Laboratory Operations Specialist

Laboratory Operations Specialist

Purdue University – Energy & Utilities

Play a key role in keeping Purdue’s campus running safely, efficiently, and reliably. At Purdue, the work of utility and lab professionals underpins world‑class teaching and research, helping create the high quality environments where students, faculty, and staff can thrive.

University will be on a holiday break from December 24, 2025 to January 5, 2026. Applications received during this time will be held until we return. We wish you the best this holiday season.

Provide technical leadership for plant water and steam chemistry programs supporting boilers, cooling systems, chilled water, and other critical utilities. This role combines lab operations, data analysis, contracting support, and hands‑on problem solving in a highly collaborative environment.

• Support the development and disbursement of bid packages for water chemistry, RO systems, and related service contracts.
• Provide technical oversight, documentation, and reporting of key water treatment indicators and steam quality.
• Maintain accurate and timely records; analyze chemical demand, performance, consumption, and cost data to understand short‑ and long‑term impacts; identify opportunities for efficiency and optimization.
• Identify trends to drive predictive and corrective actions that improve water chemistry, steam quality, and system reliability.
• Support commissioning processes, including boiler chemical feeds, testing, and record‑keeping, ensuring treatments and system performance meet regulations, standards, and internal requirements.
• Provide direction and oversight to plant chemistry programs, reviewing data, monitoring performance, and communicating results with operations, maintenance, and leadership.
• Maintain regulatory compliance through proper sampling, analyses, documentation, reporting, and record retention.
• Write clear technical reports and support the training and development of lab personnel.
• Maintain analytical equipment and instrumentation; support quality‑related preventive maintenance programs.
• Perform calculations for regulatory reports and chemical evaluations to support accurate decision making.
• Support the evaluation and improvement of operating procedures related to water and steam chemistry, testing, and treatment.
• Investigate and evaluate new chemicals, equipment, processes, and procedures to improve the quality control program and reduce cost and risk.
• Analyze and treat boiler water, cooling tower water, chilled water, potable water, condensate, deionized water, process wastewater, lube oil, coal, ash, and other plant systems to maintain proper operating limits.
• Respond to plant chemistry issues, chemical spills, and other emergencies on a 24‑hour basis as part of a safety‑focused team.
• Demonstrate and promote a safety‑first culture, including proper use of PPE and adherence to established lab and plant safety procedures.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related subject.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in water chemistry or related field.
• Extensive experience with lab and industrial safety and personal protective equipment.
• Experience with appropriate calculation procedures to monitor performance of various plant equipment.
• Equivalent combination of high school diploma/GED and 7 years of experience will also be considered.

• Previous experience with utility plant or industrial de‑ionized and reverse osmosis boiler feed‑water systems, boiler and chilled water quality, and lubrication oil testing.
• Knowledge of power plant quality control procedures and various inspection techniques.
• Knowledge and experience with common lab equipment and techniques (Ion Chromatography preferred).

• Able to adapt and react to emergency situations and work under pressure.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, TEAMS, and Outlook.
• Work effectively with people from different viewpoints and backgrounds.

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.
• A background check will be required for employment in this position.
• FLSA:
  Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime).
• Retirement Eligibility:
  Defined Contribution Waiting Period.
• Benefit Statement:
  Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days.

• Professional 2
• Pay Band S065
• Job Code #

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Equal Opportunity Employer. Purdue University is an EOE employer.