"Instructional Lab Manager - College of Architecture and Design - (495773 )"

Job Details

Department: Dean, Architecture and Design

Salary: Commensurate with Experience/Education

Description

Manages a laboratory program for one or more instructional laboratories, including supervision of laboratory assistants.

1. Selects, trains and coordinates the work of lab assistants and graduate assistants assigned to the lab.
2. Schedules, monitors and evaluates performance of lab assistants and graduate assistants.
3. Recommends enhancements and revisions of lab course materials to faculty.
4. Coordinates lectures and laboratory course materials with graduate assistants and faculty.
5. Assists faculty with development of equipment proposals.
6. Assists students with projects and may develop industry-sponsored undergraduate laboratory projects.
7. Manages ordering and distribution of student lab kits, supervises purchase of lab supplies.
8. Evaluates equipment and software for use in the lab.
9. Provides training sessions for faculty and lab assistants in the proper use of the lab, as needed.
10. Conducts laboratory instruction under faculty supervision.
11. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Posting Information

Summary

The lab manager position is responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of the multidisciplinary fabrication and research lab, ensuring a safe, efficient, and collaborative working environment. Working under the guidance of the Director, the manager develops and implements strategies, protocols, and guidelines that shape how the lab engages with research faculty, students, staff, and industry partners. The lab manager serves as a central point of coordination between the strategic planning, development, and agenda of the facility, and the daily implementation of those strategies and goals within the lab. The lab manager helps to identify evolving facility needs that support the pedagogical goals of the facility, while ensuring alignment with institutional and industry safety standards. Through effective leadership, communication, and operational stewardship, the lab manager strengthens the lab’s capabilities and impact.

Job Duties

1. Lab manager the day-to-day operations of the lab, overseeing all aspects of the facility, equipment, and staff; the lab manager maintains a safe, orderly, and well-functioning laboratory environment that supports high-quality research, teaching, and industry collaboration.
2. Oversees the use of the facility and highly technical equipment—3-axis CNC milling, laser cutting, 3D printing, vacuum forming, etc.—in addition to more conventional wood and metal fabrication equipment.
3. Coordinates lab services and interfaces with research faculty, students, and external partners to support instructional and research activities.
4. Develops and implements the procedures and guidelines for lab use, including tutorials and training programs for faculty, students and staff.
5. Responsible for the inspection and repair of equipment, or overseeing and managing the repair or replacement of equipment, as well as the coordination of work requests with Facility Services, outside contractors and other vendors; works with Facility Services to develop routine and preventative maintenance plans, procedures and oversees their execution.
6. Assess, evaluate, and mitigate the risks of the facility and its operation to ensure compliance with university, local, and state standards and regulations; work with the lab’s Director to maintain records, incident and accident reports, and follow ups.
7. Leads the coordination and response to emergencies within the lab in coordination with the university’s Police Department, Fire Marshall, and the Environmental Health and Safety Department, including the execution and updating of safety drills for emergency procedures and continuity plans.
8. Directs the recruitment, selection, and supervision of lab staff, including assigning work, monitoring performance, conducting evaluations, and promoting a culture of excellence, professionalism, safety and accountability.
9. Conducts needs assessments and recommends improvements to the lab’s Director to enhance lab capabilities and user experience.
10. Works with the lab’s Director to coordinate and oversee the purchasing of lab supplies, materials, and equipment.
11. Ensures effective communication across lab operations and supports the lab’s Director in strategic initiatives, long-term planning, and administrative processes.
12. Performs other job-related duties as required.

Customer Service

Internal Service Evaluates/recommends modifications to services or processes

External Service Solves unusual customer problems

Environmental Conditions

Working Conditions Work involves moderate exposure (several times a month for up to approximately 2 hours at a time) to unpleasant elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, chemicals, etc. May involve routine exposure to soiled materials and light chemical substances such as cleaning solutions.

Physical Effort Position requires moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds, or standing and/or walking for long periods of time (more than 4 hours per day).

Physical Risk Work environment involves some exposure to physical risks that require following basic safety precautions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Experience will be considered in lieu of education.

Education will be considered in lieu of experience.

MQ: Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline is normally obtained through a formal, directly job-related 4 year degree from a college or university or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed. Requires a minimum of three (3) years of directly job-related experience.