Job Details

This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Science Laboratory Preparator position for the Department of Chemistry at Oregon State University (OSU).

Prepare and coordinate laboratory teaching activities in the Department of Chemistry for use by students and faculty, including, but not limited to, preparing solutions and other instructional materials; maintaining laboratory equipment and instrumentation; and assisting with billing, sourcing, and procuring all necessary supplies.

The primary mission of the OSU Department of Chemistry is to provide a program of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral education in chemistry and to conduct research and scholarly activities focused on areas of chemistry important to human health, materials, and the environment. The department offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Chemistry and has a rapidly growing student body. Our mission includes instructing approximately 225 undergraduate majors and 3,000 non-majors each year.

The College of Science provides a core instructional role at OSU, supporting the ideals of learning, discovery, and engagement that are the foundation of a land-grant university. The College fosters instruction and research in disciplines ranging from the physical, mathematical, and statistical sciences to the life sciences, grounded in unbiased inquiry and a commitment to discovery and innovation. Oregon State Universitys Strategic Plan articulates a commitment to student success, including the hiring, retention, and development of diverse faculty to mentor and educate undergraduate and graduate students from entry through graduation

OSU has an institutional-wide commitment to diversity, multiculturalism, and community. We actively recruit and retain a diverse workforce and student body that includes members of historically underrepresented groups. We strive to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus environment. OSU offers leadership opportunities for individuals interested in promoting and enhancing diversity, fostering creativity, and cultivating community. All employees are responsible for helping to maintain and enhance OSUs collaborative and inclusive community that strives for equity and equal opportunity.

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We dont wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

Top 1.4% university in the world
More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
217k+ alumni worldwide
For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon States beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of Americas best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
Retirement savings paid by the university.
A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

70% Materials, Space, and Equipment Preparation
Prepares a wide variety of supplies for experiments conducted primarily in General Chemistry laboratory courses. Meet with the course faculty in advance to plan and determine formulas, amounts, and protocols for preparing solutions and materials. Oversees the daily needs of each section. Prepares and certifies quantitative standards and unknowns. Documents all procedures, updates course Preparation Sheets, and maintains a dated record of all preparations. Anticipates yearly needs for consumable scientific supplies and other small equipment. Maintains supplies for laboratory courses and the Solution Preparation room. Meets with fellow Science Laboratory Preparator(s) and the Chemistry Stores Manager before each academic quarter to review supply needs for the upcoming quarter. Coordinates orders with Chemistry Stores. We may need to order separate supplies from outside vendors, including, but not limited to, chemical reagents, scientific glassware, and small laboratory equipment. Coordinates use of supplies and equipment between courses and with fellow Science Laboratory Preparator. Builds, assembles, and stages specialized equipment, such as vacuum filtration systems, freezing point depression apparatus, and interfacing equipment, as well as computer workstations. Oversees maintenance and setup of computerized data stations equipped with electronic sensors, drop counters, etc. Breaks down, cleans, and stores special equipment. Prepares, cleans, and makes the space ready for the subsequent scheduled use. Arrange for maintenance and calibration of minor scientific equipment with the Chemistry Electronics Shop or coordinate with fellow Science Lab Preparator. Coordinates student check-in and check-out each term. Utilizes the Banner SIS system to update student course lists and assign lockers. Maintains accurate records of student charges using the GbAd Access system and reports charges to the Laboratory Director.

5% Laboratory Procedure Testing
Consult with course instructors and other faculty members to develop and test new procedures and new experiments for lab courses; record and report results of work. Tests procedures and instructions developed by teaching staff in advance; reports results and makes suggestions for improvements. Assists faculty in designing and modifying specialized equipment and/or apparatus. Informs lecturers on proper safety and chemical handling techniques.

20% Safety and Chemical Waste
Emphasizes the importance of safety precautions, proper handling and dispensing, and proper waste disposal for chemicals. Demonstrate special procedures and the use of special equipment. Ensures that accepted safety procedures for the handling of chemicals, reactions, apparatus, and equipment are followed. Oversees cleanup of chemical and mercury spills. Instructs graduate teaching assistants in lab operations during weekly course staff meetings, followed by monitoring their progress in the labs to ensure that safety procedures are followed, and rules are enforced. Serves on the Chemistry Department Safety Committee and Equipment Committee. Conducts quarterly safety inspections of Chemistry Teaching Laboratories. Maintains first aid kits. Ensures proper labeling and warnings are posted for dangerous, unstable, and carcinogenic chemicals. Consult with course instructors and fellow Science Laboratory Preparators to ensure proper PPE is used by students and teaching laboratory staff when working with chemicals. Provides for the collection and sorting of chemical waste, contacting EH&S for periodic waste pickup. Conducts and maintains records for the annual chemical inventory for the Chemistry Teaching Labs.

5% Other
Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies in teaching laboratories. Arranges with Department shops for minor repairs of equipment, e.g., special glassware, computers, spectrometers, magnetic stirrers, etc. Contact the Building Manager for emergency building maintenance, including fume hoods, elevators, ice machines, plumbing, and other related issues. Coordinates large-scale repairs with the Laboratory Director. Monitors ice machines and eye wash stations. Keeps laboratory and issue rooms stocked and in order. Oversees maintenance and document changes to student laboratory lockers.

Ability to collaborate with a diverse population of students, staff and faculty with respect for all ideas, backgrounds and perspectives.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

Work will be conducted in biological and carcinogen laboratories, as well as in and around magnetic fields with exposure to toxic chemicals, biological agents, and compressed or cryogenic gases.

The working schedule is based on a 40-hour week and is expected to follow typical laboratory hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Scheduling can be flexible to accommodate specific needs.

The job requires extended standing and some lifting. The employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, and requires near visual acuity to write, read written materials and computer screens, and sufficient hearing and speech ability for ordinary telephonic conversations.

Must be able to kneel, stoop, crawl, and crouch. Lifting objects varies daily, ranging from 1 lb to over 50 lbs. The individual is exposed to safety hazards, including contamination and exposure to hazardous materials or toxic substances.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by May 19, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc. Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position. Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for this position. Cover letters are optional for this position and will not be used for evaluating your qualifications.

Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).

PLEASE NOTE: If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties.

Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses. All courses must be from accredited colleges, universities, or private vocational schools. The online application system will allow you to attach your transcripts if the PDF file is 9MB or less. Transcripts must be received by the closing date. If you have trouble uploading your transcripts, reach out to the contact listed.

Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range.

For additional information please contact: Paula Christie, paula.christie@oregonstate.edu, 541-737-1681

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSUs Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.