all persons and fostering a range of intellectual perspectives and backgrounds. The role is exempt, full-time, and benefit eligible. The expected annual salary is $72,000–$83,000. Offers may depend on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and market and organizational considerations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or an allied discipline.
Experience working in a behavioral science laboratory; psychology or behavioral neuroscience experience is preferred.
Experience with statistical software such as SPSS or R, experimental design or data-handling software such as E-Prime, Python, or MATLAB, and/or survey platforms such as Qualtrics or Prolific in research contexts.
Ability to assist with the care, handling, and use of laboratory animals, or willingness to acquire these skills.
Knowledge of laboratory safety, chemical storage, hazardous materials handling, and Safety Data Sheets, or willingness to acquire this knowledge.
Ability to work independently and communicate and interact effectively and professionally with faculty, staff, and students.

Nice To Haves

Formal postgraduate training or degree.
Experience in a psychology or behavioral neuroscience laboratory.

Responsibilities

Assist faculty with technical instruction in lectures and laboratories, including laboratory demonstrations and research-related content such as research ethics and IRB and IACUC protocols, policies, and guidelines.
Prepare chemical solutions, set up instrumentation, and ensure adequate supplies for classroom demonstrations, course laboratories, and faculty research projects.
Support faculty in developing experiments, demonstrations, and activities for teaching laboratories and courses.
Assist students with course projects, independent studies, research design, statistical procedures, and written feedback on IRB proposals.
Coordinate with animal care staff and assist with training and oversight of students to support faculty teaching and research while ensuring compliance with IACUC standards and approved animal-use protocols.
Assist faculty with training and oversight of students in animal behavioral and histological procedures.
Develop, maintain, and disseminate procedures for equitable in-person participant recruitment for course-related and programmatic research.
Assist faculty with research logistics to support productive and efficient research programs.
Maintain departmental facilities, including the condition, cleanliness, and safety of instructional laboratories, benchtop areas, and fume hoods.
Maintain, operate, assemble, and install laboratory instruments, and manage repairs and service contracts.
Manage teaching and research laboratory equipment and supplies cost-effectively within a prescribed budget.
Monitor inventory, issue purchase orders, maintain chemical, supply, and equipment records, and communicate with vendors.
Coordinate with Information Technology Services on computer maintenance, repairs, replacements, and software implementation.
Develop, maintain, and disseminate policies, processes, and standard operating procedures for access to shared research resources.
Serve as departmental liaison to the Chemical Hygiene Officer to support compliance with chemical hygiene and safety standards.
Perform other related duties as assigned.