Research Instrumentation Technician

Opportunity Snapshot

• Position Type: Full-Time Temporary Assignment
• Duration: Approximately 2 months with potential for extension
• Location: Athens, Ohio
• Pay: Starting at $24.65 per hour
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
• Industry: Higher Education / Scientific Research

About the Opportunity
Our client is seeking a hands-on technical professional to support research operations within a university chemistry and biochemistry department. This position combines machining, fabrication, equipment maintenance, and engineering support to help faculty and researchers develop, maintain, and improve specialized laboratory equipment and infrastructure.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving technical problems, building custom solutions, and working in a research-focused environment where no two days look exactly the same.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design, machine, fabricate, and modify custom scientific devices and research equipment from sketches, specifications, and CAD drawings.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain laboratory instruments, research equipment, and specialized systems.
• Operate and maintain machine shop equipment including lathes, drill presses, welding equipment, vacuum systems, and related tools.
• Assist with installation, modification, relocation, and testing of laboratory equipment and research infrastructure.
• Support compressed gas systems, water purification systems, vacuum equipment, and other research utilities.
• Work directly with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and contractors to develop safe and practical technical solutions.
• Promote laboratory safety and assist with maintaining PPE supplies, safety stations, and SDS/MSDS documentation.

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, potential weekend hours for events and labs
• Approximately 2-month duration
• Possibility of extension based on departmental needs
• The university closes for their winter break closure (WBC), starting on 12/25 and reopening on 1/4/27

Benefits

• Weekly pay
• Holiday pay and longevity bonus available after certain hour requirements are met
• Opportunity to gain campus experience

What We're Looking For
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3-5 years of relevant experience; OR
• Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and related professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in engineering technology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial technology, machining, mechatronics, chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in research laboratories, university settings, manufacturing, industrial maintenance, or technical service environments.
• Experience with scientific instrumentation, vacuum systems, compressed gases, water purification systems, or laboratory support equipment.
• CAD experience and the ability to fabricate components from technical drawings.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a technically skilled problem solver who enjoys hands-on work and can independently diagnose, repair, fabricate, and improve equipment. Successful candidates may come from backgrounds in machining, engineering technology, industrial maintenance, instrumentation, manufacturing support, or laboratory operations.
Candidates with experience supporting research, testing, or highly technical environments will be especially well suited for this opportunity.

About the Hiring Type
This is a full-time temporary assignment supporting a university department during a staffing transition. The initial assignment is expected to last approximately two months, with the potential for extension based on operational needs and project timelines.