Research Technician II (Lab)

Job Title

Research Technician II (Lab)

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Adloc Cooperative Agriculture And Research Center

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

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The Research Technician II (Lab) will support the daily operations of the chemistry laboratory by ensuring proper maintenance of equipment, compliance with safety standards, and assisting students and researchers. This role requires strong technical expertise in analytical instrumentation, organizational skills for inventory and purchasing, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient laboratory environment.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.  ​

Responsibilities:

• Operates, calibrates, maintains, and troubleshoots analytical instruments including HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis, ICP-MS, IC, TOC, and CHNS systems to ensure laboratory functionality and research continuity.
• Maintains inventory of chemicals, consumables, and laboratory equipment while coordinating procurement and ensuring timely replenishment of supplies.
• Enforces laboratory safety procedures, conducts inspections, maintains compliance documentation, and supports institutional and regulatory audit readiness.
• Trains students on laboratory techniques and instrument operation while assisting faculty and researchers with experimental setup and technical support.
• Maintains calibration records, maintenance logs, instrument usage documentation, and prepares reports related to inventory, safety, and laboratory operational efficiency.
• Participates in college-wide events and performs other duties as assigned.

 
Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of related experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in solution preparation and accurate chemical handling techniques.
• Proficiency in operating advanced analytical tools such as HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis, and ICP-MS.
• Strong understanding of calibration procedures and preventive maintenance of instruments.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety standards and chemical waste management.
• Ability to guide students and staff in laboratory practices and instrument usage.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Experience with advanced analytical techniques and troubleshooting complex instruments.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Previous experience in an academic or research laboratory setting.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods while conducting experiments.
• Capability to lift and move laboratory equipment and chemical containers (up to 25 lbs.).
• Manual dexterity for handling delicate instruments and preparing solutions.
• Visual acuity to read instrument displays and chemical labels accurately.
• Comfort with wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles.
• Work primarily in a laboratory setting with exposure to chemicals and analytical instruments.
• Occasional handling of hazardous materials following strict safety protocols.
• Ability to work in environments requiring adherence to cleanliness and contamination control standards.
• Flexibility to work during extended hours or weekends when experiments require monitoring.

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.