Rank: Administrator III
Search Number: S25-028
Job Posted: January 29, 2026

Southern Connecticut State University is a diverse and student-centered university dedicated to academic excellence, access, and service for the public good. Southern provides a supportive and welcoming environment for all members of its community through a campus wide commitment to social justice.  Founded as a teacher’s college in 1893, Southern has evolved over the past century into a comprehensive public university of more than 9,000 students, offering graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and professional disciplines. It is one of four universities in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. The University is located in New Haven, a city rich with arts and culture, and less than 90 miles from New York City and 140 miles from Boston.

The Chemistry Technical Specialist is responsible for the management of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department’s laboratories and chemical stockrooms, as well as coordinating chemical waste disposal. Responsibilities also include ordering, receiving, cataloging, and distributing lab supplies (chemicals and glassware) and equipment to department teaching and research labs.

Position Responsibilities:

Obtains quotes, negotiates prices, follows up on back-ordered items, and maintains active customer accounts with vendors.

In consultation with faculty, ensures proper ordering, receiving, and processing of invoices for payment of supplies.

Coordinates deliveries of compressed gases and cryogenic fluids.

Interacts with Procurement staff regarding purchase requisitions and purchase orders. Receives, catalogs, and forwards invoices to Department Chairperson and Procurement to ensure payment.

Prepares and provides Department Chairperson with monthly budget reports regarding lab purchases.

Maintains adequate lab supplies (chemical and glassware) in department stockrooms and prep rooms. Updates department chemical inventory.

Manages removal and disposal of old equipment/instruments. Catalogs donated lab glassware and instruments. Manages returns of unwanted items.

Stays current with OSHA, HAZWOPER, and DOT regulations. Provides right-to-know training and lab safety training to all new department faculty members and research students.

Updates department Standard Operating Procedures.

Inspects department teaching and research labs and alerts department faculty members and Chairperson of potential lab safety issues.

Inspects safety showers and eye wash stations weekly in department teaching and research labs.

Inspects hood flow in Jennings Hall labs monthly.

Works closely with the Environmental Health & Safety officer.

Assists with chemical spills in department.

Supervises Student Workers and department University Assistant that prep teaching labs. Preps organic chemistry labs.

Supervises weekly chemical waste pickup for department teaching and research labs. Coordinates disposal of expired chemicals. 

Escorts and assists university and external service workers and inspectors (fire extinguisher inspectors, instrument technicians, hood flow technician, balance calibration technician, facilities staff, and university inventory staff) working in department labs.
Facilitates exchange of lab supplies and equipment with other departments.

Creates and follows up on work orders related to department labs.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Three (3) years of experience and knowledge of chemical safety and hygiene, the disposal of chemical waste materials, and the handling of toxic materials and hazardous wastes. Inventory skills, ability to use word processing and spreadsheet programs.

Application:

For full consideration, please submit a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Mary Woodruff, woodruffm1@southernct.edu by February 28, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Southern Connecticut State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University seeks to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff. People of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply