Lab Technician IV

The College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) seeks applicants for a Lab Technician IV within the CADC Research Office.  This position oversees shop operations in the CADC’s Research Shop to support specialized equipment and users. 

The CADC Research Shop supports faculty and student research, teaching, and learning initiatives focused on mass timber, coastal resilience, and product prototyping.  This position delivers specialized technical support by maintaining, scheduling, and operating advanced equipment while providing independent oversight of shop operations. Key responsibilities include facility management, safety program administration, and the development and implementation of procedures that advance the shop’s research and instructional objectives.

This is a part-time position, funded by external sources.  Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.  It is expected but not guaranteed that additional external funding will be available to renew the position in future years.

About the CADC

The CADC comprises three schools: the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; the McWhorter School of Building Science; and the School of Industrial and Graphic Design.  Together, these academic units represent a broad and interconnected range of disciplines – offering nationally and internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate degree programs in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, environmental design, graphic design, industrial design, and building construction.  While distinct in focus, the schools share a culture of inquiry, making, and public engagement that encourages collaboration, influence, and innovation across fields.

• Oversees operation, maintenance and training relative to the specialized equipment utilized in the Research Shop, including a cold-set Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) press, woodworking equipment utilized to prepare materials for the press, maintenance of an Emriver Em4 Stream Table, and large format 3-D printing equipment.
• Maintains experiments, lab classroom set-ups, and lab projects and services.
• Maintains supplies, equipment and facilities used in conjunction with research activities.
• Assists others by providing expertise and advice concerning Research Shop operation and safety.
• Collect and analyze data and perform observations for analysis.
• Inventories and requisitions supplies and equipment in support of research activities.
• Coordinates the availability, use, and maintenance of laboratory equipment, materials, and/or key inventories.
• Trains faculty, staff, and students involved in research projects in the operation of equipment and technical procedures related to equipment within the lab.
• Coordinate stakeholder needs across research, instructional, and outreach activites, ensuring responsive service and effective faculty access.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, vendor relationships, service contracts, and technical troubleshooting to ensure operational reliability.
• Coordinate with industry and/or other university researchers and provide input on experimental designs and practical implications of research results.
• May assist in the writing of research papers and statements of funding in addition to collecting literature and record searches.
• Assist faculty in preparing/teaching/conducting laboratory courses and lecture demonstrations.
• May provide additional support to other departments and CADC schools.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 6 years of experience in research and/or lab equipment operations

Typical hourly pay rates are between $23.34 and $26.67 per hour

Desired Qualifications:

Advanced technical proficiency with the CLT press, including operation and oversight of hydraulic systems, pressing force calibration, electrical controls, and emergency shutdown mechanisms. Expertise includes navigating the equipment’s user interface, operational modes, maintenance icons, diagnostic messages, system history logs, and troubleshooting codes. 

A high level of technical judgment, equipment knowledge, and the ability to independently manage complex machinery essential to the Research Shop’s instructional and research mission.

Ability to perform preventive maintenance, identify system faults, and ensure safe, reliable operation of equipment within the Research Shop under varying use conditions.

• Job related licensure may be required for specific positions. Upon Hire Required

Substitution allowed for Experience:

When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

• Demonstrated expertise in press operations, including proficiency with press interfaces, operational modes, pressing force calibration, emergency shutdown mechanisms, and troubleshooting.
• Advanced technical judgement, comprehensive knowledge of shop equipment, and the ability to independently operate, monitor, and manage complex machinery.
• Ability to perform preventative maintenance, diagnose system faults, and ensure safe, efficient and reliable operation of equipment under a variety of operating conditions.

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!