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Scientific Instrument Technician

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicants are required to attach a resume, a cover letter and a list of references. The resume and cover letter must address and demonstrate how you meet each of the required and preferred qualifications.

Posting Information

Posting Information

Posting Number 2024336
Posting/Functional Title Scientific Instrument Technician
University Pay Plan Title Scientific Instrmnt Tech
Location San Marcos
Department Shared Research Operations
Recruitment Type Open to All
Job Type Full-Time
Funding Source
Monthly Salary $4,650 - $6,017
Job Category Non-Exempt
Required Qualifications: Applicants must specifically address how they meet these required qualifications to meet the requirements of the position.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a physical science, life science, engineering or closely related field.
  • Experience working as a laboratory scientist, technician, and/or equivalent position.
  • Experience with scientific equipment operation, calibration, maintenance, and/or troubleshooting.
  • Experience providing training, advice and/or direction in operational best practices of complex scientific equipment.
  • Knowledge of chemical hygiene, lab safety best practices and enforcement of the same.
  • Strong organization, record keeping, communication, and supervisory skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s or doctoral degree in a physical science, life science, engineering or closely related field.
  • Experience working in demanding technical environments (e.g. cleanroom, national lab, research center, Ultra High Vacuum equipment cluster, quality control/assurance lab, histology testing facility, chemical synthesis plant/refinery, equipment manufacturer).
  • Experience with optical microscopy, electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, spectroscopy, spectrometry, magnetic characterization and/or electrical characterization.
  • Experience with soft materials/life science sample preparation for optical and/or electron microscopy.
  • Experience with inorganic/materials science sample preparation for optical and/or electron microscopy.
  • Experience with laser scanning confocal microscopy and associated sample preparation protocols.
Job Description
The scientific instrument technician provides education and research support for a variety of science and engineering related disciplines and is responsible for all aspects of scientific instrumentation management including technical support, user training, safety, research capability development, and associated documentation for Shared Research Operations (SRO) laboratories.
Job Duties
  • Install, operate, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair complex scientific research instrumentation in areas such as microscopy, spectroscopy, spectrometry, electrical/magnetic characterization, epitaxy, device fabrication, and sample preparation.
  • Maintain, repair, troubleshoot, and liaise with vendors and/or facilities shops to ensure availability of laboratory and equipment support systems such as electronic control systems, vacuum systems, sensors/gauges/meters, deionized water, compressed dried air, high voltage, process chilled water, chillers/heat exchangers, recirculation pumps, cryogen storage and delivery, computer imaging/networking, compressed gas delivery, and uninterruptible power supplies.
  • Prioritize workload within a dynamic team to educate and guide a broad and interdisciplinary user base.
  • Supervise, train, interview/make hiring recommendations for, and evaluate work products of student workers employed in SRO facilities.
  • Coordinate with vendors to purchase consumables, spare parts, specialty tools, service visits, and software to support assigned equipment.
  • Utilize additive or subtractive techniques with appropriate materials (e.g. metal, plastic) to fabricate custom components and assemblies for repair or modification of scientific equipment.
  • Generate clear, concise, and grammatically correct documentation related to equipment service, facility statistics, user training, safety, student evaluations, standard operating procedures (SOPs), emergency operating procedures (EOPs), research capabilities, proposals, reports, and general correspondence.
  • Assist in the design, development, construction, testing, and documentation of custom equipment and experimental platforms.
  • Maintain strict safety standards by ensuring laboratories have a documented lab safety plan, chemical inventory/SDS binder, signage, and appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • Courteously interface with faculty, staff, student, and external users to facilitate the education, research, and outreach missions of Texas State University.
  • Provide oversight of facility users and policy enforcement to ensure proper operation of laboratory equipment under SRO’s stewardship.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional Information to Applicants
Applicants are required to attach a resume, a cover letter and a list of references. The resume and cover letter must address and demonstrate how you meet each of the required and preferred qualifications.
Job Open Date 02/12/2024
Job Close Date (posting closes at midnight)
Open Until Filled Yes
Normal Work Days Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Normal Work Hours Start 8:00AM
Normal Work Hours End 5:00PM
Posting Notices You will be required to electronically attach a list of references., You will be required to electronically attach a resume, cover letter, and chart to your application.
Legal and Required Notices
Texas State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.
Why work @ Texas State?
• Amazing health insurance: various coverage options starting your first day of employment for full-time employees with Texas State paying 100% of the employee premium and 50% for your dependents!
• Generous paid time off: vacation, holidays, sick days and many more!
• Excellent work life balance resources: mother and family-friendly resources in addition to a comprehensive FREE wellness program
• Great training and development opportunities: choose from a variety of classroom and online course offerings, learning resources, certifications, and employee educational support programs.
• An inclusive Bobcat community: join our many social networks offered on and off-campus
• Retirement peace of mind: TRS pension, retirement plans and voluntary saving options with generous employer contributions


By joining the Texas State Bobcat team, you’ll be a part of one of the most beautiful, diverse, and growing universities in the nation.
Quick Link https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/45410

Applicant Document

Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. List of References
Optional Documents
  1. DD 214/DD1300
  2. Veteran's Preference

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).