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TTU Research Aide - Animal and Food Sciences
Position Description This position provides essential operational support for departmental research and specialized teaching activities in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. Serving as the Departmental Safety Officer, the position manages purchasing, maintenance, and service functions that sustain safe, compliant, and efficient laboratory operations. Responsibilities include coordinating shared laboratory facilities, overseeing equipment maintenance and chemical safety, and supporting faculty, staff, and students in the proper use of space and resources. The position is critical to maintaining research continuity, safety compliance, and operational efficiency in support of the department's mission in teaching, research, and outreach.
The position works collaboratively with faculty, investigators, and university service units to identify and resolve laboratory needs related to equipment, supplies, and facilities. This includes coordinating with Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Operations, and other research services to address maintenance and safety issues, manage work orders, and monitor shared environments. This role requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills to anticipate needs, coordinate priorities, and ensure compliance with university standards while fostering a culture of safety and collaboration. About the University Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories. About the Department and/or College The Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources includes the departments of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education and Communications, Animal and Food Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Plant and Soil Science, and Veterinary Sciences, along with multiple research centers and institutes. The College houses eight major research centers and institutes: the Center for Agriscience Communications, Davis College Water Center, Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute, Institute for Genomics of Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, International Center for Agricultural Competitiveness, International Center for Food Industry Excellence, Texas Cooperative Research Unit, and the Thornton Agricultural Finance Institute. Davis College enrolls more than 2,700 undergraduate students and more than 500 graduate students. The College sustains approximately 110 tenure-track faculty, 40 non-tenure-track faculty, and more than 165 support staff. Faculty across Davis College generated approximately $17.3 million in federal and private funding to support the research, teaching, and outreach and engagement missions. Davis College is currently engaged in The Pursuit of PRIME campaign, which is dedicated to shaping the future of agriculture, natural resources, and managed landscapes. The College prepares the next generation of leaders to address major challenges and build a brighter future through investments in advanced facilities, innovative research, and hands-on education. Rooted in Texas Tech's spirit of resilience and excellence, this commitment extends beyond the classroom to strengthen communities and inspire prosperity for generations to come.
The Department of Animal and Food Sciences (https://www.depts.ttu.edu/afs/) at Texas Tech University exists to address the challenges of a growing and changing world. We tackle these challenges by empowering students, advancing discoveries, and disseminating knowledge. Our core values (integrity, community, accountability, grit, and excellence) define our culture and those we seek to hire. The department takes pride in its tradition of student success and experiential learning through curriculum taught by faculty who are dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and engagement. Innovative creativity to address regional issues with global implications, while engaging with external community members through citizenship, are also hallmarks of the program. The department is housed in a modern research and teaching facility and is supported by several off-campus units (Equestrian Center, Equine Therapeutic Riding Teaching and Research Center, Grantham Companion Animal Research Facility, and an Agricultural Field Laboratory with canine, sheep/goat, swine, beef cattle, Burnett Center, and feed mill units). There are approximately 30 faculty members in the department, many of whom are leading researchers in their respective fields. Areas of research excellence include meat science and muscle biology, food science and safety, animal nutrition, health and welfare, and companion animal science. The department continues to experience historic student enrollment and now consists of more than 1,450 undergraduate and graduate students. Major/Essential Functions 1. Departmental Safety Officer (DSO) - TTU OP 60.29 - Serves as the departmental liaison to Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) and ensures compliance with university, state, and federal safety standards across specialized teaching, research, and service areas.
Serve as the primary contact with EH&S and coordinate departmental safety communication, inspections, and compliance activities.
Identify and help mitigate hazards in departmental facilities, equipment, and operations.
Ensure all employees and students complete required safety training and understand applicable procedures before beginning work.
Oversee the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe practices for chemical handling, storage, and waste disposal.
Monitor and coordinate maintenance of safety infrastructure (fume hoods, eyewash stations, safety showers) with EH&S and Facilities.
