Perform laboratory and investigative work in support of research in physical, chemical, biological, biochemical and/or biomedical sciences. Perform technical procedures such as chemical, physical or biological analysis of organic or inorganic material or conduct biomedical tests in a research setting. Collect, verify and record data; compile information in support of research. Apply knowledge and skills applicable to an assigned technical discipline.

Perform technical procedures and operate analytical instruments in support of investigative procedures in a scientific research setting.

First-level class of the series. Under general supervision, follow established research protocol to perform investigative procedures; operate analytical instruments; record, compile and verify the accuracy of research data; perform calculations; prepare charts, graphs and summaries.

Perform technical procedures such as electrophoresis, chromatography, autorediography and/or assays; assist in animal surgery; prepare materials for microscopic examination; and maintain bacterial and/or tissue cultures;

Operate instruments and equipment such as spectrometers, liquid chromatographs, radiation counters, centrifuges, fluorocolorimeters, coulter counters, infusion-withdrawal pumps, glucose analyzers, incubators, ultrasound or x-ray equipment, electroencephalograph, electrocardiograph, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, light, polarizing and electron microscopes, balances;

Collect, record and verify accuracy of data; organize data; perform calculations; prepare charts, graphs and reports;

Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions;

Prepare laboratory reagents, chemicals, instruments, and equipment;

Service and maintain laboratory instruments;

Order chemicals, reagents and other supplies;

Operate ancillary equipment such as photographic equipment, computer equipment and electronic recording devices;

May recruit human subjects, exercise operational responsibility to maintain adherence by participants to research protocols, obtain, prepare and process specimens from human subjects;

May maintain insects, plants and/or animals for experimental purposes;

May demonstrate and explain various laboratory techniques to laboratory personnel, students, and others;

May direct the work of laboratory technicians, students and others;

Perform related duties as required.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Two years experience as a laboratory technician, research aide, or equivalent; OR a Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field of science or technology.

The announcement of position vacancy (recruiting bulletin) may specify course work or experience within a specific discipline if determined necessary by the personnel officer. Training or experience within a specific discipline will be required to meet the unique requirements of individual positions.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

New Class: 12-14-73
Revise Class: 4-20-87
Revise minimum qualifications effective 7-2-90
New class code, formerly 4859, effective July 1, 2007.
Revised desirable qualifications, housekeeping; May 26, 2010.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.