"Lab Management Specialist II"

Position Summary

The Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering is seeking an experienced Lab Management Specialist II to provide specialized instructional laboratory technical services and support to faculty and students. The Lab Management Specialist II will be responsible for managing the operational, instructional, and administrative activities in teaching laboratories as well as providing technical support in the design and fabrication of experimental hardware.

The Lab Management Specialist II will also provide course instruction on the operation of a wide variety of manual and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools, manual and power hand tools, metrology, wood shop tools and machinery, metal machining (including manual and CNC milling and turning), and welding. This role will administer written and practical exams to evaluate student proficiency and knowledge of safety protocols.

This position requires extensive experience with a variety of machine shop tools and equipment, as well as experience in reading schematics/blueprints, and the ability to interpret an end product from an idea. The ideal candidate will have the ability to collaborate with faculty to support and enhance the education of students in Materials Science and NanoEngineering.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled and safety-minded laboratory professional with hands-on experience in instructional lab environments and advanced fabrication techniques. They bring a strong foundation in machining, CNC operation, and design-for-manufacturing, paired with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible instruction for students. They excel at managing multiple teaching laboratories, maintaining equipment, and ensuring full compliance with Rice EHS policies and university procedures. This person is proactive, detail-oriented, and collaborative--able to partner effectively with faculty, staff, and students to support innovative teaching, maintain safe and efficient laboratory operations, and enhance the educational experience within the Department of Materials Science & NanoEngineering.

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name -- RICE -- Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing

The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (U.S. News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment.
We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought; and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Workplace Requirements

On-campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

$63,100-$75,000
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.*

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
  In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• 2+ years of related experience in lab management

Skills

• Excellent organizational, time management, and verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Attention to detail; ability to be proactive and take initiative
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Excellent analytical skills
• Knowledge of analytical laboratory equipment

Preferences

Experience Preferred

• Experience working with engineering or materials science students and faculty in instructional and research laboratory environments
• Experience managing laboratory logistics, including inventory control, purchasing, vendor coordination, service contracts, and maintenance schedules
• Experience with laboratory safety programs, including chemical hygiene plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), hazard assessments, and safety training

Skills Preferred

• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, service-oriented mindset
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple teaching and shared-use labs simultaneously
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, schematics, and equipment documentation
• Proficiency with computer software and hardware, including instrument control software, data acquisition systems, and standard productivity tools
• Knowledge of safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, including solvents, polymers, nanomaterials, powders, and compressed gases
• Strong hands-on ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and coordinate repair of scientific instruments and lab infrastructure (mechanical, electrical, vacuum, and software-related issues)
• Proficiency in operating and supporting materials science laboratory equipment, such as:
  • X-ray diffraction (XRD)
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and sample preparation tools
  • Thermal and thermophysical characterization instruments (DSC, TGA, DMA, thermal conductivity systems)
  • Mechanical testing systems (tensile, compression, DMA)
  • Surface and structural characterization tools (profilometry, optical microscopy)
• Familiarity with chemical laboratory infrastructure, including:
  • Fume hoods, glove boxes (inert atmosphere systems), gas delivery systems, and vacuum systems
  • Chemical storage, waste handling, and environmental health & safety (EHS) compliance

Essential Functions

• Manage MSNE teaching laboratory spaces and shared instructional facilities, including oversight of equipment setup, operation, maintenance, and upgrades
• Coordinate and oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, ensuring reliability, safety, and readiness for instructional use
• Develop, maintain, and update laboratory procedures, SOPs, and safety documentation
• Serve as a primary point of contact for instrument troubleshooting, coordinating in-house fixes and external service support as needed
• Manage laboratory budgets, purchasing, inventory, and service contracts
• Procure chemicals, consumables, parts, and equipment in compliance with university and safety regulations
• Oversee and promote laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and routine lab organization and cleanliness
• Support faculty and instructors in the implementation of teaching labs, including preparation, setup, takedown, and continuous improvement
• Train and supervise students, teaching assistants, and research staff on proper laboratory practices, safety, and basic instrument operation
• Maintain accurate records for equipment usage, maintenance, safety training, and inspections
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of MSNE instructional and laboratory missions

Additional Functions

• Manage the operational, instructional, and administrative activities of MSNE teaching laboratories
• Ensure all teaching labs remain fully functional, compliant, and inspection-ready at all times
• Assist faculty in specifying, evaluating, and commissioning new laboratory and characterization equipment
• Diagnose problems and facilitate repair or replacement of scientific instruments, lab infrastructure, and computer workstations used for instruction
• Coordinate with EHS, Facilities, IT, and external vendors to support lab operations
• Enforce safety requirements and promote a strong culture of safety among students and instructors
• Provide hands-on instruction to students in teaching labs on:
  • Safe operation of materials characterization equipment
  • Sample preparation techniques
  • Basic data collection and instrument best practices
• Construct, adapt, or modify specialized laboratory setups or fixtures to support instructional experiments
• Serve as the primary contact for teaching-lab-related issues, including troubleshooting, scheduling conflicts, and resolution of operational challenges
• Work closely with faculty, advisors, and academic support staff to facilitate student success in laboratory-based courses

Working Conditions

• Occasional lifting of heavy objects
• Limited exposure to hazardous chemicals and radiation

Posted: 07-Jan-26
Location: Houston, TX, United States
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 5401

Rice University HR | Benefits
Rice Mission and Values

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.