Laboratory Technician (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory Technician provides technical and operational support for teaching and research laboratories in Chemistry and Biochemistry. The position manages the departmental stockroom, including purchasing, inventory, and chemical handling, and supports laboratory operations by maintaining equipment and coordinating supplies for instructional and research activities. Also serves as the University’s Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO), leading campus chemical safety and regulatory compliance efforts, including laboratory safety programs, training, inspections, and hazardous materials management.

To achieve our mission as a liberal arts college, we continually strive to foster a welcoming campus community, which recognizes the value of all persons. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department is committed to contributing to an educational environment that is rich with a wide range of intellectual perspectives and backgrounds.

Learn more about what makes Washington and Lee University a great place to work and live at jobs.wlu.edu.

Essential Functions:

Laboratory Technician

• Ensures that adequate supplies of reagents, consumables, and equipment are available for all teaching laboratories. Assists in preparing chemical solutions for classroom demonstrations.

• Issues purchase orders for chemicals, supplies, and equipment requested by department members to support teaching and research operations. Maintains records for all purchase orders and communicates with suppliers to resolve discrepancies or delays.

• Oversees the maintenance and general condition of all teaching laboratories, including benchtop areas and fume hoods, to ensure they remain orderly and safe. Manages departmental teaching and research equipment and facilities in a cost-effective manner and within a prescribed budget. Verifies that all laboratory instruments under the technician’s primary responsibility remain in proper working condition.

• Supervises the setup and scheduled return of laboratory instruments and equipment needed for teaching labs.

• Coordinates with University ITS on computer maintenance, repairs, replacements, and software installations for computers in teaching, laboratory, and research spaces or attached to departmental instruments.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO)

• Serves as the primary resource for chemical safety as the University. Oversees and updates the institution’s Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) to ensure compliance with OSHA Laboratory Standards and Virginia state regulations. Serves as the primary liaison with  W&L’s Director of Environmental Health & Safety, University Facilities’ staff, and relevant regulatory agencies during inspections or incidents.

• Conducts regular laboratory safety inspections across science departments, identifies hazards, and ensures timely corrective action.

• Maintains and optimizes chemical inventory systems, including hazardous materials tracking, labeling, and disposal workflows.

• Provides safety training for faculty, staff, and students on chemical handling, personal protective equipment, waste disposal, and emergency procedures as required by the CHP.

• Oversee the University’s chemical waste program, including compliant collection, temporary storage, and coordination with licensed disposal vendors.

• Manages safety documentation including Safety Data Sheets, standard operating procedures, and emergency signage. Leads response efforts and documentation of chemical spills, exposures, or laboratory-related incidents. The response will include root-cause analysis and mitigation planning.

• Reviews and approves research protocols, course activities, and laboratory renovation plans for safety compliance and appropriate engineering controls.

• Maintains or improves ventilation and fume hood safety programs, including annual certification and user training.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry required. A master’s degree or PhD is preferred.

• Experience working in a laboratory setting that included chemical handling and preparing solutions.

• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory safety practices, chemical storage compatibility, and hazardous materials handling.

• Familiarity with Safety Data Sheets and chemical inventory and equipment management practices.

• Ability to maintain accurate records related to purchasing, inventory, and safety compliance.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and recurring deadlines.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide safety guidance and training.

• Willingness to complete required training and certification to fulfill Chemical Hygiene  

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin March 11, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Applicants requiring sponsorship will not be considered for this position. Required materials include:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Names and contact information for three professional references

Application instructions for internal and external candidates can be found at https://www.wlu.edu/employment-opportunities/jobs-at-w-l.

Position Type:

Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible$73,907.00 - Pay Commensurate with Experience