Laboratory Manager

Bethune-Cookman University Job Title:

Laboratory Manager Reporting Structure:

1) Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences; 2) Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics; and 3)

Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs Division:

College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, Department of Natural Sciences Job Summary:

The Department of Natural Sciences at Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) seeks qualified applicants for a full-time, 12-month appointment as Laboratory Manager serving science laboratories in biology, chemistry, and environmental sciences. This position provides comprehensive coordination, operational support, and safety oversight for all instructional laboratories within these programs, with particular emphasis on introductory biology, anatomy and physiology, introductory chemistry laboratory, and environmental science courses . The successful candidate will be responsible for the organization, preparation, and maintenance of teaching laboratories , coordination of laboratory supplies and equipment, and oversight of laboratory safety and regulatory compliance . This role requires close collaboration with program faculty to assess instructional needs, support student learning, and ensure that laboratory environments are safe, well-equipped, and aligned with best practices in higher education science instruction. Bethune-Cookman University is a historically Black college and university (HBCU) founded in 1904 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. The University is committed to academic excellence, student success, service learning, and civic engagement, and seeks candidates who are dedicated to supporting diverse student populations in STEM disciplines.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Laboratory Coordination and Operations Coordinate and oversee the daily operations of all Biology, Chemistry, and Envir onmental Science teaching laboratories Prepare, organize, and set up laboratory materials, reagents, equipment, and instrumentation for scheduled courses and instructional activities. Work collaboratively with relevant faculty to assess laboratory needs and ensure alignment with course objectives and learning outcomes. Support laboratory instruction for laboratory courses . Maintain accurate inventories of laboratory supplies, biological specimens, chemicals, consumables, and equipment across departmental laboratories. Supply Ordering and Stockroom Management Serve as the primary coordinator for ordering laboratory supplies , with particular responsibility for reagents, glassware, consumables, and instructional materials. Manage and maintain the departmental stockroom, including receiving, labeling, storage, and distribution of supplies. Work with the Department Chair to develop and monitor laboratory-related budgets and expenditures. Ensure timely procurement of supplies to support instructional continuity and laboratory readiness. Laboratory Safety and Compliance (Safety Officer Responsibilities) Serve as one of the Laboratory Safety Coordinator for the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. Develop, implement, and monitor laboratory safety policies and procedures in alignment with university, state, and federal regulations. Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, including chemical hygiene plans, biological safety protocols, hazardous waste handling, and emergency procedures. Maintain documentation related to laboratory safety, including safety data sheets (SDS), chemical inventories, and incident reports. Coordinate the proper disposal of hazardous chemicals, biological materials, and laboratory waste in accordance with regulatory requirements. Conduct routine laboratory safety inspections and address identified safety concerns in collaboration with faculty and administration. Personnel and Training Train and supervise student workers assigned to laboratory support roles. Provide guidance and support to faculty and students regarding proper laboratory procedures, equipment use, and safety practices. Assist with laboratory-related aspects of assessment of student learning, as requested by program faculty or the department.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple laboratory spaces and priorities. Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory best practices, safety procedures, and regulatory compliance in biological and chemical laboratory environments. Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds. Familiarity with higher education laboratory operations, instructional support, and STEM academic environments. Ability to maintain detailed records, inventories, and safety documentation. Fluency in English and the ability to communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats. Must be a U.S. citizen or hold permanent resident status. .

Education and Experience:

Required:

Master's degree (M.S. or M.A.) or higher in Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related natural science discipline . Candidates with significant professional laboratory experience in higher education or research environments are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates wishing to teach at B-CU must possess the requisite graduate credit hours in the relevant discipline.

Preferred Skills, Experience, and Education:

Master's degree or higher in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or a closely related field. Prior experience coordinating teaching laboratories in a college or university setting. Experience with chemical safety, biological safety, and hazardous waste management. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse student populations and interdisciplinary faculty teams.

Physical Requirements:

The candidate must be able to handle minor tasks associated with their position and be versed in maintaining safety regulations in laboratory environments. The University does not discriminate based on race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, retaliation, marital status, religion, or disability, or any other applicable local, state or federal regulation. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities, equal employment opportunity and Title IX matters should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at 386-481-2049. The university reserves the right to modify job descriptions at any time in its attempts to improve the operations of the university.