Laboratory Technician

Position: Laboratory Technician I
Position Title:

Laboratory Technician I

Job Group:

Merit

Required

Minimum Qualifications:

* 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.

Special

Required Qualifications

Valid U.S. Driver's License

Job Description:

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University is seeking a Laboratory Technician I to support research and development activities within the Polymer and Food Protection Consortium (PFPC). This position plays a key role in processing recycled plastics and packaging materials, supporting applied research projects, maintaining specialized equipment, and coordinating materials used in laboratory and pilot-scale operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who enjoy hands-on technical work, operating industrial equipment, troubleshooting mechanical systems, and contributing to innovative sustainability and materials research initiatives.

What You'll Do

As a Laboratory Technician I, you will:

* 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.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a hands-on, mechanically inclined individual who enjoys working with equipment, troubleshooting technical issues, and supporting applied research projects. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented and capable of following established procedures while maintaining accurate records and documentation. They will possess 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 are important, as this role involves coordinating with faculty, staff, students, and external partners. A willingness to learn new equipment, processes, and technologies, along with a proactive approach to supporting research and operational goals, will contribute to success in this position.

Preferred Qualifications

* 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.

Why Join Us?

At Iowa State University, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to innovative research focused on sustainability, recycling technologies, and advanced materials. You'll work alongside researchers, students, and industry partners while gaining experience with specialized processing equipment and applied research projects that have real-world impact.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

This is a one-year term position with opportunity for renewal.

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

* 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

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment, or call  or Toll Free:

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

July 26, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

06

Original Posting Date:

June 9, 2026

Posting Close Date:

June 19, 2026

Job

Requisition Number:

R19379

Iowa State…