Visiting Laboratory Technician - Illinois Fire Service Institute

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Urbana, Illinois
  • Full Time
VisitingLaboratory Technician - Illinois Fire Service Institute Illinois Fire Service Institute The University of Illinois is a world leader in research,teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the worldby creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressingcritical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. As the statutory fire academy for Illinois, the Illinois Fire ServiceInstitute (IFSI) serves firefighters throughout Illinois and the world.World-class instructors deliver more than 14,000 class hours to studentsonline, on campus and at regional training centers throughout the state. IFSI is operated as a continuing education and public service activity by the Universityof Illinois.

PRIMARY POSITION FUNCTION/SUMMARY:

The Illinois Fire ServiceInstitute (IFSI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) isseeking a dedicated and collaborative Visiting Lab Technician to support itsresearch program focused on advancing the health and safety of first responders.This position will contribute to projects involving the analysis of variousbiological samples and the biomonitoring of human participants.

This full-time role, with thepossibility of annual renewal, offers a meaningful opportunity to supportevidence-based research in a dynamic and mission-driven environment. Locatedwithin IFSI's state-of-the-art research facility, the position plays a key rolein promoting occupational health and safety for first responders and supportsthe broader public engagement and research mission of the University.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Receive, process and analyze biological samples (e.g., blood and urine).
  • Perform routine and non-routine sample preparations, tests, and analysis using the appropriate equipment, instrumentation, reagents, standards, and methods.
  • Under the supervision of the Technical Director, regularly use analytical and clinical instrumentation and its software (including but not limited to Elisa, LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS).
  • Ensure routine and non-routine operation and maintenance of multiple mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography platforms and analytical instruments.
  • Ensure analytical results are communicated per internal protocols.
  • Maintain, recalibrate, and sterilize lab equipment, instruments, and workspaces.
  • Design and conduct laboratory tests according to standard operating procedures.
  • Organize and store biological samples in accordance with all safety standards and other requirements to ensure the safety of personnel and integrity of the biological samples.
  • Manage the Laboratory Information Management System for bio samples and consumables.
  • Ensure completion of research project deliverables, determine project milestones, develop progress reports and investigational applications.
  • Assist in preparing and developing accurate project performance progress reports for research activities as required by campus offices and funding agencies.
  • Compile and summarize project outcomes to be used in presentations at scientific conferences and Fire Service Organizations.
  • Facilitate operations for human subject research candidate recruitment, collect and process biological samples, and related activities.
  • Manage day-to-day research lab activities, and perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

  1. B.S or higher in Biological orChemical Science, or related disciplines.
  2. 1-2 years of experience relevant to analysis of biologicalsamples.
  3. Proven record(s) of working with advanced analytical anddiagnostic laboratory equipment (such as Elisa, LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS).
  4. Basic understanding of laboratory safety practices andchemical hygiene.
  5. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  6. Enthusiastic, motivated, and proactive problem solver withsuperb planning, organizational, and coordinating skills.
  7. Experience working with the University administration,particularly IRB, IBC and/or IACUC (or similar programs at other institutions).
  8. Familiar with computer software typically used inscientific research and dissemination (such as Microsoft Office Suite, Box,Google Docs).
  9. Demonstrated record of performance, positive attitude, andability to work well with others.

Preferred:

  1. Experienced in projectmanagement and leadership skills.
  2. Knowledgeable in general laboratory operations, inventorymanagement, and acquisition of new equipment for expansion of IFSI researchprograms.
  3. Experience working with tools such as SPSS, Qualtrics,REDCap, Python.
  4. Experience working in a biomonitoring, toxicology, orclinical research setting.
  5. Familiarity with method validation procedures.
  6. Comfort working with potentially sensitive human sampledata and privacy requirements (e.g., HIPAA awareness).
  7. Knowledgeable in troubleshooting mass spectrometeranalytical platforms.
  8. Phlebotomycertification or experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKINGCONDITIONS:

The Visiting Lab Technicianrole requires the ability to perform tasks in a laboratory and researchenvironment that may involve the following physical demands:

  • Ability to stand, walk, andmove between lab spaces for extended periods of time.
  • Frequent handling ofbiological samples, requiring fine motor skills, precision, and attention todetail.
  • Regular use of laboratoryequipment and instrumentation, including pipettes, centrifuges, massspectrometry systems, and other analytical tools, which may require repetitivehand motions and visual acuity.
  • Occasional lifting, moving, ortransporting of laboratory supplies, equipment, and biological samples weighingup to 30 pounds.
  • Use of personal protectiveequipment (PPE), such as gloves, lab coats, and safety glasses, for prolongedperiods.
  • Capacity to work safely withbiological specimens (e.g., blood and urine) and chemical reagents inaccordance with institutional biosafety and hazardous materials protocols.
  • Ability to sit or stand at aworkstation for extended periods while analyzing data or operatinginstrumentation.
  • Occasional need to work evenings or weekends dependingon project timelines or human subject availability.
Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, with the possibility of annual renewal. The expected start date is as soon as possible after September 16, 2025. Salary range is $45,000-60,000.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 18, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Keri Borchers, .... For questions regarding the application process, please contact ....

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at ..., or by emailing ... .

Requisition ID : 1032103
Job Category : Research
Apply at:

Job ID: 487428429
Originally Posted on: 7/30/2025

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