University Instrument Center Laboratory Technician

Western Washington University•Bellingham, WA

21h•$4,429 - $5,952•Onsite

About The Position

The University Instrument Center (UIC) Lab Tech is an entry-level professional position within Scientific Technical Services (SciTech), a department that supports research, scholarship, and teaching across all colleges at Western Washington University through advanced multi-user scientific instrumentation, machine and electronics shops, and equipment design, fabrication, and repair services. Working under the guidance of the Director and other experienced SciTech staff, the UIC Lab Tech assists with the operation, maintenance, and user support of scientific instrumentation used in instructional and research activities. Responsibilities include training users on routine instrument operation, monitoring instrument use, assisting with analytical testing, supporting classroom and laboratory demonstrations, and helping maintain laboratory and instrumentation facilities. This position is designed to provide opportunities for professional growth and skill development in analytical instrumentation, laboratory operations, and research support. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, a commitment to customer service, and a willingness to learn new instrumentation and analytical techniques. Prior expertise with all instrumentation is not expected, as training will be provided. The UIC Lab Tech does not have supervisory responsibilities and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to support a safe, effective, and accessible laboratory environment. The State HR classification for this position is Instructional & Classroom Support Technician 3. Funding for this position is provided for an initial one-year term and may be renewed, subject to available funding and programmatic needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical discipline (e.g., chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, geology, environmental science, materials science, or engineering), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated commitment to providing high-quality customer service and technical support.
Ability to work independently under general supervision while effectively managing multiple priorities and collaborating professionally with SciTech staff, faculty, university staff, students, and external users from diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, along with demonstrated problem-solving, troubleshooting, and organizational abilities.
Experience operating scientific instrumentation and performing laboratory procedures in instructional, research, industrial, or other technical laboratory environments.
Experience preparing samples, reagents, solutions, and standards; collecting, organizing, and documenting scientific or technical data; and following established laboratory procedures and safety protocols.
Ability to recognize and respond to shifting departmental priorities by appropriately reprioritizing responsibilities, including adapting to short-notice changes in planned work activities to meet operational and user support needs.
Commitment to functioning as a collaborative and dependable team member in support of shared departmental goals, including the effective operation of the UIC and the success of its users.
Proficiency with standard computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting laboratory instruction, scientific research, instrumentation, or related technical operations.
Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting analytical instrumentation in instructional, research, industrial, or shared-use laboratory environments.
Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following instrument categories: Chromatography systems, including GC, HPLC, UHPLC, or related techniques. Mass spectrometry instrumentation, including GC-MS, LC-MS, MALDI-MS, or related systems. Optical microscopy instrumentation, including brightfield, fluorescence, confocal, or Raman microscopy. Electron microscopy instrumentation, including SEM, EDS, or related techniques. Spectroscopic instrumentation, including UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman, fluorescence, atomic absorption, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, or related methods.
Experience with instrument control software, scientific data analysis, and interpretation of analytical results.
Experience developing or following laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), user guides, or other technical documentation.
Experience providing technical instruction, user training, mentoring, or laboratory support in educational, research, or shared-use laboratory settings.
Demonstrated ability to learn new instrumentation, software platforms, and analytical techniques and apply those skills in support of teaching, research, and service activities.

Responsibilities

Train faculty, staff, students, and external users in the safe and effective operation of scientific instrumentation.
Assist users with instrument setup, operation, data collection, and routine data processing for instructional and research activities.
Provide guidance on sample preparation, instrument capabilities, analytical workflows, and established best practices.
Assist in troubleshooting routine instrument, software, and sample preparation issues and refer complex problems to senior staff or faculty as appropriate.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, user guides, training materials, and other instructional resources.
Support classroom, laboratory, and research activities through demonstrations and hands-on instruction.
Foster a safe, collaborative learning environment that promotes user proficiency and confidence with scientific instrumentation.
Support the day-to-day operation of the UIC by maintaining instrumentation, laboratory spaces, and equipment in a safe, organized, and functional condition.
Prepare reagents, calibration standards, quality control samples, and other materials for instructional and research activities.
Assist with the procurement, inventory management, and organization of equipment, supplies, chemicals, and consumables.
Handle, store, and dispose of chemical waste and hazardous materials in accordance with university policies and regulatory requirements.
Maintain records related to instrument maintenance, laboratory operations, and safety activities.
Develop and maintain technical expertise in analytical instrumentation, laboratory practices, and emerging technologies.
Perform routine maintenance, operational checks, calibrations, and minor troubleshooting to ensure reliable and safe instrument operation.
Identify instrument performance issues and coordinate repairs with vendors, service providers, senior staff, or faculty as needed.
Maintain service records and documentation related to instrument maintenance and performance.
Provide basic instrumentation support, troubleshooting, and maintenance assistance to other academic units as requested.
Coordinate equipment scheduling to ensure efficient and equitable access for instructional, research, and service activities.
Monitor instrument availability and communicate maintenance schedules, outages, and operational updates to users.
Monitor inventory levels of compressed gases and related laboratory supplies used within the UIC.
Coordinate the ordering, receipt, storage, and replacement of gas cylinders and associated materials to support uninterrupted operations.
Ensure compressed gases are handled, stored, and documented in accordance with university safety policies and applicable regulations.
Develop expertise in the operation, maintenance, and application of scientific instrumentation.
Assume increasing levels of responsibility as technical knowledge and competencies are acquired.
Build proficiency in chromatography (GC and LC), ICP, and microCT instrumentation.
Expand expertise into mass spectrometry, advanced imaging, and other specialized analytical techniques as experience and proficiency increase.
Participate in ongoing professional development to support the evolving needs of the UIC and its users.
Perform other duties and special projects in support of the teaching, research, service, and operational missions of the UIC and SciTech.
Contribute to departmental initiatives and emerging operational needs as assigned.