Lab Manager/Chemical Hygiene Officer

Muhlenberg College

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Position: Lab Manager/Chemical Hygiene Officer Job Summary: The Lab Manager/CHO oversees the daily operational, logistical, and safety functions of the Chemistry Department and laboratories in Trumbower and Shankweiler buildings. This role ensures that all teaching and research laboratories are stocked, organized, and compliant with federal and state safety regulations. The position balances technical laboratory preparation with primary administrative oversight of chemical inventories and primary safety oversight of laboratory spaces.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Chemistry
Experience in handling a wide variety of chemicals
A working knowledge of laboratory safety
Awareness and commitment to learning current Federal and State regulations governing non-public, academic laboratories
Organizational skills and the ability to multitask
Computer skills, including experience with database and spreadsheet programs
Able to work independently and keep abreast of current regulations with little or no supervision.
Effective communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

Prepare and set up weekly experiments for all Introductory, General, and Organic Chemistry laboratories (100- and 200-level courses).
Prepare reagents and set up experiments for other laboratory courses upon request.
Prepare and set up demonstrations for all Introductory, General, and Organic Chemistry courses (100- and 200-level courses).
Prepare demonstrations for any other laboratory courses upon request.
Anticipate and place orders for chemicals and supplies for all Introductory, General, and Organic Chemistry laboratories (100- and 200-level courses) and for those solvents, chemicals, and supplies common to laboratories at all levels of instruction, and order chemicals and supplies for any other laboratory courses and research labs upon request.
Proactively manage the procurement, inventory, and disposal of all chemicals, gases and laboratory supplies used in teaching and research laboratories within the Chemistry department.
Manage the collection, labeling, inventory, and removal of hazardous waste across all teaching and research laboratories.
Maintain the departmental Material Safety Data Sheet files.
Maintain the Chemistry Stockroom and teaching laboratories with regard to: maintenance of standard laboratory equipment (e.g., balances, pipettes, pumps, etc.), the proper storage of chemicals and supplies, the availability of personal protective equipment, the proper functioning of engineering controls, the availability of emergency response equipment, and the physical upkeep of these spaces.
Supervise access to the Chemistry Stockroom.
Administer safety training to student researchers and departmental student employees.
Assist students in upper-level (300- and 400-level) courses as well as those involved in research with safe use, appropriate selection, and proper disposal of Stockroom chemicals
Train and supervise student employees.
Supervise the use of the departmental computer lab.
Other duties as assigned.
Work with administrators to develop, implement, and annually review appropriate chemical hygiene policies and practices; serve on the College Safety Committee.
Monitor procurement, use, and appropriate disposal of chemicals used in the labs
See that appropriate audits are completed for laboratory spaces and records are maintained.
Assure proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste, assisting members of the department and coordinating with other science departments and Campus Safety.
Help faculty maintain adequate facilities and chemical precautions.
Remain abreast of all current legal requirements concerning regulated substances.
Seek ways to improve the Chemical Hygiene Program.