Laboratory Manager

Department: Natural Science, Math, & Computing, SAS
Reports to: NSMC Division Chair
Effective Date: 8/31/2026
Direct Reports: 5 student workers
People Supported: 15 FT and PT faculty

About the Role

The laboratory manager will oversee all laboratory management, including preparing materials for learning laboratories, maintaining labs as a clean and safe workspace, and assisting with the supervision and monitoring of undergraduate lab assistants.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage, train, and monitor student employee activities in the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Programs.
• Oversee the training of students conducting research in labs and correct unsafe behavior.
• In coordination with the Director of Laboratory Safety, provide on-site training for students involved in research and employment in safe practices for equipment, chemicals, preserved specimens, etc.
• Schedule work times for student employees, assign work assignments, actively oversee their work and preps, and approve work hours.
• Hold monthly mandatory meetings with student employees to address any work issues.
• Complete tasks if student employees are unable to finish them during assigned time.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Preparation
  • Work with the Chair of Natural Science, Mathematics and Computing and various professors to establish a yearly schedule of laboratory preparation for courses and standard stock solutions.
  • Assist the Chair in extraordinary maintenance activities (e.g., watering schedules for the greenhouse, lab cleanouts, space repurposing).
• Laboratory Management
  • Meet with the Chair monthly to establish and oversee short- and long-term initiatives (e.g., reorganization, spring/summer cleanings).
  • Order chemical and supply orders in coordination with the Chair, maintaining a conservative supply of chemicals.
  • Place, accept, and deliver orders in a timely manner; maintain packing slips, check in, and store all items appropriately with dates.
  • Notify relevant programs and the Division Chair of excess or absence of supplies.
  • Deliver or receive shipments to/from the post office as requested.
  • Maintain and supervise laboratory equipment and service contract quotes; be present for equipment maintenance.
  • Ensure laboratories and stocks (chemicals and otherwise) are kept orderly, including daily cleaning of workspaces, prep rooms, sinks, and other areas.
  • Conduct walk-throughs of lab spaces at the beginning and end of each day.
  • Confirm availability of reagents and proper equipment at the start of each lab, especially for multiple lab sections performing the same experiment.
  • Maintain a list of experiment or reagent prep changes for future reference.
  • Provide “unknown” keys and other relevant information to lab instructors before lab.
  • Assist with upkeep of laboratory corridors.
  • Establish equipment repair and maintenance during non-academic months (e.g., December, May-August) or as needed.
  • Maintain chemical and specimen inventory on departmental computers and update SDSs annually.
  • Work with the Director of Laboratory Safety to ensure hazardous chemicals are properly entered into the hazardous waste stream.
  • Ensure adequate hazardous waste containers are available and properly labeled for each laboratory class.
  • Assist the Director of Laboratory Safety with laboratory safety initiatives, responses, and inspections (e.g., eye wash flushes, safety equipment tests, non-hazardous spill clean-ups).

Skills

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Relevant laboratory experience (dilutions, laboratory safety, etc.).
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Biology, Chemistry, etc.).
• Experience: At least two years of related experience required.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to stand and work for prolonged periods during lab prep.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods at a computer/desk.

Pay

This is a non-exempt position with an hourly rate of $27.77, annualized to approximately $50,500.

Schedule

Full-time, 35 hours per week.

Benefits

• Highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including tuition remission.

Work Location: In person (Manhattanville Campus)