Chemistry Laboratory Technician & Research Core Facility Manager - Our Lady of the Lake University

Location: SAN ANTONIO, TX Category: Staff Full Time Job Type: Non-Exempt Posted On: Mon Apr 27 2026 Job Description:

Job Summary:

Our Lady of the Lake University is seeking a skilled and highly organized Chemistry Laboratory Technician & Research Core Facility Manager to support instructional laboratories in Chemistry and Physics, and to oversee operations of the university's analytical Research Core Facility. This full-time position is responsible for supporting instructional and research laboratory operations. Primary duties include preparing materials and reagents for teaching laboratories, managing chemical inventories, maintaining compliance with safety regulations, and training and supervising work-study students to ensure efficient daily laboratory operations. The role also oversees the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of advanced analytical instrumentation, including NMR, GC-MS, LC (HPLC), FLAA, UV/VIS spectrophotometer, IR, and related equipment. In addition, the position coordinates sample preparation and analysis as part of a fee-based analytical service working with faculty, external partners, and community clients to deliver accurate and timely results.

The Chemistry Laboratory Technician & Research Core Facility Manager reports to the Science Lab Manager and works closely with Chemistry and Physics faculty to support high-quality instructional and research experiences.

Performance Evaluation Metrics:

Core Facility / Laboratory Operations

1. Laboratory Operations

• Maintains operational readiness and reliability of instructional and research instruments.
• Ensures accuracy in solution preparation and lab setup.
• Supports safe and compliant laboratory environments.

2. Inventory & Budget Management

• Maintains accurate inventory and appropriate supply levels.
• Oversees purchasing, chemical waste handling, and budget responsibilities responsibly and on time.

3. Faculty, Student & Research Support

• Provides effective supervision of student workers.
• Delivers responsive support to faculty, researchers, and instrument users.
• Supports research activities, sample processing, and user training.

4. Core Facility Service & Operations

• Ensures availability and proper functioning of core instrumentation.
• Maintains accurate sample tracking and data integrity.
• Provides high-quality service to internal and external users.
• Supports sustained and strategic utilization of the facility.

5. Professional Effectiveness

• Demonstrates technical proficiency and maintains current operational procedures.
• Engages in continuous improvement and professional development.

Essential Functions:

Instructional Laboratory Support (Chemistry & Physics) - 50%

• Prepare chemical solutions, reagents, standards, and materials required for undergraduate chemistry and physics laboratories.
• Set up, maintain, and break down weekly instructional lab activities in coordination with faculty and work study students.
• Train, schedule, and oversee work-study students assisting with laboratory preparation, cleaning, and routine tasks.
• Maintain chemical inventories, including proper labeling, storage, tracking, and disposal.
• Oversee chemical hygiene procedures, including handling, storage, spill response readiness, and compliance with departmental safety protocols.
• Coordinate chemical waste collection, storage, and disposal in accordance with environmental regulations and university policies.
• Maintain and organize stockrooms, prep rooms, chemical storage areas, and equipment spaces.
• Inspect and maintain safety equipment (eyewash stations, fume hoods, emergency showers) and facilitate timely servicing when needed.
• Collaborate with Chemistry and Physics faculty to refine and improve teaching laboratory activities.

Research Lab Instrumentation & Core Facility Operations - 50%

• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot advanced analytical research instruments, including but not limited to:
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
  • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
  • Flame atomic absorption (FLAA)
  • UV/VIS spectrophotometer
  • Infrared Spectrometer (IR)
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all instruments and research lab workflows.
• Schedule instrument use and maintain operational readiness for faculty-led research, student research, and class demonstrations.
• Coordinate and operate a fee-based analytical service:
  • Receive, log, and track internal and external sample submissions
  • Prepare instruments for sample runs and perform analyses as required
  • Generate and provide data output to clients while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality
  • Assist with invoicing, billing, and financial tracking for analytical services
• Train faculty, students, and approved users on proper operation of research instruments.
• Maintain inventory of research-grade chemicals, gases, consumables, and standards required for instrument operation.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations relevant to research laboratories and specialized equipment.
• Collaborate with academic programs and external partners to expand and promote the core facility's capabilities.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education and Experience:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience preparing chemical solutions and managing laboratory environments.
• Familiarity with chemical hygiene, laboratory safety, and proper waste disposal practices.
• Experience with scientific instrumentation and basic troubleshooting.
• Strong organization, communication, and documentation skills.

Preferred

• Master's degree in chemistry or related discipline.
• Experience operating and maintaining NMR, GC-MS, HPLC, or similar analytical instruments.
• Experience managing or working within a core facility or fee-for-service scientific lab.
• Experience supervising students or staff in laboratory environments.
• Familiarity with billing systems, lab management software, or analytical data systems.

Additional Information:

Employment with Our Lady of the Lake University is contingent upon the applicant undergoing a background investigation.

OLLU seeks to attract, develop and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administrators. The University is committed to diversity and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities. EOE

Our Lady of the Lake University uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.