Laboratory Coordinator I

Metropolitan State University of Denver•Denver, CO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Biology at Metropolitan State University of Denver seeks a General Biology Laboratory Coordinator I to collaborate with another coordinator and faculty coordinators on preparation and operation of General Biology I and II laboratories and related courses. The role prepares laboratory materials, maintains suitable conditions for live specimens, cares for animal and plant specimens, maintains equipment and supplies, and supports safe laboratory operations. Duties include preparing liquid and solid growth media and chemical solutions, using an autoclave steam sterilizer, dissecting invertebrate and vertebrate specimens, and managing student laboratory assistants. The position also teaches at least one General Biology I or II laboratory section per year. Instructional duties include pre-lab lectures and demonstrations, preparing and grading practical exams and quizzes, and assigning final grades by university deadlines. Additional laboratory sections may be taught on an emergency basis. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, exempt, and primarily in person on campus, with occasional remote work possible depending on program needs and supervisor approval. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; some evening hours are required, and hours may vary slightly on occasion.

Requirements

Master's degree in biology or a closely related field.
At least 1 year of full-time experience in a laboratory.
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 enhance organizational effectiveness.
Problem-solving ability, including assessing situations, identifying causes, gathering relevant information, generating solutions, and making recommendations.
Ethical behavior consistent with MSU Denver and Biology Department standards and values.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Coordinate laboratory preparation and breakdown with the existing General Biology Laboratory Coordinator and faculty coordinators.
Set up and break down General Biology laboratories and prepare materials for General Biology I and II courses.
Maintain proper growth conditions for live specimens and keep teaching laboratories stocked and functional.
Test laboratory media and materials to ensure exercises function properly.
Store, use, and dispose of chemical and biological materials according to safe laboratory practices.
Clean laboratory benches and supplies between sections and at the end of each week's labs.
Purchase, stock, and inventory supplies for General Biology I and II laboratories and maintain detailed purchasing records.
Schedule laboratory equipment maintenance and identify, troubleshoot, and communicate current or potential problems.
Recommend laboratory updates and improvements and communicate with the General Biology Faculty Coordinator about revising or creating laboratory exercises.
Collaborate with the General Biology Faculty Coordinator on revising and publishing course lab manuals.
Instruct part-time lab instructors in the proper execution of laboratory exercises and techniques.
Attend monthly AHEC Environmental Health and Safety meetings and follow safety guidelines.
Train laboratory instructors and personnel in hazardous-material handling, disposal, and laboratory safety procedures.
Interview and hire work-study student employees; train or oversee training of student laboratory assistants.
Determine work-study student assistant schedules and oversee their work preparing media, reagents, and supplies; setting up and breaking down labs; cleaning; using equipment; and handling laboratory safety and waste.
Teach at least one General Biology I or II laboratory section per year, including pre-lab lectures, laboratory setup and demonstrations, practical exams, quizzes, grading, and assigning final grades by university deadlines.
Teach additional laboratory sections as needed to cover instructors who are absent due to illness or an emergency.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Model the university's CADRE values and support clear expectations, accountability, conflict resolution, operational excellence, collaboration, equity, belonging, and innovation.