What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instrumentation Specialist, Senior position at Botany and Plant Pathology Department at Purdue University?
Job Description
Lead innovation where groundbreaking research meets Boilermaker Pride.
We are seeking a seasoned instrumentation specialist to serve as a technical leader and strategic partner to faculty, staff, and students. This role is critical to advancing research and education through the design, development, and support of custom scientific instrumentation. As a senior member of the instrumentation team you will design solutions, validate systems, and solve complex challenges across hardware, software, and specialized infrastructure—directly enabling cutting-edge research and education while providing continuous opportunities for learning and growth.
Key Responsibilities
At Purdue, you’ll join a legacy of innovators who turn ideas into impact. Here, your technical mastery fuels discovery while our culture fuels your growth. Experience the pride of maintaining world-class infrastructure that supports Nobel-caliber research—all within a community that values both monumental achievements and daily collaboration.
About Us
Purdue University’s Amy Instrumentation Facility is a collaborative, innovation-driven environment supporting faculty and student research through the development of custom scientific instrumentation and methodologies. We specialize in creating advanced, non-commercial hardware and software to meet unique research and educational needs.
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Needed:
Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
A background check will be required for employment in this position
FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package -https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/employeebenefits/benefits_enrollment/pdf/summaries/2025/Benefits-summary-Admin-Prof-2025.pdf including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
Career Stream
Professional 3
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
EOE / AA
Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer.
Lead innovation where groundbreaking research meets Boilermaker Pride.
We are seeking a seasoned instrumentation specialist to serve as a technical leader and strategic partner to faculty, staff, and students. This role is critical to advancing research and education through the design, development, and support of custom scientific instrumentation. As a senior member of the instrumentation team you will design solutions, validate systems, and solve complex challenges across hardware, software, and specialized infrastructure—directly enabling cutting-edge research and education while providing continuous opportunities for learning and growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as senior consultant for specifying, installing, operating, and repairing advanced scientific equipment/instrumentation
- Oversee end-to-end project management of large-scale equipment initiatives, coordinating cross-functional teams
- Troubleshoot and repair systems at all levels: electronic hardware, gas/water plumbing, and computer hardware/software
- Conduct validation testing to ensure equipment meets exacting research and instructional requirements
- Strategically source and implement new technologies while optimizing legacy systems
- A technical leader with deep expertise in multidisciplinary systems troubleshooting
- Skilled in balancing complex project management with hands-on technical work
- Adept at translating academic/research needs into engineered solutions
- A natural mentor who elevates team capabilities through knowledge sharing
- Committed to Purdue’s values of excellence, innovation, and community
At Purdue, you’ll join a legacy of innovators who turn ideas into impact. Here, your technical mastery fuels discovery while our culture fuels your growth. Experience the pride of maintaining world-class infrastructure that supports Nobel-caliber research—all within a community that values both monumental achievements and daily collaboration.
About Us
Purdue University’s Amy Instrumentation Facility is a collaborative, innovation-driven environment supporting faculty and student research through the development of custom scientific instrumentation and methodologies. We specialize in creating advanced, non-commercial hardware and software to meet unique research and educational needs.
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Needed:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field
- Minimum of four (4) years of experience with electronics and/or instrumentation development for scientific applications or other complex systems
- Hands-on experience with repair, design, modification, and characterization of electronic and electromechanical hardware
- Preferred: Advanced degree in electrical engineering OR related field OR physical science and experience with micro-processor, FPGA, RF, real-time automated system control, network data storage, and data acquisition
- Experience with general productivity software (Word, Excel, Power Point) and software specific to PCB layout and CAD
- Proficiency in data acquisition software and hardware for instrument design and control
- Proficiency in TCP/IP networking and MS Active Directory
- Skill in the use of electronic test equipment and circuit design/layout software
- Proficient in at least one programming language
- Ability to:
- identify problems, analyze information and implement solutions with sound judgment
- conceptualize functionality of subassemblies in complex systems and characterize/diagnose performance issues of the whole
- work independently and in a team environment
- Possess a learning orientation to study and interpret technical documents, research literature and systems documentation without substantial ancillary assistance
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to influence and build work relationships within a variety of individuals from various backgrounds and educational levels
- Excellent:
- organizational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure, multi-task, accommodate rapidly evolving project requirements, pay close attention to detail, prioritize work, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality
- customer service skills and professionalism
Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
A background check will be required for employment in this position
FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package -https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/employeebenefits/benefits_enrollment/pdf/summaries/2025/Benefits-summary-Admin-Prof-2025.pdf including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
Career Stream
Professional 3
- Pay Band S075
- Job Code #20003172
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
EOE / AA
Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer.
