Research Technologist

Provides department-wide laboratory and equipment support: maintenance, repair, and fabrication of specialized systems. Serves as Department Safety Officer, ensuring compliance and hazardous materials oversight. Manages inventory and facilities.

  • 521916
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Tim Taylor Dept Chemical Engr
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Regular)
  • Closing at: Aug 1 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
View favorites

About This Role

The Research Technologist assists faculty, staff, and students in the Tim Taylor Department of Chemical Engineering. They serve as the department safety officer and laboratory technician, provide inventory support, and performs various departmental maintenance.

About Us

The Tim Taylor Department of Chemical Engineering at Kansas State University has a rich tradition of teaching excellence coupled with interdisciplinary and collaborative research. The department currently has 11 faculty members, enrolls approximately 150 undergraduate students and 15 graduate students. Active research and teaching programs exist in the areas of novel materials, catalysis, semiconductors, biotechnology, energy generation and storage, and intelligent process engineering. Additional information is available at www.che.ksu.edu.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires an associate degree and two years of relevant experience. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the applied engineering knowledge, technical design expertise and analytical skills necessary to construct, modify and maintain experimental equipment and support complex research processes within a laboratory environment. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential experience inherent in a formal degree program.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate's degree or technical certificate in machine tool technology, industrial maintenance, electronics/instrumentation, or a related field; bachelor's degree in engineering technology or a physical science preferred.
  • Three or more years of experience maintaining, repairing, and fabricating equipment in a research laboratory, national laboratory, or industrial R&D setting.
  • Demonstrated machining and fabrication skill, including manual mill, lathe, and welding/brazing; ability to read schematics and blueprints. CNC and CAD experience a plus.
  • Experience with vacuum systems, including pump overhaul and leak detection, and compressed gas distribution and laboratory water systems (RO/DI).
  • Troubleshooting and repair experience across electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems; instrumentation or controls programming a plus.
  • Working knowledge of laboratory safety standards and hazardous waste handling requirements.
  • Strong recordkeeping and organizational skills, with experience tracking equipment inventory, purchases, and contractor work.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Three professional references

Application Window

Applications close on: August 1, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$ 18.86 - $ 32.05 hourly

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.