Instrument Technician

Villanova University -
Villanova, PA

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Job Details

Full-time
$57,200 - $71,500 a year

Benefits

Tuition reimbursement
Paid time off
Gym membership
Retirement plan

Qualifications

Report preparation
Electronic meters
Computer operation
Digital multimeters
Chemical handling safety procedures
Laboratory safety
Microsoft Excel
Equipment safety procedures
Electronics test execution
Maintaining an organized workspace
Machine repair
3D printers
Equipment installation
Machine troubleshooting
Windows
Software installation
Laboratory equipment repair
Bachelor's degree
Hardware support
Laboratory preventive maintenance
Instrumentation repair
Milling machines
Productivity software
Manual machining
Industrial chemical handling
Hardware diagnostics
Mechanical troubleshooting
Facilities equipment maintenance
Chemical safety protocols

Full Job Description

Posting Number:

20260080S

Position Title:

Instrument Technician

Position Type:

Staff

Location:

Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type:

Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule:

full-time/12-months

Avg Hours Week

Department:

184-Chemistry

Position Summary:

Why work at Villanova?

Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

The Instrument Technician provides expertise and operational support for the Department’s research and instructional laboratories. Responsibilities include maintenance and troubleshooting of scientific instrumentation, coordination of service and preventative maintenance, support of laboratory infrastructure projects, repair of small laboratory equipment, fabrication of specialized components, management of gases and cryogens, and collaboration with faculty and staff to advance teaching and research activities.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Instrument Support, Development, Maintenance, and Repair: Develop and/or modify scientific instruments. Maintain and repair various laboratory equipment and instrumentation including (but not limited to) gas and liquid chromatographs, melting point apparatus, spectrophotometers, hot plate stirrers, vacuum pumps, centrifuges, lab ovens, shakers, incubators, and Vernier instructional instrumentation. Instrument support will require familiarity with software installation, instrument configuration, etc. and working with various information technology (IT) units on campus. Works with faculty, staff (including the instrument scientist and the director of the NMR lab), instrument manufacturers, and managed maintenance provider(s) to troubleshoot instruments (both hardware and software), and coordinate service calls and preventative maintenance visits. Existing lab equipment must be repaired as needed, and new lab equipment identified/evaluated for purchase.

2. Fabrication: Fabricate specialized items in the machine shop to support research instructional, and research labs, as well as associated equipment. Operate and maintain equipment. Train users as appropriate.

3. Manage Cryogens, Gases, and Associated Equipment: Order cryogens, gases and regulators, coordinate/replace gas cylinders / Dewars in instructional and research laboratories, install fittings, tubing, regulators and connections as needed.

4. Project Coordination: Coordinate various capital projects with the building superintendent and the Facilities Management Office (FMO) on site requirements for instructional and research laboratories, supplement facilities management with self-installations when needed.

5. Equipment & Part Ordering and Installation: Order miscellaneous equipment, non-stocked repair parts, and specialized items for instructional and research laboratories. Order and install security devices on department equipment.

6.Supervisory:Supervise part-time student help as needed.

7.Other: Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Formal Education:

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Minimum Work Experience:

Two years or more working in a science or technical position, required

Work Skills(e.g. written and verbal communication skills):

Able to communicate clearly
Excellent oral and written skills
Able to work with a minimum of supervision
Able to solve problems effectively
Able to prepare information for reports (Word, Excel, Power Point)
Creativity and inventiveness

Specific Job Knowledge(e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area):

Knowledge of maintenance, diagnostics and repair of mechanical and electronic lab equipment and instrumentation, including software installation, troubleshooting, and configuration
Knowledge of basic chemical and machine shop safety, specifically compressed gases and cryogens
Knowledge of Machine Shop best practices (organization, cleanliness)
Familiarity with chemical laboratory equipment, glassware, etc.
Knowledge of basic computer software packages: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) and experience with software installation and troubleshooting

Equipment Knowledge:

Various laboratory instrumentation and equipment – ability to maintain, service and troubleshoot, including instrument specific software
Standard machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, 3D printers, etc.
Electronic test equipment including multi-meters
Must be confident in working safely with chemicals; will likely work with and handle chemical reagents and waste under safe handling procedures

Preferred Qualifications:

Formal Education:

Advanced degree or training

Work Experience:

Five years work experience as Instrument Technician, Industrial Designer, Model Maker, Design Engineer, or Exhibit Fabricator preferred

Work Skills (e.g. written and verbal communication skills):

Working knowledge of computer-aided design (e.g., SolidWorks, MasterCam) and/or scientific instrument control software

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area):

Knowledge of manufacturing processes and design
Familiarity with auditing procedures, bookkeeping, and basic accounting

Equipment Knowledge

Knowledge of and ability to use various computer systems, install software, etc.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

Working Conditions/Environment (conditions, if known, which may impact the incumbent working in this position):

Tools, machinery and equipment used: Standard machine tools, 3-D printers, carts, dollies, various test equipment

Environmental conditions (any unusual/adverse conditions such as exposure to chemicals, noise, illumination, air quality, weather exposure etc.): There will be occasional handling of chemicals and appropriate safety equipment (gloves, clothing, etc.) will be provided. Occasional work outdoors can be expected, e.g., working on the loading dock.

Physical requirements (items such as lifting, pushing, pulling, standing or sitting for extended periods of time, manual dexterity, walking etc.): Can expect to occasionally lift boxes, no more than 50 pounds, and transport gas cylinders / Dewars using appropriate dollies.

Special Message to Applicants:

Applications must be submitted online at jobs.villanova.edu. The review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

A complete application includes:
1. Cover letter
2. Resume/curriculum vitae
3. Three letters of recommendation: Applications must include contact information for 3 references. References will be contacted only if applicant is considered a finalist.

Posting Date:

03/20/2026

Closing Date (11:59pm ET):

Salary Posting Information:

This position falls within salaried grade 14 and the range is $57,200-71,500. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.

Salary Grade:

Job Classification:

exempt

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed

Maximum Number of References Needed

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