Laboratory Operations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary: The successful candidate will work collaboratively with university faculty, administrators, staff, and students. Principal responsibilities of the Laboratory Operations Specialist in the Department of Biology and Geology, including the Biology and Environmental Science majors and Biology and Geology minors, are as follows:

• Provide operational, research, and administrative laboratory support
• Identify, enhance, and follow specific processes and procedures to ensure the educational effectiveness of activities conducted in the laboratory and field (seamless operation)
• Ensure the proper operation of laboratory and field equipment and instrumentation

Essential Duties, Tasks, and Responsibilities: The following outlines the essential functions of the position and should not be considered a detailed description of all duties inherent in the position.

Specifically, under the direction of the immediate supervisor, the Laboratory Operations Specialist:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of laboratories, including deliveries, feeding/watering, equipment setup and tear down, special solution prep, etc.
• Manage the supplies and equipment of the Department (advise on shortages and assist in ordering supplies, prepare quotations, and maintain an active inventory log of supplies and equipment) across multiple buildings
• Clean and maintain equipment, perform minor repairs as required, including microscopes and other benchtop equipment. Assess equipment needs, compile annual capital requests
• Schedule preventative maintenance, calibration, and major repairs of equipment as needed, including building-wide RO water supply, autoclave, -80 freezer, liquid nitrogen, 15 passenger vans, etc.
• Prepare the annual supplies budget for all laboratory courses and monitor expenses
• Works with the School safety officer and committee to maintain compliance with safety regulations across 11 unique and independent laboratory spaces and 2 student research spaces
• Hire, train, and effectively manage student laboratory assistants, including greenhouse and animal care workers; ensure students are trained and certified by the School safety officer.
• Maintain computerized information systems (e.g., equipment inventory log) and participate in their development
• Update and maintain SDS files for all active chemical inventory
• Accompany faculty to and provide support (as requested) on field trips (may require overnight and weekend hours)
• Develop procedures and make recommendations to improve department efficiency
• Acts as a resource person and trains individuals on the use of equipment, particularly for adjunct faculty
• Help organize school group visits and other outreach programs
• Social media support for Departmental admissions initiatives
• Additional duties may arise out of changes in the Department as the School evolves.

Minimum Qualifications: This position requires a bachelor’s degree and 3-4 years of technical/administrative experience in laboratory operations, preferred. Must be qualified and able to drive the Department’s 15-passenger vans (the University provides training). This position requires the exercise of independent judgment and discretion, as well as the use of advanced technical and operational skills, with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s Degree, with prior experience supporting academic, research, or teaching laboratories (higher education setting preferred). Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple labs, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and demonstrated ability to work independently, solve problems proactively, and improve operational efficiency.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office/laboratory work environment. Must be able to lift moderately heavy items. No or very limited exposure to physical risk as long as standard safety precautions are exercised. Must pass a background check.

Compensation: A competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, sick leave, vacation, holidays, short-term disability, 403 (b) retirement plan, life insurance, and tuition remission benefits.

Application Procedures: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references in one (1) Word document or one (1) PDF and submit via the To Apply link on HR’s Current Job Openings web page.

Baldwin Wallace University is an EEO employer and educator. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. At BW, we support and encourage diversity in a variety of forms. We value and appreciate inclusive excellence in the classroom, within extracurricular activities and as we engage our community partners.