Instructional Lab Tech

CORE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare solutions, reagents, equipment, and other materials for scheduled laboratory experiments, exercises, and demonstrations.
• Set up, test, and break down laboratory workstations and provide routine technical support before, during, and after instructional laboratory sessions.
• Pre-test laboratory experiments, setups, and equipment to verify functionality, identify potential problems, and ensure materials and workstations are ready for instruction.
• Operate, clean, maintain, and perform routine troubleshooting of laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Assist with minor repairs or equipment modifications as directed.
• Provide students, faculty, lecturers, and other laboratory users with guidance on established procedures and the safe use of equipment.
• Perform or coordinate routine inspection, calibration, preventive maintenance, and service of laboratory equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established procedures and manufacturer recommendations.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratories by assisting with cleanup and equipment reset for lab sessions.
• Ensure instructional laboratories are properly secured, organized, and restored to a safe and operational condition following laboratory activities.
• Provide students, faculty, lecturers, and other laboratory users with guidance on established procedures and the safe use of equipment.
• Follow laboratory health and safety requirements, including procedures for chemical handling, labeling, storage, waste disposal, and use of personal protective equipment. Promptly report hazards, incidents, and equipment concerns.
• Monitor laboratory supplies and chemicals; assist with ordering, receiving, cataloging, and maintaining inventory records. Support completion of annual chemical and equipment inventories.
• Maintain routine laboratory preparation, equipment, inventory, safety, and activity records and prepare reports as requested.
• Manage laboratory waste in accordance USC environmental, health, and safety policies, including segregation, labeling, storage, and coordination of disposal.
• Review technical references and established procedures to support the preparation and planning of instructional experiments.
• Prioritize instructional laboratory responsibilities and perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related science or engineering field.
• Two years of experience working in an instructional, academic, research, or comparable laboratory environment.
• Education, training, or work experience related to chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or another field relevant to the instructional laboratories.
• Experience preparing chemical solutions, reagents, and other laboratory materials using established procedures and safety protocols.
• Experience operating and performing routine maintenance or troubleshooting of laboratory equipment and data-acquisition systems.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, chemical handling, hazardous-waste procedures, inventory management, and computerized recordkeeping.
• Ability to organize and prioritize laboratory activities, communicate effectively with students and instructional personnel, and provide guidance on established laboratory procedures and equipment use.

This full-time position is designated as 100% onsite and is expected to report onsite five days per week. The essential functions of the position require a continuous physical presence to prepare and maintain instructional laboratories; handle chemicals, materials, and waste; operate and troubleshoot equipment and instrumentation; support faculty and students during scheduled laboratory sessions; manage inventories; and fulfill health and safety responsibilities that cannot be effectively performed remotely.

Employees are expected to report onsite during their scheduled work hours. Work hours will be arranged based on the instructional laboratory schedule and may occasionally include hours outside the standard business day to support scheduled instruction, laboratory preparation, maintenance, or urgent operational needs. This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work.

The hourly salary range for this position is $23.95 - $27.31 ($46,702.50 - $53,254.50 annualized). When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope of responsibilities,…