Laboratory Prep Technician

Working Title

Laboratory Prep Technician

Posting Number

CSA02856P

Department

SDSU-Biology & Microbiology

Physical Location of Position (City)

Brookings

Posting Text

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is currently seeking a self-motivated and customer-service oriented Laboratory Program Assistant to join the Department of Biology and Microbiology within the College of Natural Sciences

This Department of Biology and Microbiology offers a variety of undergraduate degree programs including Human Biology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology. Together these majors train over 500 undergraduates for admission to professional programs in healthcare domains, graduate school, careers in industry, and a variety of other career paths. The Department is a key driver of South Dakota State University’s R1 Our Way mission to expand federally funded research and has active research and graduate programs focused on mammalian physiology and cell biology, microbial biology, plant physiology and molecular biology, and bioprocessing biotechnology. Department members lead or contribute to large research programs including multiple federally-funded research centers and engage in STEM outreach and workforce development. South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

This position is located in Brookings, SD.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Responsibilities:
This position provides technical support for the academic and instructional labs within the department. Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Communicating closely with instructors to ensure teaching lab needs are met
• Working effectively as a team member in supporting general laboratory operation
• Timely preparation of laboratories including set-up and take-down of teaching materials and equipment and cleaning and organizing of teaching labs.
• Maintenance of lab prep room including keeping inventory of and ordering supplies as needed as well as proper disposal of all waste (biohazard, chemical, etc.)
• Training and managing graduate and undergraduate laboratory assistants
• Adherence to and education of others on appropriate safety standards and protocols

Benefits:
SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Safe handling and cleaning of common laboratory tools (pipettes, microscopes, centrifuges, etc.)
• OSHA guidelines and safe laboratory practices
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in laboratory testing
• Basic laboratory principles, practices and procedures including equipment operation and general terminology
• Inventory Management
• Microsoft Office Suite

Skill & Ability to:

• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Effective organizational, time-management and record-keeping
• Understand and interpret laboratory protocols and procedures including chemical and biological safety standards
• Train, supervise and/or direct the work of others effectively
• Working effectively in a team environment as well as independently

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree by start date

**Comments:**This position is classified as a Laboratory Program Assistant.

Application Procedures:
This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date

10/07/2026

Closing Date

10/21/2026

Open Until Filled

No

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary

Minimum of $21.41 per hour, depending upon qualifications, plus benefits

Duration of the Term

10 months

If Other, describe duration

Lisa Raetz

Appointment Percent

100

Work Hours

8.00AM-5.00PM

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Regular

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires

Weekends/Holidays, No Requirement

If other, please indicate

occasionally overtime and weekends/holidays work may be needed.

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [email protected]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information

For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.