What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Coordinator position at Ave Maria University?
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Primary function is to provide support for the instructional and research laboratory components of the programs in the Science departments. The Lab Director will organize the various daily activities in all of the biology, chemistry, and physics instructional laboratories. This may include preparation of laboratory materials (reagents and equipment), ordering of laboratory supplies, and inventory of departmental lab and safety records. This position will include supervision of student assistants.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Communicates principally with the Biology Department Chair and with the Chemistry & Physics Chair as needed to prioritize departmental needs on a weekly basis. (Time allocation 3%)
- Communicates with the Departments of Biology and Chemistry & Physics faculty to determine their laboratory needs on a weekly basis. (Time allocation 3%)
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Maintains the laboratories and stockrooms according to the cGLP standards (Time allocation 10%). This includes but not limited to:
- Organizes and maintains the laboratories and storage rooms
- Autoclaves cultures in an appropriate amount of time
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Sets up/take down (Time allocation 30%):
- Sets up biology/chemistry/physics laboratory experiments, including assembling equipment, selecting and preparing reagents, maintaining active cultures and caring for living specimens.
- Disassembles and takes down laboratory experiments upon completion. Maintains schedule of equipment availability and trains faculty and students on equipment usage – when appropriate.
- Orders all equipment and supplies necessary to run laboratories. Maintains a record of inventory, requisition and restocking of laboratory supplies. (Time allocation 30%)
- Assists in monitoring annual budget for operation of all instructional laboratories. (Time allocation 5%)
- Supervises student assistants and assists in scheduling and monitoring laboratory set-ups and take downs by student assistants. (Time allocation 10%)
- Compiles and maintains manuals of current local, state, and federal regulations governing the storage, usage, and disposal of hazardous materials in order to maintain laboratory safety compliance. Serves as a resource for and educates faculty on safety regulations. Makes changes necessary to meet safety requirements. Manages the chemical inventory and MSDS (Materials Safety Sheets). (Time allocation 5%)
- Works with science faculty in developing teaching experiments to meet the curriculum and scheduling needs of each course. (Time allocation 4%)
INCIDENTAL DUTIES: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, and really additional responsibilities may be assigned, as required, by the Department Chairs.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry or related fields.
EXPERIENCE: Lab Research or lab coordination experience preferred
CERTIFICATION: N/A
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, show initiative, enthusiasm of science, with strengths in leadership, organization, and excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to work flexible hours; May allow for work outside of regular work hours if requested by the coordinator (including weekends) to meet the needs of the departments with prior approval by the chairs. Ability to speak in front of groups. Proven ability to manage multiple projects. Knowledge of common computer software: Microsoft Office software experience should include Word and Excel.
Committed to support to the mission, values, goals and plans of Ave Maria University as a Catholic higher education university as expressed in Ex Corde Ecclesiae.
PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
The position requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to work in a laboratory with the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10 - 50 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed indoors with some potential for exposure to safety and health hazards related to electronics and laboratory chemical work. May periodically travel to satellite sites.
