Natural Science Laboratory Support Technician

Division of Academic Affairs

Instructional Support Technician I

*** Temporary Position. Appointment anticipated through June 30, 2026 with possible extension. ***

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Under supervision, performs comprehensive support for undergraduate Natural Science laboratory courses as assigned including but not limited to the following departments: Biology and Nursing. Duties include both preparation of materials for teaching labs and assistance in the general maintenance of laboratory facilities, their equipment, inventory of materials and supplies, and related logistical support.

Lab Preparation:

• Independently provides instructional support to the Natural Sciences laboratories within the School of Arts and Science.

• Prepares and ensure all equipment is in working condition for the different laboratories and activities.

• Prepares materials and solutions for teaching laboratory sections as per laboratory preparation guide manuals.

• Calibrate and adjust simulation lab equipment.

• Delivers materials and solutions to the laboratories and manage the return of these materials and solutions from laboratories.

• Manages the collection, storage, and removal of hazardous waste produced in the labs.

• Ensures that laboratories are cleaned and reset between experiments.

• Prepares sterile solid and liquid media, inventory of chemicals, reagents, specimens, and supplies, and working closely with instructional staff to meet laboratory needs.

• Ensures rooms are properly stocked for each week's lab.

• Stages necessary equipment and materials for instructors to conduct the laboratory activities.

• Assists with tests and procedures during laboratory classes.

• Creates and maintains prep notes for lab courses; review lab procedures and identify potential concerns or problems and evaluate laboratory practices for cost effectiveness and environmental impact by identifying ways to reduce waste and use non-toxic alternatives.

Maintenance:

• Maintains laboratory space upkeep and maintenance.

• Responsible for maintenance, operations, trouble-shooting, and minor repairs of technical equipment and scientific equipment

• Responsible for minor repairs of electrical and mechanical equipment.

• Cleans and maintains burners, replacement of tubing, specialized glassware, hot plates, water baths, etc.

• Cleans and maintains simulation lab equipment.

• Minor troubleshooting and maintenance of computer equipment and common software applications related to the

laboratories.

• Responds to any emergent concerns regarding correct and continuous operation of building equipment and scheduling of repairs with Heating and Air and Facilities Services. This includes chemical vapor hoods and snorkels, cold rooms and refrigerators, electrical outlets, the deionized water supply, leaking pipes, etc.

• Maintains, calibrates, and performs minor repairs on lab equipment.

• Maintenance, minor repair and calibration of new and used equipment.

Inventory:

• Ensures the common equipment in the teaching laboratories are properly stocked and maintained.

• Facilitates inventory of all laboratory consumables, glassware, software, and hardware.

• Works with the appropriate department administrative support coordinators/ other ISTs when ordering new equipment, consumables, glassware, software, and hardware.

• Maintains inventory and promptly disposes of obsolete and non-working equipment, including following all university procedures for disposal of electronic waste.

Lab Safety:

• Ensures biohazardous waste is properly handled, disposed, and stored.

• Maintains safe chemical storage including separating incompatible structures

• Maintains and ensure proper disposal of chemicals and materials.

• Takes electronic inventory of all chemicals, equipment, and must be keep materials up to date.

• Maintains Safety Data Sheets of all materials and must work with the EH&S to maintain safe working conditions, training, and property inventory.

• Communicates pertinent safety information to faculty, staff, and students within the appropriate department.

Participation in Biology department and technician meetings and activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:

Equivalent to two years of experience providing instructional support services for a unit or discipline, acting as a student assistant, or in producing materials or supplies related to the discipline.

OR

Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area to which assigned may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

OR

Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a related discipline may be substituted for the experience for the experience.

Experience in preparing materials for university level Natural Science courses and laboratories. Willingness to learn and follow all laboratory safety practices. Ability to work with living microbial cultures, preserved animals, plant material, skeletons, and hazardous chemicals utilizing established laboratory safety practices. Willingness to learn and operate simulation lab equipment. Knowledge of the laboratory courses offered in an undergraduate university-level Natural Science program and their associated equipment and supplies. Understanding of Safety Data Sheets and familiarity with safe handling and proper disposal of hazardous chemical waste. Understanding and familiarity with safe use of common laboratory tools. Possess proficient computer skills (e.g. email, word processing, Adobe Acrobat, etc.). Willingness and ability to increase knowledge of advanced laboratory techniques, use of complex laboratory instrumentation, and laboratory administration (use of inventory database, updating laboratory preparation procedures, etc.). Strong interpersonal skills.

Capable of interacting positively with students, faculty, administrators, non-technical staff, and vendor representatives. Ability to work independently and adapt to new situations. Ability to communicate effectively with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Willingness to work flexible hours including early morning, late evening, and weekends when needed with advanced notice where possible.

Desired: Bachelor’s degree in a Natural Science is preferred (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science).

Physical Demands: Frequent/continuous reaching within arm’s distance, frequent sitting in office chair or standing for up to 5-7 hours at a time. Occasional lifting/carrying of 50 pounds at waist level within office and laboratory. Continuous use of hands to prepare laboratories, operate laboratory equipment, computer systems, and telephone. Occasional reaching at or above waist and shoulder level; occasional bending and/or stooping at the waist. Continuous use of hands for grasping and, fine manipulation. Ability to stand/walk up to 20 minutes at a time, over uneven terrain, or up slopes. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

Hiring Salary: $4,206 - $4,410 per month

Advertised: Oct 01 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 15 2025 Pacific Daylight Time

• 

• Cal State University (CSU) Channel Islands

• 805-437-8490

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