Natural Science Laboratory Support Technician

Division of Academic Affairs

Instructional Support Technician I

*** Temporary Position.  Appointment anticipated through June 30, 2026 with possible extension. ***

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES: 

Under supervision, performs comprehensive support for undergraduate Natural Science laboratory courses as assigned including but not limited to the following departments: Biology and Nursing. Duties include both preparation of materials for teaching labs and assistance in the general maintenance of laboratory facilities, their equipment, inventory of materials and supplies, and related logistical support.

Lab Preparation:

• Independently provides instructional support to the Natural Sciences laboratories within the School of Arts and Science.

• Prepares and ensure all equipment is in working condition for the different laboratories and activities.

• Prepares materials and solutions for teaching laboratory sections as per laboratory preparation guide manuals.

• Calibrate and adjust simulation lab equipment.

• Delivers materials and solutions to the laboratories and manage the return of these materials and solutions from laboratories.

• Manages the collection, storage, and removal of hazardous waste produced in the labs.

• Ensures that laboratories are cleaned and reset between experiments.

• Prepares sterile solid and liquid media, inventory of chemicals, reagents, specimens, and supplies, and working closely with instructional staff to meet laboratory needs.

• Ensures rooms are properly stocked for each week's lab.

• Stages necessary equipment and materials for instructors to conduct the laboratory activities.

• Assists with tests and procedures during laboratory classes.

• Creates and maintains prep notes for lab courses; review lab procedures and identify potential concerns or problems and evaluate laboratory practices for cost effectiveness and environmental impact by identifying ways to reduce waste and use non-toxic alternatives.

Maintenance:

• Maintains laboratory space upkeep and maintenance.

• Responsible for maintenance, operations, trouble-shooting, and minor repairs of technical equipment and scientific equipment

• Responsible for minor repairs of electrical and mechanical equipment.

• Cleans and maintains burners, replacement of tubing, specialized glassware, hot plates, water baths, etc.

• Cleans and maintains simulation lab equipment.

• Minor troubleshooting and maintenance of computer equipment and common software applications related to the

laboratories.

• Responds to any emergent concerns regarding correct and continuous operation of building equipment and scheduling of repairs with Heating and Air and Facilities Services. This includes chemical vapor hoods and snorkels, cold rooms and refrigerators, electrical outlets, the deionized water supply, leaking pipes, etc.

• Maintains, calibrates, and performs minor repairs on lab equipment.

• Maintenance, minor repair and calibration of new and used equipment.

Inventory:

• Ensures the common equipment in the teaching laboratories are properly stocked and maintained.

• Facilitates inventory of all laboratory consumables, glassware, software, and hardware.

• Works with the appropriate department administrative support coordinators/ other ISTs when ordering new equipment, consumables, glassware, software, and hardware.

• Maintains inventory and promptly disposes of obsolete and non-working equipment, including following all university procedures for disposal of electronic waste.

Lab Safety:

• Ensures biohazardous waste is properly handled, disposed, and stored.

• Maintains safe chemical storage including separating incompatible structures

• Maintains and ensure proper disposal of chemicals and materials.

• Takes electronic inventory of all chemicals, equipment, and must be keep materials up to date.

• Maintains Safety Data Sheets of all materials and must work with the EH&S to maintain safe working conditions, training, and property inventory.

• Communicates pertinent safety information to faculty, staff, and students within the appropriate department.

Participation in Biology department and technician meetings and activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION: 

Equivalent to two years of experience providing instructional support services for a unit or discipline, acting as a student assistant, or in producing materials or supplies related to the discipline.

OR

Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplie