Laboratory Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Infrastructure unit of the Office of the Vice President for Research seeks a Laboratory Manager (M5) to coordinate laboratory research and instructional materials as well as ensure compliance with all laboratory safety protocols for OVPR research buildings on the Storrs campus. Reporting to the Director of Research Infrastructure, this position provides critical scientific support services for faculty, staff, and students engaged in a variety of research.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Conducts, coordinates, and/or participates in laboratory safety visits or inspections, informing laboratory managers of identified hazards and precautions, and coordinates the resolution of all unit safety-related problems requiring corrective action.
• In coordination with UConn’s Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), assists in engineering controls and process improvements in laboratories to ensure unit compliance with university and regulatory policies, procedures, and standards, keeping current on any new requirements.
• Ensure all unit researchers receive applicable safety requirements and training(s) prior to engaging in research activities, including conducting unit safety training and monitoring University and outside training as deemed necessary.
• Creates and/or distributes safety information to all unit personnel including unit safety exam and actively maintained and regularly updated IMS Safety Manual.
• Organizes and dispenses packages received for research and teaching
• Supports unit courses with chemical/sample preparation, participation in laboratory components, conducts safety introduction lectures, and in partnership with course instructors, participates in experiment development and problem solving to help improve laboratory procedures and in the development of new labs.
• Participate in building safety committees as required
• Manages and coordinates proper disposal of hazardous and other regulated waste within the unit.
• Works in partnership with the OVPR Research Buildings Manager and staff to help address laboratory utility and modifications needed, safety-regulated building issues, facility checklists, safety documentation, and related standard operating procedures.
• Assists IMS stakeholders with outgoing shipments, in accordance with unit, federal and state regulations, and University policy.
• Provides direct support to capital asset inventory and tracking for the unit.
• Conducts routine calibration of balances in laboratories.
• May assist in administrative planning, development, and evaluation of policies and procedures.
• Performs other related laboratory and building occupant support duties as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, chemistry, or other related field.
• Six years of related experience.
• Experience using Microsoft products and software applications.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with experience establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with diverse student, administrative, and faculty populations.
• Demonstrated experience with laboratory safety operations, including commonly accepted safety practices for handling hazardous materials.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Supervisory experience.
• Experience working in a higher education laboratory setting.
• Experience in chemical inventory management.
• Experience with procurement tasks and recordkeeping.
• Experience writing and communicating laboratory procedures and outcomes in a professional setting.
• Demonstrated experience working independently to analyze available information, draw conclusions and understanding, and present such conclusions effectively.
• Completion of OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER, OSHA Hazard Communication, and/or EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act training.
• Experience with federal and state laws, regulatory requirements, and policies governing laboratory safety.