Position Summary

The Department of Biology is seeking a knowledgeable and organized Instructional Laboratory Technician to oversee the Biology teaching laboratories. This position plays a key role in delivering a comprehensive and high-quality laboratory experience for students enrolled in this foundational course.

Key Responsibilities:

• Laboratory Oversight: Manage the daily operations of the general Biology teaching laboratories under the supervision of the Department Chair.
• Instructional Coordination: Train and coordinate laboratory instructors while supervising laboratory support personnel.
• Curriculum Development: Design and develop curriculum materials and laboratory exercises that reflect current biological theory.
• Course Implementation: Organize, schedule, and prepare lab sessions to ensure consistent and effective instruction.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Apply an advanced background in biology to independently develop an introductory biology course that offers students a well-rounded, hands-on learning experience.

Why Join Us?

• Student-Centered Impact: Shape the learning experience for hundreds of students in a key introductory biology course.
• Professional Autonomy: Take the lead in course design and instruction preparation with support from department leadership.
• Academic Environment: Work in a collaborative setting that values scientific rigor and educational excellence.
• Growth Opportunity: Utilize your advanced academic background and teaching experience to make a lasting impact in STEM education.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Department of Biology is one of the largest departments within the University. Its wide spectrum of teaching and research covers all major areas of biology and includes ~1600 majors. Degrees offered by the Department include: BA or BS in Biology, BA or BS in Microbiology, BS in Biology with optional emphases in Cell and Molecular Biology, in Ecology, in Evolution and Systematics, in Marine Biology, and in Zoology as well as preparation for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Life Sciences; B.S. in Microbiology with optional emphasis in Clinical Laboratory Science and Public Health Microbiology; a Certificate in Biotechnology; MA or MS in Biology or in Microbiology; MA or MS with emphases in Ecology, in Evolutionary Biology, in Molecular Biology, and in Physiology; Ph.D. in Biology (with UCSD); Ph.D. in Ecology (with UC Davis) and Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology (with UC Riverside). The Department currently generates approximately 1275 FTES per semester.

One of the largest general education courses in Biology is Biology 100. This course boasts an average student enrollment of over 1000 students annually, and its laboratory component (Biology 100L) is one of the largest lab courses in the College of Sciences. Biology 100L requires the staffing of one technical staff position and numerous graduate student teaching associates, a graduate assistant, and an undergraduate Federal Work Study (FWS) lab assistant employee.

For more information regarding the Department of Biology, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to four years of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline, or in producing materials or supplies or repairing equipment in a discipline related to specialty area to which assigned.

OR

Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area to which assigned may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

OR

Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the specialty area to which assigned may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

Key Qualifications

• Must have an extensive background and expertise in various general biology techniques and concepts, including microbiological culture and aseptic technique, DNA fingerprinting, enzymatic reactions, genetics, evolutionary biology, physiology, ecology and biodiversity.
• Must possess strong organizational abilities, computer proficiency, and experience with digital tools, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Must exercise independence and the ability to make common sense decisions as required. Ability to troubleshoot failed exercises and equipment problems as they arise.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of experimental design and organization in biological science methodology.
• Must have graduate-level knowledge of biological theories, be familiar with instrumentation, and understand the proper use of lab supplies and equipment.
• Superior oral and writing communicative skills and organizational skills.
• High level of organizational skills is required.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures is required.
• Experience includes at least 2 semesters or 3 quarters of introductory or “general” biology lab preferred.
• Experience three years as the solo instructor leading a college-level lab class is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $5,513 per month. 

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources. 

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,053 - $8,765 per month. 

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by June 19, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Sophia Faulk at Srfaulk@sdsu.edu.