Operate polymer processing equipment, including pelletizing, blown film, cast film, and injection molding systems, to support research and development projects.
Process, densify, and granulate recycled plastics and other materials for testing and recyclability assessments.
Conduct experiments according to established protocols while documenting observations, processing conditions, and results.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical records.
Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and refurbishment of laboratory and pilot-scale processing equipment.
Assist with fabrication and welding projects to support equipment and facility needs.
Coordinate the pickup, transport, inventory, and movement of materials between customer sites and university facilities.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and industry partners to support ongoing research activities.
Requirements
Experience working in a laboratory, manufacturing, pilot plant, or research environment.
Experience maintaining equipment logs, inventory records, or technical documentation.
Familiarity with recycling, polymers, plastics processing, or packaging materials.
Experience performing preventative maintenance and equipment repair.
Welding and metal fabrication experience.
Why Join Us?
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
This is a one-year term position with opportunity for renewal.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
July 26, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
06
Original Posti
Benefits
Health insuranceDental insurancePaid time offFlexible schedule
Additional Information
Position Title:
Laboratory Technician I
Job Group:
Merit
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- One year of related laboratory experience, or Any combination of related experience and/or related undergraduate courses in physical or natural sciences that is equivalent to one year of full-time employment.
Special Required Qualifications
Valid U.S. Driver's License
Job Description:
The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University is seeking a Laboratory Technician I to support research and development activities within the Polymer and Food Protection Consortium (PFPC). This position plays a key role in processing recycled plastics and packaging materials, supporting applied research projects, maintaining specialized equipment, and coordinating materials used in laboratory and pilot-scale operations.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who enjoy hands-on technical work, operating industrial equipment, troubleshooting mechanical systems, and contributing to innovative sustainability and materials research initiatives.
Iowa State University · Ames, IA