Lab Coordinator

The Museum seeks a full-time Lab Coordinator to join its active conservation department. The Lab Coordinator assists the Conservation Department in the overall coordination of its activities taking place in the Eric T. and Jane Baker Nord Family Conservation Suite, a beautiful, state-of-the-art 18,000-square-foot facility in the Rafael Viñoly-designed east wing of the museum. This suite comprises six laboratories, two preparatory areas, a photography studio, two administrative offices, and a library. A core responsibility of the Lab Coordinator is the oversight and management of the Department’s Health and Safety program, including its chemical hygiene and radiation safety plans, to ensure that the Department is compliant with best practices and all governmental regulations. Additionally, the Lab Coordinator, in consultation with the Chief Conservator, sources and purchases specialized conservation supplies and equipment; oversees deployment of the department’s budget functions; and may assist conservation staff with general administrative duties including travel arrangements, calendar maintenance, meeting schedules, visitor coordination, file viewing, and records retention adherence. The Lab Coordinator acts in a confidential capacity. 

The Cleveland Museum of Art was founded in 1913 “for the benefit of all the people forever.” We strive to help the broadest possible audience understand and engage with the world’s great art while honoring the highest aesthetic, intellectual, and professional standards. Conservation plays a significant role in the Museum’s 2022 Strategic Plan and is critical to the achievement of the Museum’s mission, vision, and promise. The Museum is free to All.

Responsibilities:

Health and Safety

• Maintain Departmental-wide chemical hygiene plan and ensure compliance
• Update and maintain chemical inventories
• Review and ensure compliance with Ohio state laws regarding chemical storage, radiation and fire safety, etc.
• Schedule and liaise with fire department, EHS representatives, etc. for any necessary inspections
• Update and maintain appropriate health and safety signage (lab fridge, shower stations, glove compatibility, chemical incompatibility)
• Regularly check eyewash stations and lab showers
• Manage hazardous waste materials program
• Establish up-to-date chemical labeling protocols in accordance with the GHS system and ensure compliance.
• Compile and regularly update Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and store in both physical and digital form
• Organize and facilitate regular inspections of equipment (fume hoods, fume extraction arms, portable fume extractors, deionized water systems) and replacement of filters
• Manage the repair and servicing of analytical and other equipment
• Manage dosimeter badge readings/distribution and assist Individual Responsible for Radiation Protection (IRRP) in preparing for regular audits.
• Regularly audit chemical supplies and PPE and reorder as necessary to replenish stock
• Create laboratory-specific safety plans detailing locations of eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, chemical storage areas, etc.
• Establish protocols and designate supplies for chemical spills and medical emergencies.
• Provide regular Health & Safety training for staff and ensure all staff are compliant and current with training.

Departmental Coordination

• Arrange for meetings and conferences including scheduling participants, managing facility, and catering requests and taking notes as requested. Coordinate all Eric and Jane Nord Conservation events.
• Help maintain the calendar for Chief Conservator and assure that complete information is available for all matters. Coordinate office functions with other departments.
• Assist the Chief Conservator in preparing and monitoring departmental budgets and managing all day-to-day aspects of the operations budget, including verifying and paying invoices, creating purchase orders, making sure vendors are Tax Exempt and have filled out CMA’s Supplier Diversity Survey, reconciling purchase card statements, and tracking expenses in department’s Excel spreadsheet.
• Attend Assistant Meetings to convey conservators’ comments regarding pending outgoing loans
• Generate and distribute “Calendar of Conservation on Call” list
• Receive office visitors. Answer and route as appropriately all telephone and email queries; provide information concerning matters related to the department. Relay relevant information to staff members in a timely fashion.
• Arrange travel logistics and reservations for the Chief Conservator as requested.
• Responsible for standard office procedures including personnel time-off records, scheduling appointments, handling all incoming and outgoing mail, and ordering supplies.
• Coordinate new hires, fellows, interns, volunteers and students regarding orientation, badging, scheduling, parking, etc.
• Coordinate Conservation file viewing requests with the Library. Assist with locating files and prepare materials for scholars and visitors. Pull and refile files as needed.
• Assist with annual, strategic, and special project reporting.
• Identify, collect, analyze, and communicate statistics associated with the department as requested. Provide monthly department statistics for Chief Conservator.
• Maintain meeting room schedule using museum-wide scheduling software.
• Function as department Records Officer and oversee adherence to museum and department record retention schedules.
• Work with service vendors.
• Maintain order and cleanliness in common areas of conservation facility.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports to supervisor.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned by Chief Conservator
• Demonstrate commitment to organizational values as articulated in the museum’s strategic plan and the goals and initiatives of the DEI plan.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.), ideally in a scientific field; or a minimum of an Associate’s degree (A.A.) and two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety practices for scientific laboratories, including the safe management and disposal of chemicals
• Ability to quickly read, analyze and interpret documents such as budgets, minutes, reports, safety rules and regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to queries from museum visitors, donors, staff, vendors, and the general public.
• Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts.
• Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions delivered in various forms.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization may exist. 
• Employee should possess excellent organizational, research, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to prioritize and manage workflow, projects and multiple tasks while meeting deadlines and solving problems in a dynamic environment.
• Previous experience with chemical inventory management software, word-processing software, accounting spreadsheet software, computer-database management as well as basic office equipment.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate discretion.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must also be able to communicate effectively and work successfully with others.
• Preferred: Prior experience as a scientific lab coordinator and/or a familiarity with museum conservation laboratories highly desirable.

Application period is open until filled.

Pay Range: $25-$28 per hour 

Application Requirements: letter of interest, resume, contact information for 3 professional references

Full-time Benefits include: 

• Partner level membership to CMA 
• Free, unlimited admission to select Cleveland Museum of Art ticketed exhibitions (two adult member tickets per visit, subject to availability)
• 50% off admission to select ticketed exhibitions for members' guests
• Free admission to select ticketed exhibitions for unlimited children, 17 and younger, when accompanied by a member
• Priority registration and discounts for museum art classes for adults and children
• 20% discount in the museum store
• 10% discount in the museum restaurant and café
• Annual subscription to Cleveland Art members magazine
• Free Garage Parking
• Your employment relationship with the museum qualifies you for free or discounted admissions to other cultural institutions such as the Natural History Museum, Botanical Gardens, The Cleveland Zoo, etc.
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Voluntary Life
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• HSA
• FSA
• 401(k) with company match
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• ID Theft
• Legal Services
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off

Salary : $25 - $28