Laboratory Technician

Washington and Lee University•Lexington, VA

8d•$72,000 - $83,000

About The Position

The Department of Cognitive & Behavioral Science Laboratory Technician supports teaching and research activities involving the department’s technological resources, equipment, and facilities. The role manages the installation and maintenance of software and laboratory equipment, monitors consumable supply inventories, 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 contributes to a welcoming campus community that values people with a wide range of intellectual perspectives and backgrounds. It supports faculty instruction and research, student projects and independent studies, laboratory safety and operations, equipment and supply management, and compliance with research and safety standards. The position is full-time, exempt, and benefit-eligible.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or an allied discipline.
Experience working in a behavioral science laboratory; a psychology or behavioral neuroscience setting is preferred.
Experience with statistical software such as SPSS or R, experimental design/data handling software such as E-Prime, Python, or MATLAB, and/or research survey platforms such as Qualtrics or Prolific.
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 courteously with faculty, staff, and students.

Nice To Haves

Formal postgraduate training or degree.
Behavioral science laboratory experience in a psychology or behavioral neuroscience setting.

Responsibilities

Assist faculty with technical instruction in lectures and laboratories, including laboratory demonstrations and research-related topics such as research ethics and IRB and IACUC protocols, policies, and guidelines.
Help prepare chemical solutions, set up instrumentation, and ensure adequate supplies for 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 help train and oversee students in accordance with IACUC standards and approved animal-use protocols.
Assist faculty in training and overseeing students in animal behavioral and histological procedures.
Develop, maintain, and disseminate procedures for equitable in-person participant recruitment for course-related and programmatic research.
Provide logistical support for faculty research programs.
Maintain departmental facilities, including laboratory condition, cleanliness, and safety in instructional laboratories, benchtop areas, and fume hoods.
Maintain, operate, assemble, and install laboratory instruments; manage repairs and service contracts.
Manage laboratory equipment and supplies cost-effectively within a prescribed budget; monitor inventory, issue purchase orders, maintain records, and communicate with vendors.
Coordinate with Information Technology Services regarding 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.