Chemistry Laboratory Specialist

Job Requisition:

JR102214 Chemistry Laboratory Specialist (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Chemistry Laboratory Specialist

Department:

CC00099 WM001 | CAS | Chemistry Dept

Job Family:

Staff - Environmental Safety

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Integrated Science Center Rm 1053 Floor First

Primary Job Posting Location:

Posting Location - William & Mary

Job Description Summary:

The Department of Chemistry at William & Mary is seeking two Laboratory Specialists to support the department’s instructional laboratory program. Both positions report to the Senior Laboratory Specialist and play an essential role in ensuring that undergraduate chemistry laboratories are safe, well-equipped, organized, current, and ready for instruction.

Each position will have a primary focus on either General Chemistry I and II or Organic Chemistry I and II laboratories. Both positions will share responsibility for supporting the department’s instructional laboratory operations, with upper-division laboratory support assigned based on expertise, interest, and departmental needs.

Responsibilities include preparing and managing chemicals, reagents, equipment, and instructional materials; providing technical support and guidance to faculty and Teaching Assistants; assisting with laboratory procedures and troubleshooting; and ensuring that materials and technical support are readily available for successful laboratory sessions. Additional responsibilities include chemical receiving, inventory management, procurement, laboratory safety, equipment maintenance, and other departmental activities.

These positions require strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, Teaching Assistants, and students. They offer an opportunity to contribute directly to the quality and success of the department’s undergraduate laboratory program in a hands-on academic laboratory environment.

Job Description:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of chemical laboratory operations, including the preparation and handling of chemicals and reagents, operation and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, and adherence to laboratory safety practices and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks within established timelines while maintaining a high level of quality and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, teaching assistants, and students to support laboratory and departmental operations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in chemistry or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting instructional laboratories in an academic or higher education setting.
• Experience with chemical handling and disposal, operation and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, and adherence to laboratory safety practices and regulations.
• Experience with chemical purchasing, receiving, inventory management, and related procurement systems.
• Experience instructing or supervising students.
• Experience training or overseeing the work of others.
• Experience implementing or supporting laboratory software, instrumentation, or data management systems.

Conditions of Employment:

• Occasional evening work required to assist with evening laboratory sessions.
• This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

Compensation range: Up to $52,000 commensurate with qualifications. For full consideration, submit your resume and cover letter by the priority review date of 11/29/2026.

Duties:

80% - Management of General or Organic Chemistry I & II Laboratories

• Prepare, distribute, and dispose of chemicals, reagents, and other materials used in assigned General Chemistry I and II or Organic Chemistry I and II laboratories; assist with Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and other upper-division laboratories as needed, based on expertise and departmental needs.
• Work closely with faculty and Teaching Assistants (TAs) to provide guidance on laboratory procedures, materials, and operational questions; coordinate the availability of laboratory supplies, equipment, and technical support; and train and oversee TAs in support of safe and effective laboratory instruction.
• Assist faculty with the testing, evaluation, and development of revised laboratory experiments and associated instructional materials.
• Set up and break down laboratory materials, equipment, and supplies for weekly laboratory experiments.
• Ensure laboratory benches, hoods, and instructional spaces are clean, organized, and ready for subsequent laboratory sections.
• Assist with the development, maintenance, and documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory protocols for instructional laboratories.
• Coordinate with laboratory course faculty and administrators regarding laboratory schedules, materials, and operational needs.
• Update laboratory manuals as needed.
• Remain available during laboratory periods to provide technical support, supply needed materials, and troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Maintain laboratory attendance records in General or Organic Chemistry labs and other instructional documentation as needed.
• Monitor laboratory operations and communicate equipment, supply, or procedural issues to the Senior Laboratory Specialist and appropriate faculty or staff.
• Recommend and apply cost-saving measures and green chemistry principles.

15% - Chemical Receiving, Inventory, and Procurement

• Receive, document, and distribute departmental chemical and supply shipments.
• Update chemical inventory records by entering newly received chemicals and removing depleted or disposed materials using the department's inventory management system.
• Assist with the maintenance and accuracy of the department's chemical inventory records and storage locations.
• Ensure chemicals for instructional laboratories are labeled, stored, and handled in accordance with applicable safety requirements.
• Order chemicals, reagents, and laboratory supplies using the university's electronic procurement system (buyW&M).
• Assist with forecasting laboratory supply needs and maintaining adequate inventory levels to support instructional activities.

5% - Additional Support

• Perform minor repairs and routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and instructional resources, troubleshoot equipment issues, and facilitate referral of complex repairs to appropriate personnel or service providers.
• Assist with departmental events, outreach activities, demonstrations, special projects, and other operational needs.
• Perform related duties as assigned in support of departmental goals and initiatives.

Additional Job Description:

Job Profile:

JP0056 - Laboratory & Research Specialist II - Nonexempt - Salary - S07

Qualifications:

Compensation Grade:

S07

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-11-11

Position Restrictions:

Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Applicant Notice: By applying for this position, you consent to William & Mary's use, review, and retention of your application materials for recruitment and employment purposes. Materials may be shared with authorized individuals participating in the hiring process and will be managed in accordance with applicable laws and university policies.

Probationary Period Notice: Individuals selected for full-time staff positions will be required to complete a twelve (12) month probationary period in accordance with university policy.

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.