Senior Chemical and Biological Engineer for Active Learning

Harvard University • Allston, MA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is seeking a technically skilled Senior Chemical and Biological Lab Engineer to support active learning and laboratory-based engineering education. The position develops, implements, and improves hands-on instructional laboratories in chemical, environmental, and biological engineering and related interdisciplinary fields. It supports course laboratories and student design projects, helping provide safe, effective, and engaging experimental learning experiences in a collaborative academic environment.

The Lab Engineer supports laboratory instruction and modules in areas such as electrochemistry, bacterial and mammalian cell biology, fluid dynamics, and microfluidics. The role collaborates with faculty and instructional staff to design laboratory exercises and course materials, provides technical guidance to students, and supports capstone and interdisciplinary projects. It also contributes to new laboratory platforms, instructional technologies, documentation, and improvements to experiential learning.

The position maintains biological and environmental engineering teaching laboratories, including equipment maintenance and calibration, procurement, inventory, hazardous materials handling, and laboratory readiness. It promotes laboratory safety, leads training and orientations, monitors compliance, and maintains standard operating procedures and safety materials. The role also mentors students, supports outreach and summer activities, and helps foster an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.

Work is performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location in laboratory environments that may contain hazardous chemicals and other potentially hazardous materials or equipment. Protective equipment is provided. The role may serve as an emergency contact for a space or equipment. A flexible schedule is important, including occasional student activities outside typical weekday business hours or on weekends, with on-site supervision required. The position requires participation in moving and setting up equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.

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.
• At least 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.
• Proficiency in public speaking and ability to present live instruction to groups of students.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate technical concepts 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.
• Ability to adapt to a flexible schedule, including occasional activities outside a typical Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule or on weekends, and willingness and ability to be on site to supervise them.
• Ability to participate in moving and setting up equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in an academic laboratory, teaching laboratory, or active learning environment.
• Experience with microfluidic systems and device fabrication or operation.
• Experience in interdisciplinary engineering environments involving collaboration across multiple engineering domains.
• High energy, adaptability, and enthusiasm for hands-on engineering education.

Responsibilities

• Support hands-on laboratory instruction in environmental engineering, biological engineering, and engineering science courses.
• Assist with laboratory modules involving electrochemistry, bacterial and mammalian cell biology, fluid dynamics, microfluidics, and related experimental systems.
• Collaborate with faculty and instructional staff to design, develop, and implement laboratory exercises and 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 mechanical, electrical, computational, environmental, and biological engineering disciplines.
• Contribute to new laboratory platforms and instructional technologies that support active learning.
• Document laboratory systems and practices, share knowledge, and support continuous improvement of teaching practices.
• Help improve the effectiveness and scalability of experiential learning environments.
• Maintain safe and 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 communications and order management.
• Maintain inventory systems and ensure laboratory materials and consumables are available.
• Handle hazardous materials, including storage, labeling, and waste disposal, in accordance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Keep laboratory spaces clean, organized, and ready for use.
• Promote laboratory safety and best practices.
• Lead safety trainings and orientations for students, teaching staff, and other wet-lab users, including instruction on protocols and appropriate use of spaces, equipment, and instruments.
• Monitor laboratory safety and compliance with university policies, procedures, and applicable legal requirements; escalate violations to internal leadership.
• Develop, maintain, and update standard operating procedures, safety documentation, and training materials.
• Participate in safety training as advised by the advisor or manager, Environmental Health and Safety, and Science Operations.
• Mentor and provide 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, laboratory tours, and Active Learning Lab events and open houses.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive learning environment for students across disciplines.
• Supervise student activities on site when they occur outside typical weekday business hours or on weekends.

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