Chemistry Laboratory Technician II

Job Title

Chemistry Laboratory Technician II

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

McAllen Higher Ed Center

Proposed Minimum Salary

$18.67 hourly

Job Location

McAllen, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

What We Want

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, dependable, and safety-conscious laboratory professional with experience supporting instructional laboratory environments. The candidate should possess strong knowledge of laboratory procedures, chemical handling, inventory management, and laboratory safety practices. They should be able to work independently while effectively collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to ensure laboratories are fully prepared and operational. The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent problem-solving, communication, and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced academic setting. Experience preparing chemistry laboratories, maintaining laboratory equipment, managing chemical inventories, complying with environmental health and safety regulations, and supporting undergraduate laboratory instruction is highly desirable. A commitment to providing quality support for teaching laboratories and fostering a safe learning environment is essential.

What You Need To Know

Salary: $18.67/hourly

Cover Letter & Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Other Requirements and Factors:

• Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as needed based on laboratory schedule and operational needs.

•  Ability to travel as needed to support laboratory operations and coordination with Texas A&M University–College Station.

Essential Duties/Tasks

• Laboratory Operations and Technical Support - Supports day-to-day chemistry laboratory operations for instructional laboratory courses and related STEM laboratory sections. Prepares, sets up, and turns over laboratory spaces, materials, and equipment to ensure readiness for scheduled laboratory activities. Tests, evaluates, and troubleshoots laboratory experiments and procedures to ensure proper function and reliability. Modifies, assembles, and operates scientific laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Prepares solutions, reagents, and chemical materials by measuring, weighing, and dispensing according to established procedures. Maintains laboratory safety during operations and ensures adherence to established safety protocols including the usage of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while handling hazardous chemicals and operating laboratory instrumentation. Supports chemical waste handling and disposal in accordance with federal, state, and university regulations. Assists with preparation and readiness for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) inspections, including verification of laboratory safety equipment and documentation. Travels to Texas A&M University–College Station as needed for coordination and training. Supports laboratory documentation including standard operating procedures (SOPs). Coordinates with faculty, staff, and laboratory personnel to ensure safe and efficient laboratory operations.

• Inventory and Laboratory Supply Management - Maintains laboratory inventory of chemicals, reagents, supplies, and equipment. Assists with ordering, receiving, storing, and organizing laboratory materials and supplies. Maintains accurate records related to inventory and laboratory operations. Communicates supply needs to the Laboratory Manager to ensure timely procurement of materials required for laboratory operations.

• Equipment Maintenance and Technical Support - Inspects, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory equipment and instrumentation to ensure proper functionality. Performs routine maintenance and coordinates repairs or service requests with appropriate personnel and vendors. Evaluates laboratory equipment performance and supports implementation of improvements as needed. Utilizes computer systems for equipment operation, data tracking, and laboratory documentation. Maintains a clean and organized laboratory environment, proper handling and disposal of chemical waste in accordance with established safety protocols, and routine cleaning of laboratory glassware and equipment.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Three years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BA in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology or related course work. 

• 2 years of laboratory experience.

• 2 years working in a clinical setting.

• 1 year working experience in a Chemistry lab.

• Experience in a science laboratory setting, clinical laboratory, medical laboratory, or other related technical laboratory environment. Experience in higher education instructional laboratories is preferred.

• Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance, troubleshooting experimental procedures, and development of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• OSHA 10 / HAZWOPER certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of chemistry laboratory operations, procedures, and safety practices, including chemical handling, preparation, storage, and disposal.

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.

• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations and standards, including EPA, OSHA, and Globally Harmonized System (GHS) requirements.

• Knowledge of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), hazardous materials, and related reference resources.

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and scientific procedures used in chemistry and related laboratory environments.

• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

• Ability to identify, assess, and resolve technical and operational problems in a laboratory environment.

• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, safety procedures, and operating instructions.

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and data analysis as required for laboratory preparation and reporting.

• Ability to adapt to changing laboratory needs, operational demands, and high-volume periods.

• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks accurately while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary laboratory support team.

• Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare routine reports, and follow established procedures and safety protocols.

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting the mission of Texas A&M University.

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices, including handling and disposal of chemical waste.

• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, laboratory data management systems, Windows-based environments, and internet research tools.

• Ability to operate specialized laboratory instruments, equipment, and software used in instructional laboratory settings.

Machines or equipment used in the performance of essential duties:

• General office equipment including computer, telephone, and calculator.

• Laboratory safety equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE), eyewash stations, and safety showers.

• Chemistry laboratory instrumentation and equipment including tabletop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, Shimadzu Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, Shimadzu gas chromatograph (GC), analytical balances, top-loading balances, hot plates, and laboratory drying ovens, as well as standard chemistry laboratory glassware and preparation equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally or constantly lift, carry, stoop, push, pull, or move objects as required.

• Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips. Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

• Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

• Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

• Standing for sustained periods of time.

• Close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.

• Close visual acuity to perform activities such as visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and operation of laboratory equipment, using measurement devices, and assembly or fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

• Mobility to accomplish tasks, including movement between work sites and laboratory areas.

Who We Are 

The Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen opened in Fall 2018 to expand access by bringing top-tier Texas A&M academic programs to the Rio Grande Valley.  The Center supports student success through high-quality programs aligned with career goals and partnerships that strengthen regional workforce development and economic growth.

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences.  Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. 

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays. 

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. 

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time.

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.

• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time  for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

Our Commitment 

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experience.  Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.