Report accidents or near misses promptly, assist with investigations, and ensure required documentation is completed.
Review and update departmental safety policies, encourage employee feedback, and promote continuous improvement in safety culture.
Serve as an active member of the Departmental Safety Committee and support faculty and staff in maintaining a safe work environment.
2. Purchasing and Supply Chain Management -
Process designated faculty and graduate student orders for specialized teaching and research supplies using TechBuy, procurement card, and Smartsheets.
Verify item numbers, quantities, pricing, and accounting information for accuracy and compliance.
Receive and document delivery of chemicals and other regulated materials, ensuring proper labeling, handling, and storage in accordance with university safety standards.
Communicate proactively with faculty, staff, and students to ensure timely, accurate, and safe ordering and delivery processes.
3. Laboratory Facility Space Maintenance -
Provide direction and operational oversight for teaching laboratory and research support spaces within the Department of Animal and Food Sciences.
Coordinate and collaborate with laboratory groups to maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment in shared areas, including hallways, teaching labs, autoclave rooms, instrument labs, and common workspaces.
Schedule and document regular cleaning of benchtops, floors, and storage areas to ensure compliance with departmental and university standards.
Collaborate with the business manager, facilities staff, and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) to address maintenance, safety, and infrastructure needs within laboratory spaces.
Serve as an emergency contact for after-hours equipment malfunctions, power interruptions, or facility-related safety concerns, coordinating response efforts with EH&S, Facilities, and department leadership as necessary.
4. Laboratory Equipment Management -
Oversee maintenance, repair, and safe operation of shared laboratory equipment, including biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, autoclaves, refrigerators, and freezers.
Coordinate safety infrastructure (fume hoods, eyewash stations, safety showers) inspections and repairs with EH&S and Operations.
Maintain daily temperature logs for departmental walk-in refrigeration and freezer units in AFS 118, 233, and 234, and coordinate service or repairs as needed.
Manage preventive maintenance schedules, service contracts, and annual certifications for shared resource equipment (autoclaves, first aid kits, lab coat laundry services).
Coordinate vendor service visits and ensure compliance with departmental and safety protocols.
Maintain and update laboratory equipment inventory, assist with annual inventory assessments, and facilitate surplus or replacement when required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory operations, including safe handling, labeling, and storage of chemicals, biological materials, or other regulated substances gained through coursework, internships, research projects, or employment.
- Working knowledge of laboratory equipment operation, calibration, and routine maintenance.
- Basic working knowledge of common electronic and office software systems used for documentation, communication, and data entry (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or equivalent platforms).
- Understanding of institutional and regulatory safety requirements (e.g., OSHA, EPA, EH&S) applicable to laboratory and research environments.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including standing, lifting, and handling laboratory equipment and supplies, with or without reasonable accommodation as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a specialized field and one year research experience. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Animal Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific or technical field.
- Two or more years of academic or professional experience in laboratory management, research operations, or safety compliance.
- Experience serving as a Departmental Safety Officer or similar safety liaison role.
- Experience coordinating preventive maintenance, service contracts, and inspections for shared laboratory or research equipment.
- Experience managing procurement, inventory, or supply chain processes within a research or academic setting, including use of TTU systems such as Banner, TechBuy, and P-Card.
- Familiarity with institutional compliance systems, environmental health and safety reporting, and laboratory infrastructure management.
- Experience overseeing or coordinating multi-user laboratory or research support facilities.
Safety Information Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees. Does this position work in a research laboratory? Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Please include the following documents in your application:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter detailing interest and summary of qualifications
- Contact list of at least 3 references
Questions about this position should be directed to Katie Buxkemper, Search Committee Chair at katie.buxkemper@ttu.edu. Required Attachments Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV Job Sub Family Researchers & Scientists Hourly Pay Range $17.69 - $22.98 - $28.32 Pay Statement Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. EEO Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran. |
Texas Tech University
Dec 18, 2025