Job Details

Biogeochemistry Lab Technician (HR Title: Teaching Laboratory Manager)

Position Number: 6858677
Location: Dallas, TX
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Biogeochemistry Lab Technician (HR Title: Teaching Laboratory Manager)

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Teaching Laboratory Manager oversees the maintenance and daily operation of the equipment in the biogeochemistry laboratories in Earth Sciences. This includes molecular biology protocols, preparation of microbiology cultures and samples, maintenance and operation of HPLC and GC/MS. These instruments are part of a constellation of microanalytical and microstructural capabilities recently developed at SMU, which complements longstanding department strengths in isotope geochemistry and geophysics instrumentation. The position will include facilitating data collection and interpretation for researchers and students within the Earth Sciences department, among departments at SMU and for regional outside users and collaborators. The position will accommodate the development of independent research on the part of the laboratory manager.

Essential Functions:

Oversee daily operation of lab infrastructure, including organizing lab personnel, ordering of supplies, inventory of lab supplies. Preparation and maintenance of instruments.
Facilitate experiment design, data collection and interpretation for researchers and students within the Earth Sciences department, among departments at SMU and for regional outside users and collaborators. This can include personal research goals aimed at improving functionality and research productivity of the laboratories.
Trouble-shoot instrumentation and perform/oversee routine maintenance.
Some weekends may be necessary in cases of emergency or fast turn-around times for analyses. Also monitoring of -80C freezers might require emergency sample recovery.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Master's degree is required, a Master's degree in biological and/or geochemical sciences is preferred.

A minimum of two (2) years of experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate technical knowledge of chemical and machinery associated with sample preparation and use of equipment is essential.

Candidate must have the ability to operate computers and proprietary software associated with instrumentation.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Bend, stand
Reach above shoulders
Handle objects (dexterity)
Carry/lift 25 lbs.

Deadline to Apply:

Deadline date: January 30, 2026

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

Primary Location: USA-TX-Dallas

Job: Research

Organization: Dedman College

Schedule: Regular

Shift: Staff

Employee Status: Individual Contributor

Job Type: Full-time

Job Level: Day Job

Travel: No

Job Posting: Jan 15, 2026, 7:41:19 PM

To apply, visit https://smu.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=DED00000455&tz=GMT%2B00%3A00&tzname=UTC