Academic Lab Manager II - Department of Biology

West Virginia University•West Virginia, WV

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Biology at West Virginia University is seeking an Academic Lab Manager II to support new inquiry lab series that integrate cutting-edge research into undergraduate classrooms. This role involves assisting faculty with laboratory activity design and development, equipment maintenance, supply inventory management, and ensuring the smooth operation of laboratories. The incumbent will also train and supervise graduate teaching assistants, and independently manage BIOL 222L sections. The position emphasizes work-life balance and offers generous benefits.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Biology, Life Sciences, or related field.
A minimum of three (3) years of experience involving: Experience in ecology, evolutionary, cell and molecular, animal, or plant biology-based labs.
Experience with the scientific method, including development of hypotheses, experimental design, and data interpretation.
Demonstrated ability to operate and repair lab equipment (troubleshoot).
Demonstrated ability to develop new and make changes to existing lab procedures.
Demonstrated ability to conceive new experiments and improve old experiments to illustrate biological concepts.
Demonstrated excellent computer skills (primarily MS Office Suite-emphasis in Excel).
Demonstrated excellent organization skills to meet experiment schedules.
Knowledge of OSHA rules and regulations that pertain to Chemicals and Safety.
Demonstrated ability to mix reagents, solutions and buffers for use in experiments in the teaching facilities.
Demonstrated ability of proper chemical storage, handling and removal.
Demonstrated knowledge of a strong scientific background for formulating and performing experiments.
Knowledge of bacterial culture including knowledge of aseptic techniques, autoclaving and media preparation.
Knowledge of stress and/or illness in plants, animals and microorganisms used in experiments in the teaching facilities and ability to take corrective measures when necessary.
Demonstrated excellent communication skills both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to multi-task.
Demonstrated ability to make good decisions in emergency situations.
Demonstrated knowledge of lab safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Support and participate in the operations of inquiry labs including BIOL 119L, BIOL 120L, BIOL 222L, and BIOL 323L.
Maintain inventory and order supplies for laboratories.
Assist faculty, staff, and students to ensure smooth and efficient laboratory operations.
Pick up and transport supplies to laboratories as needed.
Train, supervise, and provide support for graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) in lab procedures.
Prepare materials for preparatory sessions and train GTAs on laboratory activities.
Prepare the GTAs' teaching schedule and assignments each semester.
Train and supervise personnel, including GTAs and work-study students, on proper handling and storage of chemicals, solutions, supplies, and equipment.
Oversee GTA and student activity during lab sessions.
Ensure adequate quantities of supplies and solutions are provided.
Work with the laboratory supervisor/coordinator to update and revise policies.
Collaborate with the faculty laboratory coordinator to evaluate GTA effectiveness and instructional skills.
Prepare solutions and media, order live organisms, and propagate seeds for experiments.
Maintain stocks and live cultures of bacteria, competent cells, and plasmids.
Isolate, purify, and separate macromolecules and amplify DNA via PCR.
Maintain electrophoresis apparatus and gel imaging system.
Inoculate overnight cultures and sub-culture microorganisms.
Mentor students in inquiry labs regarding organisms, safe chemical use, and proper disposal methods.
Acquire supplies in a timely manner for student experiments.
Maintain laboratory course eCampus pages, troubleshoot problems, and manage online grades.
Maintain laboratory computers, ensure they are updated and functional, and troubleshoot computer issues.
Solve problems associated with specific experiments and revise instructional materials.
Conduct literature reviews to identify, design, develop, and test new inquiry lab themes.
Compile documentation for procedures and course implementation.
Make recommendations to the course supervisor/coordinator regarding setups, equipment, curriculum, and procedures.
Evaluate new experiments for feasibility considering enrollment, time constraints, and costs.
Develop and design additional instructional material as necessary.
Assist with the preparation of written protocols and video walk-throughs for new experiments.
Make necessary changes to existing protocols to clarify directions.
Maintain excellent housekeeping in inquiry lab courses.
Ensure equipment is continually operational and calibrated.
Arrange for the repair or surplus of equipment.
Maintain clean and safe work surfaces in all teaching labs and prep rooms.
Clean and sterilize glassware and instruments using sterile techniques.
Operate autoclave and other lab equipment.
Collect and properly dispose of lab waste according to regulations.
Directly and independently oversee the instruction and delivery of 1-2 sections of the second-year inquiry lab each semester.
Provide backup for the ALM3 Laboratory Manager for inquiry labs if required.
Perform other duties as assigned.