Graduate Student Research Assistant Jobs in Springville, UT

Why Work at BYU

As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life."

Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth-all situated within a beautiful and historic campus-make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work.

Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Electronic Technician

Support the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and the College of Life Sciences by providing expert maintenance, repair, and training on a wide range of scientific laboratory and research equipment. This role includes servicing both large and small instruments across multiple campus buildings, including biosafety cabinets (BSCs), vacuum pumps, centrifuges, incubators, microscopes, and more. The position also supports student experiential learning through mentorship, particularly in machining and lab equipment use. This individual will contribute to safety compliance, manage equipment-related purchasing and expense reporting, and act as a key resource for campus-wide equipment troubleshooting and consultation. This role plays a vital part in maintaining research continuity, safety standards, and student development in teaching and research settings.

What you'll do in this position:

Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance of Scientific Lab Equipment

• Perform hands-on repair and maintenance of lab instruments and scientific equipment used in teaching and research.
• Specialize in maintaining biosafety cabinets (BSLs 1-2), including on-campus repairs and containment assurance for biological hazards.
• Service additional equipment such as vacuum pumps, centrifuges, incubators, microscopes, balances, spectrophotometers, gas chromatography systems, digesters, and hot plates.
• Respond to work orders and ensure accurate documentation of parts and repairs.
• Maintain lab safety standards and ensure compliance with equipment-specific protocols.

Student and Faculty Support in Experiential Learning

• Train and mentor student employees, including those running the front desk and operating fabrication equipment
• Support engineering students, research assistants, and fabricators through hands-on guidance and equipment training
• Work closely with shop manager to support discipline and project direction in student-led initiatives
• Assist with machine shop oversight, including support of expert machining projects

Development of Custom Equipment and Interfacing

• Consult with faculty and students on new equipment design or modifications to support research needs
• Design and construct digital and analog circuitry as needed
• Provide support for computer interfacing using software such as LabVIEW

Technical Leadership and Campus Training

• Attend BSC certification training (e.g., Houston-based course) to enable in-house training and servicing of biological safety cabinets across campus. (This will be paid for by the Department)
• Use technical expertise to support lab personnel in understanding proper use and maintenance of critical research instruments
• Lead campus-wide training efforts as needed in safety and equipment use

Operations, Purchasing, and Safety Compliance

• Submit and track work orders, ensure timely follow-through, and update system entries with parts used
• Perform purchasing duties and submit expense reports for equipment and repair needs
• Follow university and room-specific safety protocols
• Support the greenhouse, animal facilities, and various campus buildings with repair needs that fall outside standard facilities management responsibilities

What qualifies you for this role:

Required:

• A firm commitment to the mission of BYU.
• Associate's degree in Electronic/Electrical Technologies, Engineering, or Computer Science with a hardware emphasis and 5 years of experience repairing electronic instruments; OR 10 years of hands-on experience in the electronic instrumentation service field
• Strong troubleshooting skills
• Basic computer proficiency

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Electronic/Electrical Engineering or a related field
• 5+ years of experience repairing scientific lab instruments and interfacing with computer systems
• Experience in chemistry and life science instrumentation
• Skilled in using electronic test tools: VOMs, oscilloscopes, power supplies
• Knowledge of NEC and industrial safety codes
• Familiarity with lab instruments: spectrophotometers, gas/liquid chromatography, mass specs, microscopes

What we offer in return:

This position comes with fantastic benefits, including:

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
• Generous vacation and sick time, plus 13 paid holidays
• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members
• Access to athletic facilities
• Excellent medical/dental benefits
• Short/long term disability benefits
• Paid parental and maternity leave
• Wellness program
• Free on-campus parking
• Free UTA passes for employee, spouse, and qualified dependents
• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU

Pay Grade: 52

Typical Starting Pay:

$31.25to $40.50/hourly

$65,500.00 to$84,500.00 annually

The actual compensation offered will take into consideration internal equity and may vary based on the candidate's job-related experience, knowledge, skills, and other relevant factors. Candidates with very significant work-related experience may receive an offer higher than the posted typical range.

**If the job has a post-end date, the last day to apply is the day before. If the job doesn't have a post-end date, the job could close at any time on any day**

Required Documents:

All Staff positions require a resume.

Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!