These individuals are the ones who keep an institution or company working by supplying the workforce, materials and equipment necessary to get the job done. Again, these are people who may not be trained in science, but they are crucial to everything happening in the lab and beyond.

Technical Recruiter

A technical recruiter is responsible for recruiting, interviewing and screening applicants for technical exempt and nonexempt positions. He or she coordinates pre-employment physicals, travel, reporting dates, security clearances and employment processing for new hires. He or she also conducts employee advertising and reviews employment agency placements. In addition, a technical recruiter maintains college recruiting, affirmative action and career development programs. An entry-level position as a technical recruiter requires a bachelor of science degree or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years experience.

Human Resources Representative

A representative in human resources is responsible for a variety of activities in personnel administration, including employment, compensation and benefits, employee relations, equal employment opportunity and training programs. He or she conducts job interviews, counsels employees, maintains records, and conducts research and analyzes data on assigned projects. An entry-level position as a human resources representative requires a bachelor of science degree or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years related experience.

Buyer

A buyer is responsible for obtaining materials, scientific equipment, and services. He or she checks requisitions, obtains price quotations, examines bids and awards contracts. A buyer develops new supply sources where vendors and suppliers are inadequate. He or she coordinates purchasing activities with other departments to maintain inventory at planned levels. As required, a buyer also monitors the cost, schedule, and scope of assigned subcontracts to ensure the quality and value of the contract. An entry-level buyer position requires a bachelor of science degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years experience in purchasing, preferably in a scientific area.