Science Lab Technician

Chapman University Careers•Irvine, CA

About The Position

The Science Laboratory Technician performs specialized technical work supporting undergraduate instructional laboratories across the physical sciences and related scientific disciplines. The role applies scientific principles, laboratory techniques, quantitative calculations, and technical problem-solving to prepare, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot experiments, instrumentation, and equipment. Working with faculty, course laboratory coordinators, and laboratory operations staff, the technician interprets experimental protocols, determines material and equipment requirements, prepares chemical solutions and reagents, evaluates equipment functionality, and resolves technical issues affecting laboratory readiness and experimental outcomes. The position requires knowledge of scientific methods, laboratory instrumentation, chemical properties, and safe laboratory practices to support reliable and safe instructional experiences. The technician exercises independent judgment in organizing preparation activities, adapting established procedures to available equipment and materials, identifying technical and safety concerns, and maintaining compliance with university policies and applicable regulations. The role also supports inventory and procurement, hazardous-material management, documentation, and training and work direction of student employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or a closely related science or STEM discipline from an accredited institution, or a combination of coursework and work experience that would prepare someone for the role.
One year of laboratory experience involving scientific techniques, laboratory equipment, experimental preparation, instrumentation, or laboratory operations.
Knowledge of scientific principles and laboratory methods relevant to the assigned discipline.
Experience preparing chemical solutions, reagents, dilutions, or other laboratory materials using appropriate measurements and calculations.
Working knowledge of laboratory apparatus, scientific equipment, and routine maintenance practices.
Ability to interpret experimental protocols, apply quantitative calculations, identify technical problems, and troubleshoot preparation or equipment issues.
Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, chemical hazard communication, chemical storage compatibility, and hazardous-material handling and disposal.
Ability to maintain accurate technical records, inventory documentation, and laboratory procedures.
Ability to organize work independently, prioritize multiple requirements, and meet fixed instructional deadlines.
Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate with faculty, students, vendors, and laboratory operations personnel.
Proficiency with standard office applications, spreadsheets, and email, and ability to learn university purchasing and inventory systems.

Responsibilities

Interpret experimental protocols and procedures to determine the equipment, chemicals, reagents, materials, quantities, and preparation methods required.
Calculate and prepare chemical solutions, reagents, dilutions, and other laboratory materials using appropriate scientific calculations, measurement techniques, and established procedures.
Assemble and configure experimental apparatus, laboratory stations, and materials according to protocols and technical specifications.
Test experimental setups and prepared materials to identify discrepancies or conditions that could affect laboratory activities.
Troubleshoot preparation errors, experimental setup issues, reagent discrepancies, and other technical problems using scientific principles and systematic methods.
Determine material quantities and allocate supplies based on protocols, enrollment figures, and scheduled laboratory activities.
Develop, maintain, and revise preparation sheets, material lists, and experiment-specific technical instructions.
Verify the identity, concentration where applicable, labeling, and readiness of prepared solutions and materials.
Organize and maintain laboratory preparation areas for scheduled instructional activities.
Operate, inspect, assemble, and test laboratory equipment, scientific instruments, and apparatus.
Perform routine preventive maintenance, operational checks, and basic calibration where applicable.
Diagnose routine equipment malfunctions and determine when specialized repair or technical support is required.
Coordinate equipment servicing and repairs with vendors, service providers, and university personnel.
Maintain equipment records, including inventory, location, condition, maintenance, and service history, as applicable.
Monitor supplies and consumables, assess inventory levels, anticipate replenishment needs, and identify shortages.
Prepare purchase requests, place orders through university purchasing systems, communicate with vendors, coordinate receipt of materials, and monitor order status.
Reconcile purchasing card transactions and maintain supporting procurement documentation in accordance with university procedures.
Evaluate equipment and supply options and recommend practical, cost-conscious solutions.
Receive, assemble, test, and organize newly acquired equipment and materials, and maintain accurate inventory records.
Apply university laboratory safety policies, established procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Assess chemical hazards and compatibility to support appropriate storage, segregation, labeling, and handling.
Collect, label, segregate, store, and document hazardous laboratory waste disposal in accordance with university procedures and applicable requirements.
Inspect laboratory areas and chemical storage locations for safety deficiencies, improper storage, labeling issues, and other potential hazards.
Correct safety deficiencies within the scope of the position and promptly report hazards or compliance concerns requiring additional action.
Maintain safety and compliance records, including hazardous-waste, chemical-related, and applicable inspection documentation.
Review and update laboratory safety procedures and related documentation.
Coordinate laboratory schedules, preparation timelines, and operational requirements with faculty, instructors, and laboratory operations staff.
Communicate logistical needs, equipment limitations, material shortages, and scheduling conflicts to relevant personnel.
Provide technical guidance to faculty, instructors, and undergraduate students on established laboratory methods and appropriate equipment use.
Demonstrate established equipment operating procedures and laboratory techniques when needed.
Train student employees on assigned tasks, established procedures, and applicable safety expectations.
Assign and monitor student employee work, provide task-specific guidance, and verify completion of responsibilities.
Coordinate competing requests and communicate operational priorities to support laboratory activities within established timelines.