Paper Machine and Laboratory Specialist

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Position Title:

Paper Machine and Laboratory Specialist

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Instrumentation Technologist I

Job Duties:

This hands-on laboratory and pilot-plant based position will provide laboratory support to the Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department and assist the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology. Primary responsibilities are to maintain a safe working environment, operate the pilot paper machine as needed, perform maintenance of paper machine and other laboratory equipment, and support student learning in all department laboratories.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

A.    Laboratory Safety 
•    Establish, post, and enforce all safety procedures in areas of work.
•    Maintain all safety equipment in the laboratory areas in good working order.
•    Keep SDS sheets for all chemicals in an easily accessible location.
•    Label all chemicals properly.
•    Discard and replace broken glassware.
•    Store all chemicals, equipment, and glassware properly.
•    Ensure all safety and housekeeping standards are met.
•    Manage the inventory and storage of chemicals and major laboratory materials

B.    Laboratory Activities 
•    Ensure that all laboratory procedures and products meet relevant safety standards.
•    Ensure that all consumable materials (pulp, chemicals, etc.) are on hand when needed.
•    Operate the UW-Stevens Point’s pilot paper machine and allied equipment in support of the Paper Science & Chemical Engineering Department’s undergraduate programs and WIST industry-focused contract research and laboratory projects.
•    Experiment with different raw materials, chemicals, and techniques to enhance paper quality and sustainability.
•    Conduct physical and chemical tests on paper products to assess their quality, strength, and durability.
•    Answers questions and provides technical information regarding instrumentation to staff, researchers, clients, and students.
•    Investigates new research processes and technology solutions in collaboration with research staff, students, and clients.

C.    Maintenance of Paper Machine, Allied Equipment, and Testing Instruments  
•    Perform routine preventative maintenance.
•    Interface with UWSP maintenance staff and/or outside contractors for all major repairs and maintenance of the paper machine.
•    Develop and maintain a schedule for the calibration of paper testing equipment.
•    Calibrate all instruments to appropriate standards as necessary.
•    Troubleshoot and correct all operational difficulties as necessary.
•    Maintain all operation manuals; keep them available and in good condition.
 

**Full position description is available upon request. **

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Develops, integrates, tests, and modifies sophisticated scientific equipment to support research/clinical initiatives and unit directives

• Designs, plans, and performs preventative and reactive maintenance on equipment to ensure optimal and safe operation

• Answers questions and provides technical information regarding instrumentation to staff, researchers, clients, and students

• Assists with the preparation of grant proposals and applicable documentation

• Investigates new research processes and technology solutions in collaboration with research/clinical staff, students, and clients

• Provides technical expertise to staff, researchers, clients, and students in the installation and use of equipment and instruments, exercising discretion and independent judgment to meet unit goals

Department:

The Paper Science and Chemical Engineering department houses two majors: Paper Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering, both of which are accredited by ABET. The department is in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The College supports premier undergraduate natural resource programs with disciplines in Fisheries and Water Resources, Forestry, Environment and Society, Soil and Waste Resources, Wildlife Ecology, and the Department of Paper Science and Chemical Engineering. The University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point is a four-year comprehensive university. Stevens Point, a pleasant college community, with a population of just over 25,000, is midway between Milwaukee and Minneapolis near the center of the state. The area offers a wide range of cultural, shopping and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Compensation:

minimum $50,000 annually, based on qualifications and experience

Relocation assistance is available for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• At least five years of work experience in pulp and paper, laboratory and /or pilot scale equipment.
• Ability to train and supervise students, staff, faculty, and visitors in the operation of paper machines and testing equipment.
• Understanding of papermaking processes, materials, and equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or related area.
• Knowledge of the forest products industry in Wisconsin.

How to Apply:

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Applications received by Sunday, January 18, 2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration.

Files must be complete to be considered. Submission in PDF format is preferred for all attachments. Please include the following documents:

- Cover letter addressing qualifications and experience

- Resume/Curriculum Vitae

(Official Transcripts may be required of finalist)

After you submit your application, you are unable to edit it, so please be sure to include all application materials.

Position Contact Information:

Name: Karyn Biasca

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 715-346-3962

If you have any questions regarding the application process, need special arrangements, or if you submitted your application with missing materials, please call or email:

Human Resources

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 715-346-2606

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. UW-Stevens Point does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position.

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you to supply three (3) professional references/one (1) of which being a current or former supervisor. (Preference to supply five (5) professional references/two (2) of which being a current or former supervisors.) Your references will be required to answer questions regarding misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Special Notes:

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.stevenspointarea.com.

Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or [email protected].

The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.