Sciences Laboratory Manager

Sciences Laboratory Manager

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Sciences Laboratory Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a scientific, research, or clinical laboratory, ensuring it runs efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations. This position is responsible for managing staff (as identified above), maintaining equipment, controlling inventory, and managing budgets as appropriate and in consultation with the Dean of Faculty.

The Sciences Laboratory Manager works collaboratively and under indirect supervision with all faculty in the biology, chemistry, and physics academic areas. The employee is expected to teach three Biology or Chemistry labs where 1 lab = 2hr load every Fall and Spring semester (equivalent to 6 hours each term), and up to two Biology or Chemistry labs each summer (equivalent to 4 hours for summer terms).

This employee also manages the Chemistry, Biology, Physics laboratories and appropriate instrumentation. This employee must be able to understand and interpret EPA and OSHA standards as they intersect with the purchasing and maintenance of laboratory materials for these laboratories. The Sciences Laboratory Manager will collaborate with the Office of Meaningful Work and coordinate the work assignments and supervise student workers for these laboratories.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works closely with faculty on the daily operations to ensure timely and accurate processing and preparedness of instructional spaces.
• Teaches assigned Biology or Chemistry laboratories during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
• Coordinates the purchase and maintenance of laboratory materials according to EPA and OSHA standards.
• Works with the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics faculty to ensure a quality and robust laboratory program.
• Coordinates the training and work of the Biology Lab and Chemistry Lab student workers.
• Serves as Chemical Hygiene Officer for the University.
  + Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) is expected to coordinate established safety protocols, manage chemical waste streams, conduct informative chemical workshops for student-workers and faculty, as needed, identify potential hazards and work with faculty/staff to resolve those issues.
• Is knowledgeable of and act in compliance with the University’s policies and procedures, and state and federal regulations and guidelines.
• Collaborates with Dean of Faculty to develop processes, policies, and procedures as they relate to the laboratories.
• Maintains and organizes all areas of the laboratories in a safe, neat, and clean workspace.
• Productively participates as a member on University committees, as appropriate.
• Assists the Dean of Faculty with various special projects, including those directed by the President.
• Understands and works to maintain compliance with accreditation standards, EPA guidelines and OSHA guidelines that impact the university.
• Maintains skills and knowledge through professional associations and resources.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Acts to facilitate good communication between employees, clients, and management through interpersonal and professional communication techniques.
• Maintain University safety rules.
• Attend division/department meetings as needed and University staff meetings as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Health, Environmental Science, Engineering or related field.
• Relevant experience, preferably in higher education.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of accurate and independent judgment, tact and discretion, and exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Experience in managing laboratory functions required.
• High degree of integrity with the ability to handle confidential and sometimes highly sensitive matters in the appropriate manner.
• Proven ability to develop effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Proven ability to effectively resolve conflicts involving individuals at all organizational levels; mediation experience preferred.
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to accomplish all tasks independently and with minimal supervision.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Sign.
• Must have a valid Texas driver’s license, related insurance and good driving record.