Looking to hire a skilled Scientific Equipment Technician? 👨‍🔬 Check out this sample job description that you can customize for your organization. And be sure to use our AI interview guide generator and AI interview question generator to streamline your hiring process.

What is a Scientific Equipment Technician?

Scientific Equipment Technicians are essential members of research and laboratory teams, responsible for ensuring that the specialized equipment used in these settings is functioning at its best. These highly skilled professionals work diligently to install, maintain, and repair a wide range of scientific instruments, from microscopes and mass spectrometers to centrifuges and incubators. By keeping these critical tools in top condition, Scientific Equipment Technicians play a vital role in supporting the groundbreaking work of scientists and researchers.

What does a Scientific Equipment Technician do?

A Scientific Equipment Technician's daily duties involve a variety of tasks, all centered around the care and upkeep of scientific equipment. They may be called upon to diagnose and troubleshoot issues with malfunctioning instruments, perform routine maintenance and calibration procedures, and make necessary repairs to keep the equipment running smoothly. Additionally, they often provide training and support to researchers and lab staff on the proper operation of the instruments, ensuring that everyone is able to use the equipment safely and effectively.

Scientific Equipment Technician Responsibilities Include:

• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues with scientific equipment and instruments
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and repairs to keep equipment in optimal condition
• Ensure equipment meets safety and quality standards
• Maintain accurate records of equipment use, maintenance, and repairs
• Collaborate with scientists and researchers to understand their equipment needs and requirements
• Participate in the procurement and installation of new equipment as needed
• Provide training and support to users on the proper operation of scientific equipment

Job Description

🔬 Scientific Equipment Technician

About Company

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Job Brief

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What You'll Do 🛠️

As a Scientific Equipment Technician, you'll be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of a wide variety of scientific equipment and instruments used in our research and laboratory settings. This includes diagnosing and troubleshooting issues, performing routine maintenance, and making necessary repairs to keep all equipment functioning at its best. You'll also provide training and support to researchers and lab staff, ensuring they can use the instruments safely and effectively.

What We're Looking For 🧪

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical field, or equivalent experience
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in the use and operation of a variety of scientific equipment and instruments
• Experience with electrical, electronic, and computer-controlled systems
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Our Values

• Commitment to Safety
• Continuous Improvement
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Integrity and Accountability

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities

Location

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Hiring Process 🤝

The hiring process for this Scientific Equipment Technician role involves several steps to ensure we find the best candidate for the job. Here's what you can expect:

Screening Interview

This initial interview will assess your basic qualifications, interest in the role, and fit with our organization. We'll ask questions about your background, experience, and motivation for the Scientific Equipment Technician position.

Competency Interview

During this interview, we'll focus on evaluating your technical skills and competencies relevant to the role. You may be interviewed by a department leader or senior technician, who will ask questions to assess your knowledge of scientific equipment, troubleshooting abilities, maintenance procedures, and safety protocols.

Work Sample: Equipment Maintenance Demonstration

To further evaluate your skills, you'll be asked to perform a hands-on demonstration of your equipment maintenance and repair abilities. This could involve diagnosing and troubleshooting a simulated equipment issue, performing a routine maintenance procedure, or demonstrating the proper use of specific tools and instruments.

Chronological Interview

Since this role requires more than three years of experience in a similar position, we'll use this interview to understand your employment history and professional development. We'll ask questions to learn about your career progression, the types of equipment you've worked with, and your problem-solving approaches in previous roles.

Final Interview

The final step in our hiring process will be a comprehensive interview with the hiring manager or a senior leader, and may involve additional stakeholders, such as a scientist or researcher you'd be working closely with. This interview will assess your overall fit for the role, your alignment with our organizational values and culture, and your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Ideal Candidate Profile (For Internal Use)

Role Overview

We're looking for a highly skilled and dedicated Scientific Equipment Technician who can ensure the smooth and efficient operation of our research and laboratory equipment. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service to our researchers and lab staff.

Essential Behavioral Competencies

1. Attention to Detail: Able to meticulously inspect, maintain, and repair scientific equipment to the highest standards.
2. Adaptability: Demonstrates the flexibility to quickly learn new equipment and adjust to changing priorities and requirements.
3. Teamwork: Collaborates effectively with scientists, researchers, and other technicians to understand and meet equipment needs.
4. Initiative: Proactively identifies and addresses issues before they become bigger problems, and takes ownership of equipment maintenance and repair.
5. Communication: Excels at explaining complex technical information in a clear and understandable manner to users.

Goals for Role

1. Maintain 100% uptime for all critical research equipment
2. Reduce equipment repair time by 20% through improved troubleshooting and preventative maintenance
3. Provide training and support that increases user satisfaction with scientific equipment by 90%
4. Contribute to the successful installation and integration of [X] new pieces of equipment annually

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical field, such as engineering, physics, or chemistry
• 3+ years of experience as a Scientific Equipment Technician or in a similar role
• Demonstrated expertise in the installation, maintenance, and repair of a wide range of scientific equipment
• Proficient in the use of diagnostic tools, measuring instruments, and specialized repair techniques
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Strong communication and customer service abilities
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Able to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team