Title: Science Laboratory Coordinator

VP Area: Academic Affairs

Department: College of Arts and Sciences

Job Summary/Basic Function: Lake Superior State University seeks qualified applicants for a Science Laboratory Coordinator. Under administrative direction of the Dean, the Science Laboratory Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of laboratories, educational and research, for the College of Arts and Sciences. LSSU is a small (<1,500 undergraduate students) state university located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. LSSU is surrounded by three Great Lakes and many state, provincial, and national forests and parks that provide tremendous recreational opportunities and a high quality of life.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a science field.
• Previous experience with laboratory equipment, ordering lab supplies, and lab operations.
• Ability to relate to a diverse population and maintain composure when faced with difficult situations.
• Ability to multi-task and organize, prioritize, and follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion with an attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other department staff, students and the public
• The ability to coordinate several undergraduate student employees.
• Ability to monitor budgets
• Efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree plus 18+ credit hours in a science related field

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Supervise student employees who prepare chemical reagents and equipment for the instructional science laboratories
• Coordinate activities/work assignments for student employees
• Maintain, repair, and coordinate the use of the instrumentation and field sampling gear housed in the College
• Inventory and maintain chemicals, specimens, models, cultures, and laboratory equipment
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of teaching laboratories, laboratory preparation rooms and related storage areas
• Assumes responsibility for safe operation of the storerooms, individuals working in and using storerooms, and the safe storage and use and disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste under OSHA standards
• Develops, updates and assists with the enforcement of laboratory policies and procedures (e.g. chemical hygiene plan); coordinates the development and implementation of laboratory safety and care standards
• Assist the office of Safety and Risk Management with development and implementation of safety plans/programs
• Prepares orders for chemicals, reagents, supplies and equipment
• Receive and distribute incoming supplies to appropriate areas as assigned, to include the purchase of supplies locally as required
• Act as a liaison between physical plant and science faculty coordinating building maintenance and improvements
• Coordinate operation and maintenance of chemical exhaust systems, biosafety cabinets, high-pressure sterilization, and walk-in environmental chambers
• Print posters for College activities
• Perform related work as assigned by the immediate supervisor

Physical Demands: 

• Essential functions of this position require: lifting, manual dexterity, and ability to communicate
• Daily duties require lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds; requires a good deal of walking or standing
• Critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem solving skills are important
• Some job functions require an employee to work in an environment that involves exposure to chemicals, biological materials and organisms, and unpleasant/noxious fumes and odors.
• Travel, early morning, evening, and weekend work may be required

Special Instructions to Applicants: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.  Please submit a CV, transcripts, and contact information for three references.

For additional information: Contact Dr. Steven Johnson, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. sjohnson18@lssu.edu