Good Lab Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

OUR MISSION: Oregon Episcopal School educates students to realize their power for good as engaged citizens of the world.

ABOUT US: Founded in 1869, Oregon Episcopal School today occupies a wooded 59-acre campus where 880 students in Pre-K through 12th Grade share an excellent faculty, an inquiry-based curriculum, and a strong sense of community. The Upper School also includes a small boarding program of international and domestic students who live and learn together, enhancing the vibrancy of the school community.

OES seeks and values employees who continually grow in their work practices. Teaching faculty engage in the Characteristics of Effective Teaching for their ongoing learning in service of students. All other employees engage in professional growth specific to their responsibilities. Together, faculty and staff create a vibrant and diverse community of lifelong learners.

As an Episcopal school, we are rooted in a rhythm of gathering and reflection that values and respects all beliefs and cultures. As such, we educate toward a larger purpose - toward inclusion and respect, service andjustice, and commitment beyond ourselves.

JOB SUMMARY: In addition to the qualifications detailed below, the successful Lab Technician will promote the School's commitment to attracting and retaining a highly talented faculty, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to support the School's educational mission. As professional educators in a dynamic living and learning environment, faculty are required to model professional behavior and observe appropriate adult-student boundaries to support a safe and supportive community for teaching and learning. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated gift for engaging students and strengthening the inclusive community of OES.

The Lab Technician plays a central role in supporting a dynamic, inquiry-based Upper School science program. Working closely with faculty, this position ensures that laboratory experiences are safe, well-prepared, and aligned with a learner-centered curriculum that emphasizes analytical thinking, experimentation, and problem-solving.

This individual contributes to a program where students are treated as emerging scholars-designing, testing, and refining ideas in real-world contexts. The Lab Technician brings both precision and creativity to the work, helping to create an environment where students can meaningfully engage in scientific inquiry and develop the skills to use their knowledge as a force for good.

This position will be supervised by the Science Department Chair and the Lab Manager, and will report to the Head of Upper School. This position is anticipated at approximately 20-30 hours per week during the 10-month academic year (0.50-0.75 FTE), with hours varying based on instructional need, SIP season, and occasional support during school breaks. Additional hours beyond 40 per week are compensated in accordance with Oregon wage and hour law.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Lab Preparation and Instructional Support

• Prepare, set up, and break down laboratory experiences across biology, chemistry, physics, and science elective courses
• Make solutions, prepare materials, and assemble lab equipment to support daily instruction
• Collaborate with faculty to ensure labs are aligned with course goals and student learning outcomes
• Support students directly in the lab by reinforcing safe practices and proper techniques
• Assist with supervision during lab activities and field-based scientific work
• Be willing to make or help make videos to support use of lab equipment

Inventory, Systems, and Procurement

• Maintain an accurate, up-to-date digital inventory of all lab equipment, materials, and chemicals
• Track service, maintenance, and calibration records for equipment
• Manage ordering of supplies and chemicals, anticipating needs across the academic year
• Develop and refine systems that improve efficiency, organization, and access to materials

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure all chemicals are properly labeled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with safety regulations
• Monitor lab environments to maintain compliance with current safety standards
• Maintain a biosafety level one (BSL-1) lab environment, with potential to support expansion to BSL-2
• Partner with faculty and school leadership to uphold a strong culture of safety and accountability

Facilities and Program Support

• Clean, maintain, and store chemicals and lab equipment, including glassware, goggles, and protective gear
• Support upkeep of science facilities, including shared lab spaces and the greenhouse
• Assist with special projects, interdisciplinary work, or programmatic needs as they arise

Required Qualities and Skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a laboratory setting
• Comfort working with chemicals, scientific equipment, materials, and digital systems
• A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a willingness to partner closely with faculty and students
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and systems improvement
• Flexibility, curiosity, and interest in learning new techniques (e.g., tissue culture, advanced lab methods)
• Commitment to creating an inclusive, engaging, and student-centered learning environment

Schedule Expectations

This role includes providing student and faculty access to laboratory spaces beyond the standard school day. The Lab Technician is expected to support after-school lab access and periodic weekend coverage to accommodate student research, project work, and course needs. As a result, the weekly schedule will be intentionally flexible, with some later start times or adjusted weekday hours to balance after-school and weekend responsibilities. The goal is to ensure consistent access to labs while maintaining a sustainable and predictable work schedule.