Job Summary
The laboratory manager is essential to the successful, safe operation of our teaching laboratories and support of our research laboratories in the chemistry department. The job requires the ability to successfully coordinate responsibilities as the Chemical Hygiene Officer with the preparation for and completion of teaching experiments including managing all procurement, disposal, and budgetary aspects thereof. The manager provides support to the departmental members for teaching and research.
Primary Responsibilities
Chemical Hygiene & Inventory
- Inventory Management: Single-stream requisitioning, dispensing, and inventorying departmental chemicals, supplies, and major equipment, using a barcoded electronic inventory system selected and supported by the college. Perform an annual inventory and reconciliation.
- Regulatory Compliance: Safely store, package, and coordinate the disposal of hazardous materials while maintaining strict records retention per OSHA and institutional regulations.
- Safety Infrastructure: Ensure the proper function of engineering controls and emergency equipment and maintain first aid stations across all teaching and research laboratories. Oversee routine in-house inspections and coordinate with external vendors for specialized safety equipment certification and operational follow-up.
- Hygiene Planning: Consistently employ the highest level of safety protocols, identify and implement annual revisions to the Chemical Hygiene Plan, and participate in regular professional development to stay current with safety regulations.
Instructional & Faculty Support
- Lab Preparation: Collect experimental procedures to prepare, stock, and maintain appropriate chemicals, student supplies, specialized equipment, and glassware for each instructional lab session.
- Facility Oversight: Ensure all chemistry laboratories, prep rooms, and chemical storage areas are properly secured daily; coordinate stockroom organization and an annual deep clean.
- Facilities Maintenance Coordination: Support daily laboratory operations by submitting facilities work orders for physical repairs and managing laundry services for lab coats and towels.
- Research Support: Requisition and organize specialized chemicals and supplies to support faculty research projects.
Budget & Financial Tracking
- Budgeting and Procurement: Maintain an accurate, real-time budget for the Chemistry department using Argos; execute orders and reconcile purchases for instructional supplies and miscellaneous expenses using Argos.
- Grant Administration: Monitor and maintain individual budget allocations for faculty grants and endowments.
Personnel Management
- Student Supervision: Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student workers, ensuring all safety training and compliance documentation are current.
- Operations & Training: Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), assign daily workflows, and provide mandatory safety training and documentation for all student workers.
- Administrative Oversight: Review, reconcile, and approve student time records for each payroll period.
Minimum Qualifications & Education
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related scientific field from an accredited university or college
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in an academic laboratory setting
