Research/Lab Technician I - Engineering

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The primary duty of the Lab Technician is to support the existing large-scale facilities and construct new experimental facilities when needed. This includes any task that is necessary to ensure that the lab is a safe and efficient place to work. The Lab Technician will be responsible for ensuring that the high-pressure combustion facilities can be operated in a safe manner to obtain accurate experimental data. The individual will interface with students and postdocs and ensure that they have the support they need to conduct experiments.

Job Description

• Maintain existing facilities and equipment, maintain maintenance log, and repair any pieces of equipment.
• Construct new experimental facilities.
• Perform appropriate measures to ensure lab safety.
• Assist lab personnel with miscellaneous projects and experiments, including setting up experiments and assisting with the running of experiments, and collecting data.
• Order equipment and parts for the lab including fittings and other common lab equipment; ensure inventory is always stocked. Write up, submit and file purchase orders.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions:

Working in a lab environment with high-temperature, high-pressure systems, and reactive, flammable chemicals, fuels and powders.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.

• Vocational training in a mechanical field. 

• At least 5 years of work experience.

• Experience with PC – Excel, Word, networks.

• Lab safety training.

• Ability to interact productively with a wide variety of people inside and outside the department and university.

• Experience with AutoCAD.

• Knowledge of process instrumentation, high temperature and high-pressure system and process plumbing. 

• Experience with Swagelok fittings, vacuum system, construction and fabrication, mill and lathe work, thermocouples and heaters. 

• Basic knowledge of TIG welding, leak detection.

• Experience with handling hazardous chemicals and operating laboratory equipment and machinery; comfortable working in such environments.

• Desirable to have had experience around combustors and combustion systems. 

• Ability to purchase equipment and supplies for research laboratory.  

• Excellent judgment and ability to adapt to changes. 

• Calm under pressure. 

• Able to maintain accurate and thorough lab notes.

• Careful attention to detail is essential. 

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects with minimal supervision and use independent judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Interpersonal Communication, Microsoft Office, Oral Communications, Workload Prioritization, Written Communication

Grade

R04-H

Salary Range

$16.54 - $22.35 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.