"Coordinator, Science Lab Operations"

Job Duties

Mercer County Community College is a comprehensive institution which places primary emphasis on excellence in classroom/laboratory instruction. Under the direction of the Dean with input by the Program Coordinators and Departmental Faculty, the Science Laboratory Coordinator's primary responsibility is to support the laboratory operations in conjunction with the designated faculty and curriculum. The Science Laboratory Coordinator prepares reagents, sets-up / breaks down course laboratory experiments, monitors inventory, purchases materials and equipment for use in the student laboratory demonstrations and experiments. The Science Laboratory Coordinator serves as a liaison between various MCCC department and various venders with respect to maintenance of instructional labs and equipment, maintains Safety Data Sheets for all inventoried chemicals and maintains current information on Right To Know laws in accordance with state and federal regulations. Performs other related duties related to the operations and support of the laboratory operations. Some evening hours may be required.

Receives general supervision and is expected to prioritize work to meet deadlines and to keep Faculty informed of any unusual or irregular issues that would impact use of the lab, the lab equipment or supplies that may impact a planned activity or lab schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains and organizes laboratories and prep rooms to operate the program in a coordinated fashion.
• Performs set up and break down laboratories and manage laboratory prep rooms as assigned.
• Maintains the laboratory facilities in a coordinated fashion.
• Support full time and adjunct faculty to enhance the success of laboratory courses.
• Prepares and sets up comprehensive lab exams when appropriate.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Exercises stewardship of college facilities and materials.
• Prepares weekly laboratory materials and lab staging including reagents, equipment, specimen, preparation of media and other curricular materials.
• Prepares, organizes, and maintains stockroom supplies, solutions, equipment, and other materials as needed for instruction.
• Analyzes and troubleshoots potential and actual problems in the laboratory.
• Determines the need for purchasing for supplies and uses the departmental budget in accordance with college procedures.
• Ensures to proper handling, storage and use of chemicals within the laboratories.
• Observes proper regulatory compliance, Right to Know inventory, and laboratory waste disposal.
• Orders, receives and maintains laboratory, supplies and chemicals support laboratory operations.
• Collaborates with Facilities and other college departments in the maintenance of biology laboratories.
• Provides oversight regarding personnel access and security of the laboratories.
• Supervises part-time and/or work study students in the laboratory and prep rooms.
• Uses professional judgement in independent decision-making.

Laboratory Support

• Plans, conducts and implements lab exercises and experiments in conjunction with the Course and Program Coordinators responsible for the lab sections.
• Assists in the operation and maintenance for the instructional lab facilities.
• Plans and organizes laboratory instruction materials to maximize student learning.
• Participates in the development of instructional strategies and technologies where appropriate to meet diverse student needs.
• Reinforces communication, critical thinking and other higher order skills in the lab experience.
• Contributes to the development of lab instructional materials in accordance with course objectives.
• Evaluates student laboratory performance fairly and consistently and returns student paperwork promptly.
• Maintains accurate records of student progress in conjunction with the course coordinator according to established deadlines.

Participation in College, Division, and Program Activities

• Participates in meetings as scheduled by the college, division, department, and Course and Program Coordinators.
• Responds in a timely manner to information requests from college, division, department and Course and Program Coordinators.
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills in communication with students, colleagues, staff, course coordinators and administrators as an individual or on a team.
• Serves on college committees as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Science Laboratory Coordinator may supervise part-time and/or work study students within the department and provide direction to these individuals on a routine basis. The Science Laboratory Coordinator will set the weekly work schedules, provide daily work instructions, give feedback on the quality of work performed and providing the approvals for time-keeping and pay.

Working Conditions

Working conditions include office environment, laboratories, and supply areas. Travel to and from both campuses of MCCC may be required.

ADA and Other Requirements

Positions in this class typically require: ability to use a key board, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Light Work: Light work involved lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Three (3) years of laboratory experience in the appropriate discipline.
• Three (3) years of experience maintaining and operating the associated lab facilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to develop a rapport with the Dean, Program Coordinators, Faculty and students to ensure successful delivery of laboratory instruction.
• Possesses knowledge of the discipline including interpretation and evaluation of the theories within the discipline.
• Connect the subject matter with related fields.
• Stay current in the subject matter.
• Learn and use technology to enhance laboratory teaching when appropriate.
• Ability to accept responsibility for own actions.
• Ability to follow through on commitments.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and their needs for laboratory support services.
• Demonstrated commitment to the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work successfully with diverse individuals and groups with various levels of education.
• Ability to handle confidential matters with appropriate discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology, biochemistry or closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Prior work experience in higher education environment.
• Prior work experience managing laboratory supplies and operations.
• Ability to obtain proper Hazardous Waste Disposal certifications.