Lab Technologist I

Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

JOB SUMMARY:

The Lab Technologist is a motivated and detail-oriented individual with laboratory experience who also excels in communication, organization, and customer service. This role requires technical experience and interpersonal skills to contribute to efficient operation, effective teamwork, and excellent client interactions. The position involves the receiving, organizing, and logging of >50k samples annually in preparation for drying and grinding. The Lab Tech also assists in equipment maintenance, labware cleaning, and site organization. These critical sample handling and maintenance roles contribute to the overall laboratory goals of serving the agricultural community of SC. The Lab Tech assists with administrative tasks and other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

50% - Essential - Sample Receiving and Organization:
Organization and preparation of samples (feed, plant, water, animal waste, compost, soil, and research) by receiving shipments, sorting, logging in, drying, and grinding, following detailed procedures, and operating equipment, i.e., grinders, analytical balances, muffle furnace, and ovens, while following best practices for laboratory safety and sample integrity. Disposal of samples.

15% - Essential - Lab/Section Maintenance and Improvements:
Maintain general laboratory workspaces, glassware, and equipment for cleanliness and serviceability, including stocking supplies and forms for receiving area, maintaining organization
of area and samples. Use appropriate laboratory safety practices and procedures in all activities. Assists with annual maintenance/improvements of facility. Assists lab manager with maintenance on equipment as needed.

15% - Essential - Sample Preparation:
Preparing samples for analysis by weighing samples and scooping soil and preparing laboratory reagents and solutions, following detailed procedures, and operating equipment,
i.e., analytical balances, shakers, fume hoods, while following best practices for laboratory safety and sample integrity. Recording sample information and results for reporting purposes.

15% - Essential - Other Laboratory Responsibilities:
Customer Service - Provide excellent client interactions when accepting samples and payment from walk-in customers and answering general questions from customers. Resourcefulness to find answers for customers. Generate receipts for payments.
Other Duties - Prepare supply orders for shipping. Coordinate with other laboratory staff and student workers to complete sample preparation and related tasks. Assist with administrative and programmatic tasks, for example, sending mail, shipping supplies, making copies, etc. Other duties as assigned.

5% - Essential - Departmental and University Responsibility:
Complete required university and safety trainings in a timely fashion. Effectively use university mandated applications for timekeeping, travel requests, and other computing
systems. Attend required Division-wide events and trainings.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education - High School or Equivalent with extensive work experience in a laboratory setting
Education - Associate's Degree or equivalent technical training in Chemistry, Biology or related Physical or Natural Sciences discipline
Work Experience 2+ years in a laboratory environment or production setting

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Education - Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biology, or other Physical/Natural Sciences discipline
Work Experience 5+ years in a laboratory setting; experience in an agriculture-related field and team environment is preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Fundamental Job Knowledge - Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Stand for prolonged period
Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
Walk or move about
Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.
Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder)
Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl)
Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
Recognize or inspect visually
Move, transport, raise or lower
Extends hands or arms in any direction
Use taste or smell to detect or determine particular flavors or odors
Perceive, observe, clarity of vision

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to dust/fumes
Wet or humid
Noise
Vibration
Mechanical hazards
Chemical hazards

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Expected Salary Range: $ 33,339.00 - $ 42,000.00

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.