Laboratory Coordinator - Pan Lab (Huck Institutes)

Penn State University•University Park, IL

9d•$44,628 - $71,340

About The Position

The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences seeks an organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Laboratory Coordinator to oversee daily operations of the Pan Laboratory, a collaborative biomedical research laboratory conducting research in biomaterials, nanomedicine, drug delivery, cancer immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine. This position will be filled at the Intermediate Professional or the Advanced Professional level, based on the successful candidate. The Laboratory Coordinator serves as the operational hub of the laboratory, ensuring efficient laboratory operations while coordinating purchasing, budgeting, safety, equipment, facilities, research administration, and project logistics. The role supports faculty, research staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students, enabling researchers to focus on scientific discovery. The successful candidate will be a problem-solver who enjoys improving processes and maintaining an organized environment. This is an annually contracted position with an excellent likelihood of reappointment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, life sciences, or a related field.
One or more years of experience in laboratory operations, research administration, laboratory coordination, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
Experience managing multiple priorities in a dynamic research environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business software.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting federally funded research in an academic environment.
Experience with laboratory purchasing, budgeting, inventory management, and financial reconciliation.
Familiarity with laboratory safety regulations and compliance requirements.
Experience assisting with grant proposals and research administration.
Experience coordinating shared laboratory resources and equipment.

Responsibilities

Coordinate day-to-day operations of a fast-paced interdisciplinary research laboratory.
Oversee laboratory security, safety, organization, efficiency, and quality control.
Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
Coordinate laboratory space, equipment, maintenance, repairs, and service contracts.
Manage purchasing, inventory, supply ordering, vendor relationships, and equipment procurement.
Ensure compliance with University, environmental health and safety, and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate laboratory budgets, purchasing activities, and research expenditures.
Monitor spending and work with Huck and College of Engineering staff to reconcile financial transactions.
Compile funding information and assist with grant proposal preparation and progress reporting.
Maintain records related to operations, equipment, inventory, compliance, and research activities.
Coordinate reporting requirements and maintain operational metrics.
Coordinate research project operations, including timelines, laboratory resources, equipment availability, and logistics.
Facilitate communication among faculty, research staff, students, collaborators, vendors, and University offices.
Track project activities and assist with planning to keep projects on schedule.
Support implementation of new processes and operational improvements.
Assist with onboarding and training laboratory members on operations, safety procedures, and equipment use.
Coordinate laboratory schedules and support instructional and research activities.
Provide operational support to faculty, research staff, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and visiting scholars.
Assist with special projects and other administrative responsibilities as assigned.