Job Details
TTU Research Aide - Animal and Food Sciences
TTU Research Aide - Animal and Food Sciences
Lubbock
43253BR
Animal and Food Sciences
Position Description
This position provides essential operational support for departmental research and specialized teaching activities in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. Serving as the Departmental Safety Officer, the position manages purchasing, maintenance, and service functions that sustain safe, compliant, and efficient laboratory operations. Responsibilities include coordinating shared laboratory facilities, overseeing equipment maintenance and chemical safety, and supporting faculty, staff, and students in the proper use of space and resources. The position is critical to maintaining research continuity, safety compliance, and operational efficiency in support of the department's mission in teaching, research, and outreach.
The position works collaboratively with faculty, investigators, and university service units to identify and resolve laboratory needs related to equipment, supplies, and facilities. This includes coordinating with Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Operations, and other research services to address maintenance and safety issues, manage work orders, and monitor shared environments. This role requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills to anticipate needs, coordinate priorities, and ensure compliance with university standards while fostering a culture of safety and collaboration.
Major/Essential Functions
1. Departmental Safety Officer (DSO) - TTU OP 60.29 - Serves as the departmental liaison to Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) and ensures compliance with university, state, and federal safety standards across specialized teaching, research, and service areas.
Serve as the primary contact with EH&S and coordinate departmental safety communication, inspections, and compliance activities.
Identify and help mitigate hazards in departmental facilities, equipment, and operations.
Ensure all employees and students complete required safety training and understand applicable procedures before beginning work.
Oversee the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe practices for chemical handling, storage, and waste disposal.
Monitor and coordinate maintenance of safety infrastructure (fume hoods, eyewash stations, safety showers) with EH&S and Facilities.
Report accidents or near misses promptly, assist with investigations, and ensure required documentation is completed.
Review and update departmental safety policies, encourage employee feedback, and promote continuous improvement in safety culture.
Serve as an active member of the Departmental Safety Committee and support faculty and staff in maintaining a safe work environment.
2. Purchasing and Supply Chain Management -
Process designated faculty and graduate student orders for specialized teaching and research supplies using TechBuy, procurement card, and Smartsheets.
Verify item numbers, quantities, pricing, and accounting information for accuracy and compliance.
Receive and document delivery of chemicals and other regulated materials, ensuring proper labeling, handling, and storage in accordance with university safety standards.
Communicate proactively with faculty, staff, and students to ensure timely, accurate, and safe ordering and delivery processes.
3. Laboratory Facility Space Maintenance -
Provide direction and operational oversight for teaching laboratory and research support spaces within the Department of Animal and Food Sciences.
Coordinate and collaborate with laboratory groups to maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment in shared areas, including hallways, teaching labs, autoclave rooms, instrument labs, and common workspaces.
Schedule and document regular cleaning of benchtops, floors, and storage areas to ensure compliance with departmental and university standards.
Collaborate with the business manager, facilities staff, and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) to address maintenance, safety, and infrastructure needs within laboratory spaces.
Serve as an emergency contact for after-hours equipment malfunctions, power interruptions, or facility-related safety concerns, coordinating response efforts with EH&S, Facilities, and department leadership as necessary.
4. Laboratory Equipment Management -
Oversee maintenance, repair, and safe operation of shared laboratory equipment, including biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, autoclaves, refrigerators, and freezers.
Coordinate safety infrastructure (fume hoods, eyewash stations, safety showers) inspections and repairs with EH&S and Operations.
Maintain daily temperature logs for departmental walk-in refrigeration and freezer units in AFS 118, 233, and 234, and coordinate service or repairs as needed.
Manage preventive maintenance schedules, service contracts, and annual certifications for shared resource equipment (autoclaves, first aid kits, lab coat laundry services).
Coordinate vendor service visits and ensure compliance with departmental and safety protocols.
Maintain and update laboratory equipment inventory, assist with annual inventory assessments, and facilitate surplus or replacement when required.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a specialized field and one year research experience. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Animal Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific or technical field.
- Two or more years of academic or professional experience in laboratory management, research operations, or safety compliance.
- Experience serving as a Departmental Safety Officer or similar safety liaison role.
- Experience coordinating preventive maintenance, service contracts, and inspections for shared laboratory or research equipment.
- Experience managing procurement, inventory, or supply chain processes within a research or academic setting, including use of TTU systems such as Banner, TechBuy, and P-Card.
- Familiarity with institutional compliance systems, environmental health and safety reporting, and laboratory infrastructure management.
- Experience overseeing or coordinating multi-user laboratory or research support facilities.
Special Instructions to Applicant
Please include the following documents in your application:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter detailing interest and summary of qualifications
- Contact list of at least 3 references
Minimum Hire Rate
To apply, visit workattexastech.com
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.
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