Job Details

Chemistry Lab Manager

Position Number: 6545975
Location: Seattle, WA
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Chemistry Lab Manager

Seattle University

Chemistry Lab Manager

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Months Per Year: 12

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: On-site

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.

Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.

Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.

Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.

Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.

Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Position Summary:

The purpose of the Lab Managers is to ensure efficient lab operations and safety standards of assigned laboratories as well as associated stockrooms and prep spaces. The Lab Managers report to the Chemistry Department Chair and operate with limited supervision. Responsibilities include the coordination, planning, development, and implementation of inventory, purchasing, safety, and technical operations of laboratory spaces. While much of their lab work is independent, Lab Managers are expected to collaborate with each other to increase efficiency, share burdensome tasks, and support each other, particularly during busy/stressful times. As described in the duties below, Lab Managers also work closely with departmental faculty, the departmental Senior Administrative Assistant, safety committees, the Academic Safety Officer, and Facilities staff to ensure the labs function smoothly and support the department's educational goals. The Lab Managers exercise daily independent judgement and have decision-making authority for funds management.

Manage lab operations for assigned courses and research (50%)

Purchase materials, chemicals, and equipment for general chemistry, biochemistry, and other assigned courses in partnership with faculty.
Maintain assigned lab rooms as clean, organized and safe spaces, in consultation with faculty who teach in these spaces.
Work closely with faculty to develop and implement laboratory procedures and setups for assigned courses.
Oversee preparations of reagents, equipment, and experiments for assigned courses.
Distribute lab materials and set up equipment according to the needs of assigned courses.
Respond to immediate lab needs such as emergencies, chemical spills and contamination, equipment malfunctions, and procedural issues.
Clean up and reset teachings labs for the assigned courses.
Upkeep cleanliness of laboratory benches and hoods in assigned lab spaces.
Keep detailed records of stockroom activities as appropriate (Ex. as lab development, solution preparation, and procedure troubleshooting).
Collaborate with faculty and the other Lab Manager to support undergraduate research needs.
Serve as a member of the General Chemistry Committee.
Upkeep inventory of chemicals and supplies in assigned lab spaces.
Loan, track, and maintain shared PPE, including laundering shared lab coats and cleaning shared goggles.

Manage Student Workers (35%)

Supervise and coordinate a team of student workers to address lab needs such as reagent preparation, preparing teaching lab, and upkeep stocks of clean glassware
Provide lab training to student workers in lab safety, solution preparation, proper reagent labeling procedures, and addressing other course needs.
Initiate and oversee hiring process for student workers as necessary.
Assign tasks to student workers based on their training and skill level.
Train student workers to test new experimental procedures for classes as needed.

Safety & Waste Management (5%)

In collaboration with the Academic Safety Officer (ASO), perform annual inspections of teaching labs, prep rooms and stockrooms assigned to you.
In collaboration with the ASO, conduct hazard assessments in assigned lab spaces and create SOPs as needed.
Implement the Chemical Hygiene Plan in assigned teaching labs; assist faculty in implementing the Chemical Hygiene Plan in research labs.
Ensure safe lab behaviors of student workers.
Manage supply of PPE in assigned lab spaces.
Maintain electronic safety records of student trainings and lab inspections of your assigned areas
Participate as member of the Sinegal Building Safety Committee.
Participate as member of the Departmental Safety Committee.
Collect biohazard waste & collect and label hazardous chemical waste for assigned courses and research labs.
Assist the other Lab Manager in training research students in proper waste handling as needed.
Collaborate with the Departmental and Building Safety Committees to identify opportunities to improve safety, and to implement appropriate changes, including creating and/or updating forms (e.g., incident report, waste collection, chemical relocation log, etc.).

Assist Lab Staff: (5%)

Develop and implement strategies to maintain stockrooms and prep rooms as clean, organized and safe spaces.
Collaborate with the other department staff to maintain accurate records of lab purchases and create budget reports.
Work with the other Lab Manager and the Storeroom, Hazardous Materials, and Instrument Manager to maintain all instructional equipment in good working order.

Other (5%):

Provide guidance to departmental management at the strategic level to ensure all laboratories are kept fully functional and aligned with department goals.
Collaborate with the other Lab Manager and the Storeroom, Hazardous Materials, and Instrument Manager, as needed.
Receive chemicals and supplies when Storeroom, Hazardous Materials, and Instrument Manager is not available.
Assist research groups, as needed (e.g., reagent preparation, equipment distribution, distributing hazardous reagents).
Perform related duties as assigned, such as preparing labs, glassware, and equipment and training teachers for supplementary programs.
Support department chair with budgetary reports as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related area which must include course work in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and quantitative analysis; or Associate's degree in chemistry or related area which must include course work in general, organic chemistry plus at least 2 years of laboratory work experience.
Training in laboratory safety.
Knowledge of fundamental chemical principles; chemical reactions, proper handling, storage and transport of chemicals; waste disposal regulations.
Proficiency in preparing solutions with and without using a chemical fume hood
Proficiency using common computer programs such as Microsoft Excel
Proficiency with laboratory equipment and LIMS.
Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, independently set and meet deadlines, and to adapt to changing situations, priorities, and technologies.
Strong initiative, ability to function independently, and as a contributing team member.
Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with faculty, students, staff, and vendors.
A demonstrated commitment to the University's mission, vision, and values.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in chemistry or related field.
3+ years of experience conducting chemistry laboratory preparation and supervision, preferably in academic environment.
Formal coursework or training in Laboratory Safety
Knowledge of management of chemicals and of chemical and biological waste.
Knowledge of IOSHA/WISHA, EPA/WA Dept. of Ecology, and other applicable safety regulations and guidelines.
Experience with institutional biosafety committees and IACUCs.
Experience using analytical instrumentation.
Experience with inventory management software (LIMS) for labs and chemical stockrooms.

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance

Salary Range: $60,000 - $68,500

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate's gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

To apply, please visit: https://seattleu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/8/home/requisition/2946?c=seattleu