Senior Chemical and Biological Engineer for Active Learning

Harvard University • Allston, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) at Harvard University is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Senior Chemical and Biological Lab Engineer to support active learning and laboratory-based engineering education. This position is central to developing, implementing, and improving hands-on instructional laboratories in chemical, environmental, and biological engineering, and related interdisciplinary fields. The Lab Engineer will support various course-based laboratories and student design projects, ensuring safe, effective, and engaging experimental learning experiences. This role requires strong technical expertise, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to student-centered, experiential learning in a collaborative academic environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience supporting wet laboratory engineering, instructional laboratories, research laboratories, or other technical laboratory environments.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to multidisciplinary engineering projects involving wet lab methodologies, experimental techniques, and laboratory processes.
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following analytical instruments: ICP-OES, GC, IC, HPLC, XRF, or SEM.
• Experience working with bacterial systems and/or mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry and/or electrochemistry, including solution preparation, instrumentation, experimental method development, and laboratory best practices.
• Must be proficient at public speaking and able to present live instruction to groups of students.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in an academic laboratory, teaching laboratory, or active learning environment.
• Experience with microfluidic systems and device fabrication/operation.
• Experience in interdisciplinary engineering environments involving collaboration across multiple engineering domains.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced instructional setting.
• Initiative in improving laboratory workflows, systems, and instructional materials.
• High level of energy, adaptability, and enthusiasm for hands-on engineering education.
• Commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Support hands-on laboratory instruction across environmental engineering, biological engineering, and engineering science courses.
• Assist in laboratory modules including electrochemistry, bacterial and mammalian cell biology, fluid dynamics and Microfluidics, and related experimental systems.
• Collaborate with faculty and instructional staff in the design, development, and implementation of laboratory exercises and new course materials.
• Provide technical instruction, supervision, and guidance to students during laboratory sessions and project work.
• Support student-led design projects, including capstone and interdisciplinary applied science and engineering projects.
• Collaborate with faculty and engineering staff across disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, computational, environmental, and biological engineering.
• Contribute to the development of new laboratory platforms and instructional technologies that support active learning pedagogy.
• Support documentation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement of laboratory systems and teaching practices.
• Participate in efforts to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of experiential learning environments.
• Maintain safe, efficient operation of biological and environmental engineering teaching laboratories.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and documentation of wet laboratory equipment.
• Coordinate procurement of supplies, reagents, and equipment, including vendor communication and order management.
• Maintain accurate inventory systems and ensure availability of laboratory materials and consumables.
• Support hazardous materials handling, including storage, labeling, waste disposal, and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and readiness of laboratory spaces.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, responsibility, and best practices in all laboratory environments.
• Lead laboratory safety trainings and orientations for students, teaching staff, and other users of wet laboratory spaces.
• Ensure researchers, faculty, and students are trained and oriented to the protocols and best practices related to space, equipment, and instruments/systems.
• Monitor and ensure laboratory safety compliance, and compliance with university policies, procedures, and applicable legal rules and regulations.
• Escalate violations to internal leadership.
• Develop, maintain, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety documentation, and training materials.
• Participate in safety trainings based on your work and as advised by your advisor/manager, EHS, and Science Operations.
• Provide mentorship and technical advising to students engaged in laboratory and design-based work.
• Support summer programs, extracurricular activities, and outreach initiatives as needed.
• Participate in student orientations, lab tours, and Active Learning Lab (ALL) events and open houses.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive learning environment for students across disciplines.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior