Manager of Biology Laboratory and Safety Officer
About The Position
The Department of Biology at High Point University invites applications for a full-time Biology Laboratory Manager and Safety Officer. This 12-month staff position reports directly to the Chair of the Department of Biology and plays a central role in supporting undergraduate laboratory instruction. The laboratory manager is responsible for coordinating the preparation and operation of introductory and upper-level biology laboratories, maintaining instructional and research instrumentation, and ensuring compliance with safety standards across all laboratory spaces. This position works closely with faculty to support teaching, troubleshoot equipment, and implement laboratory activities, while also training and supervising student laboratory assistants. The successful candidate will contribute to a highly collaborative, student-focused environment and will be essential to maintaining a safe, organized, and modern laboratory program that supports hands-on learning across the biology curriculum.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field
- Experience with laboratory preparation or laboratory support activities
- Familiarity with standard laboratory techniques and safety practices
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and adjust to changing instructional needs
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience supporting undergraduate teaching laboratories
- Experience maintaining or troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation (e.g., autoclaves, electrophoresis systems, balances, cell culture equipment)
- Experience with chemical inventory systems, safety documentation, or compliance processes
- Familiarity with the proper labeling/storage/disposal of chemical and biological wastes
- Experience training or supervising student workers
- Experience training faculty/PIs in laboratory and safety protocols
- Experience conducting laboratory hazard assessment
- Experience writing standard operating procedures
Responsibilities
- Prepare, set up, and break down laboratory exercises for introductory and upper-level biology courses
- Maintain organization across laboratory, prep, and storage spaces to ensure efficient course delivery
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure proper functioning of laboratory equipment, including water purification systems, autoclaves, balances, electrophoresis systems, gel documentation systems, and cell culture equipment
- Assist faculty with the use of laboratory instrumentation during instructional activities
- Support the identification, evaluation, and procurement of new equipment
- Monitor all laboratory spaces to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory safety standards
- Maintain chemical safety documentation, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Coordinate chemical waste management and disposal processes
- Train student laboratory assistants and other personnel in appropriate laboratory safety procedures
- Work directly with faculty to prepare laboratories and support course implementation
- Train and supervise student laboratory assistants to ensure effective and safe lab operation
- Manage laboratory inventory and maintain appropriate stock of supplies and materials
- Prepare requisitions and coordinate ordering of laboratory supplies and equipment
- Maintain clear and timely communication with faculty and departmental leadership
- Maintain a full-time presence at the workplace.
- Adjust work schedule, if needed, to support evening laboratory sections.
- Contribute to a positive and collaborative departmental environment
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
