Job Summary

The Biological Sciences Department is seeking a highly skilled Molecular and Cell Biology Instructional Support Technician to provide comprehensive laboratory support for undergraduate and advanced teaching laboratories. Reporting to the Director of Resources and Operations and receiving work lead direction from the Department Chair, this position works independently under general supervision and serves as the primary technical support for cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, and biotechnology laboratories.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide sole instructional laboratory support, including preparation, setup, stocking, and cleaning of teaching labs
• Prepare, test, and maintain biological and chemical reagents, cultures, and specialty materials
• Maintain, calibrate, and coordinate repair of specialized laboratory instruments and equipment
• Ensure laboratory compliance with safety, chemical hygiene, and biological material regulations
• Manage laboratory inventories, hazardous waste handling, and equipment scheduling
• Support faculty in developing, pre-running, and optimizing laboratory exercises
• Train instructional staff, student assistants, and students on equipment use and safety procedures
• Respond to critical equipment or laboratory emergencies as needed

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Knowledge of the principles and methods related to performing support services within Biological Sciences
• Knowledge of Molecular and Cell Biology
• Ability to translate laboratory exercises into needs for supplies, equipment, reagents and technical support
• Knowledge of the materials, equipment and supplies related to the assigned curriculum, their characteristics, and uses
• Ability to develop off-campus resources related to the discipline for obtaining materials or equipment
• Ability to coordinate support service to meet a comprehensive variety of needs
• Ability to operate, calibrate, repair, and maintain technical and scientific instrumentation
• Knowledge of OSHA and other standards for chemical and biological safety
• Ability to prepare chemical and biological reagents
• Thorough knowledge of methods, procedures and practices; English grammar, business writing, punctuation and spelling
• Ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports
• Ability to handle multiple work priorities, organize and plan work and projects effectively and independently
• Ability to train others on new skills and procedures and provide work lead direction
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with employees

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to four years of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline, or in producing materials or supplies or repairing equipment in a discipline related to the area to which assigned. A combination of education and experience will be considered

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology or a related field
• Advanced, practical experience in molecular and cell biology, immunology and biotechnology applications. Experience with or willingness to train in chemical and biological safety and handling of hazardous wastes

Compensation

Classification: Instructional Support Technician III
Anticipated Hiring Range: $6,655/month - $7,063/month (Step 15 – Step 18)
CSU Salary Range: $5,044/month - $7,348/month (Step 1 – Step 20)

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: February 9, 2026 through February 23, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.