Laboratory Coordinator I

Metropolitan State University of Denver•Denver, CO

4d•$55,000 - $62,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Department of Biology seeks a General Biology Laboratory Coordinator I to collaborate with the other general biology laboratory coordinator in managing preparation for General Biology I and II and related courses. The position helps ensure laboratories run efficiently through preparation of liquid and solid growth media and chemical solutions, use of an autoclave steam sterilizer, animal specimen dissection, care of live animal and plant specimens, equipment maintenance, and management of student laboratory assistants. The coordinator also teaches at least one General Biology I or II laboratory course per year and may teach additional sections on an emergency basis. The role is full time, 40 hours per week, and primarily in person on campus. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; some evening hours are required, and occasional remote days may be possible depending on program needs and supervisor approval. The anticipated hiring range is $55,000–$62,000. The position is eligible for university benefits.

Requirements

Master’s degree in biology or a closely related field.
At least 1 year of full-time laboratory experience.
Ability to work and make decisions independently, meet deadlines, and work within budgetary constraints.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and vendors.
Clear, thorough, and timely verbal, listening, and written communication skills.
Ability to work cooperatively to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that support organizational effectiveness.
Ability to assess problems, identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate solutions, and make recommendations.
Ethical conduct consistent with MSU Denver and Biology Department standards and values.

Nice To Haves

Broad biology training, including cell and molecular biology, evolution, botany, zoology, and ecology.
Successful teaching experience in General Biology I and II or related specialized courses.
Experience with laboratory preparation and breakdown.
Experience with laboratory coordination.
Experience providing training in general laboratory practices.
Experience using Canvas and Workday.

Responsibilities

Work cooperatively with the existing General Biology Laboratory Coordinator and faculty coordinators to prepare laboratories efficiently.
Set up and break down General Biology laboratories and prepare materials for General Biology I and II.
Maintain suitable growth conditions for live specimens used in laboratory exercises; keep teaching laboratories stocked and functional; and test media and materials to ensure exercises work properly.
Store, handle, and dispose of chemical and biological materials in accordance with safe laboratory practices, and clean benches and supplies between laboratory sections and weekly completion of labs.
Purchase, stock, and inventory laboratory supplies and maintain detailed purchasing records.
Schedule laboratory equipment maintenance and identify, troubleshoot, and communicate current or potential preparation and laboratory-use problems.
Recommend laboratory updates and improvements and collaborate with the General Biology Faculty Coordinator on laboratory exercises and lab-manual revisions and publication.
Instruct part-time lab instructors in laboratory exercises and techniques; train instructors and personnel in hazardous-material handling, disposal, and laboratory safety.
Attend monthly AHEC Environmental Health and Safety meetings and follow safety guidelines.
Interview and hire work-study student employees; train or oversee training of student assistants in preparation, setup, breakdown, cleaning, equipment use, safety, and waste handling; and determine their schedules.
Teach at least one General Biology I or II laboratory section per year, including pre-lab lectures, setup and demonstrations, practical exams, quizzes, grading, and assignment of final grades by university deadlines.
Teach additional laboratory sections as needed to cover instructors absent because of illness or an emergency.