"Laboratory Coordinator"

Laboratory Coordinator

Company: Villanova University

Job Location: Villanova, 19085

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: 20260043S

Location: Villanova, PA

Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Department: 184-Chemistry

Position Summary

Why work at Villanova?

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

The primary responsibilities of this position are in maintaining the fluid operation of the department including managing storerooms and preparing reagents, equipment, and associated material for instructional laboratories under the direction of the department Lab Manager with the assistance of departmental lab staff. This position includes active participation in laboratory safety as it pertains to managing safety incidents, supervising student workers and managing chemical waste. The Laboratory Coordinator is expected to play a role in supporting the Department's safety culture.

In addition, this position is expected to independently manage a variety of administrative tasks. Examples include but are not limited to maintaining departmental databases (equipment, chemical and student), managing student billing, managing chemical inventory through ordering receiving and tracking purchases. These are examples of tasks, not a list of the position's responsibilities.

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision and direction is essential, as is the ability to work well under occasional stress. As the position requires significant interaction with students, faculty, staff, and technical support people, good interpersonal skills are a must. Respect, courtesy, and collegiality are expected.

*This position will be a June (1) 2026 start date.*

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Technical: Manage the preparation of reagents and equipment for instructional laboratories. Perform a variety of tasks such as: chemical reagent preparation, laboratory setup, training teaching assistants, troubleshooting experimental procedures, and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment. Ensure assigned student assistants (undergraduate and graduate) have completed reagent and laboratory preparation for upcoming experiments. Provide feedback / suggestions to experimental procedures and methods when necessary/appropriate. Participate in meetings with teaching assistants/instructors to evaluate/review laboratory experiments.
2. Reports general maintenance such as floor cleaning, hood repair and water issues to facilities and building manager when necessary.
3. Manage: Oversee the day-to-day operations of a Department of Chemistry stockroom (chemical or physical). Ensure safe handling of all chemicals and equipment complying with best safety practices. Work in consultation with other staff and Department Chair to ensure a safe chemical working environment. Ensure consistent access to items in stockroom for department instructional and research needs, ordering and issuing items as needed. Work with Business Manager to maintain accurate records regarding ordering chemicals and equipment.
4. Administrative: Maintenance of one or more departmental databases (for example, equipment, chemical, or student databases). Manage one or more of the following administrative tasks: student billing, chemical inventory (ordering, receiving and tracking purchases), student workers.
5. Safety Officer/Support: Department safety officers work as a team to investigate and document accidents, injuries and near misses occurring in instructional and research laboratories. Assist Lab Manager with training students, staff, and faculty in the safe use of chemicals, proper chemical hygiene, and responding to laboratory spills and emergencies. Assist with responsible management of hazardous waste as needed. Maintains updated HAZWOPER and DOT certifications for OSHA requirements.
6. Data Management: Assist with audits of chemicals, equipment, and stockrooms to ensure the accuracy of the Departmental databases. Uses systems such as Chimera (or the equivalent) for chemical inventory management, safety data sheet organization and creating GHS compliant hazard communication. Proficient in the use of Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Sharepoint, and Teams for database organization and department communication.
7. Supervisory: Train and supervise graduate and undergraduate laboratory preparation assistants. Participate in training exercises with teaching assistants. Supervise part-time student workers.
8. Other: Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as needed (e.g., assist other Chemistry staff with laboratory preparation / operation).

Minimum Qualifications

Formal Education:

• B.S. in Chemistry or equivalent degree in the physical or natural sciences.

Specific Job Knowledge:

• Managing, safely storing, issuing, and purchasing chemical reagents, equipment, and supplies.
• Strong knowledge of chemistry and chemical safety.
• Working knowledge of and certification in OSHA, DOT, and EPA regulations. Hazmat / Safety training must be initiated within the first 6 months of employment.
• Familiarity with inventorying, bookkeeping, and basic accounting.
• Ability to develop and maintain manual and computer-based filing systems
• Knowledge of basic computer software packages: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access), etc., as well as the ability to design and maintain associated documents/applications.
• Basic computer programming skills a plus.

Minimum Work Experience:

• Two years or more working in a science or technical position, specifically with relevant experience using computer software in the job environment and in the design and maintenance of computer based inventory and accounting systems.
• Must be comfortable with handling potentially hazardous chemicals

Work Skills:

• Working knowledge of general word processing, spreadsheet, and database software..
• Ability to make effective presentations and communicate clearly.
• Excellent oral and written skills.
• Work with a minimum of supervision.
• Solve problems effectively.
• Communicate well on the telephone and through email.
• Ability to summarize information and prepare accurate reports.

Equipment Knowledge:

• Various laboratory equipment - able to maintain, service and instruct others in proper use.
• Knowledge of various laboratory consumable items.
• Knowledge of and ability to use various computer systems.
• Must not be afraid of chemicals, as person will be required to work with and handle chemical reagents and waste.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

Working Conditions/Environment:

• Tools, machinery, and equipment used: Carts, dollies, various small tools, small power tools, various test equipment.
• Environmental conditions: (any unusual/adverse conditions such as exposure to chemicals, noise, illumination, air quality, weather exposure etc.) There will be exposure to chemicals and chemical waste. Appropriate ventilation and safety equipment (gloves, clothing, etc.) will be provided. Occasional outside work can be expected, e.g., working on the loading dock, retrieving or dispensing chemicals from the outside stockroom.

• Physical requirements: (items such as lifting, pushing, pulling, standing or sitting for extended periods of time, manual dexterity, walking etc.) Can expect to occasionally lift boxes up to 50 pounds in weight, and transport gas cylinders / dewars using appropriate dollies. There is a fair amount of walking within Mendel Science Center and possibly between campus buildings as needed. There are periods of sitting at a desk and using computer. Moving stock and shelving items both in the storerooms and in the labs can be expected. There is an occasional need for assistance in moving large instruments / equipment.

Special Message to Applicants

Applications must be submitted online at jobs.villanova.edu. The review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

A complete application includes:

1. Cover letter (including the names and contact information for at least 3 references)
2. Resume/curriculum vitae
3. Three letters of recommendation: applications must include contact information for 3 references who will be contacted via email to submit confidential letters of recommendation. References will be contacted only if applicant is considered a finalist.

Closing Date (11:59pm ET) 03/20/2026

Salary Posting Information

This position falls within salaried grade 13 and the range for this position is $51,000-63,800. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.

Salary Grade 13