Laboratory Technician Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• One year of related laboratory experience, or Any combination of related experience and/or related undergraduate courses in physical or natural sciences that is equivalent to one year of full-time employment.
• Valid U.S. Driver's License
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
• Detail-oriented and capable of following established procedures while maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills, a commitment to safety and quality, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research and laboratory environment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• A willingness to learn new equipment, processes, and technologies, along with a proactive approach to supporting research and operational goals.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a laboratory, manufacturing, pilot plant, or research environment.
• Experience maintaining equipment logs, inventory records, or technical documentation.
• Familiarity with recycling, polymers, plastics processing, or packaging materials.
• Experience performing preventative maintenance and equipment repair.
• Welding and metal fabrication experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate polymer processing equipment, including pelletizing, blown film, cast film, and injection molding systems, to support research and development projects.
• Process, densify, and granulate recycled plastics and other materials for testing and recyclability assessments.
• Conduct experiments according to established protocols while documenting observations, processing conditions, and results.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical records.
• Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and refurbishment of laboratory and pilot-scale processing equipment.
• Assist with fabrication and welding projects to support equipment and facility needs.
• Coordinate the pickup, transport, inventory, and movement of materials between customer sites and university facilities.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and industry partners to support ongoing research activities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program