Laboratory Manager, Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences

About the role

The Siders Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology Lab at the University of Cincinnati is seeking applicants for a Laboratory Manager. The lab works in a variety of aquatic ecosystems including streams and wetlands, and studies a range of topics such as aquatic macroinvertebrates and biogeochemical cycling. Primary duties include assisting with data collection in the field and lab, macroinvertebrate and water chemistry sample processing, maintenance of field and lab instruments, and some supervision of undergraduate workers. Cincinnati is a vibrant, affordable Midwestern city nestled along the Ohio River and has a thriving food and arts scene. The city blends big-city amenities with a welcoming, livable atmosphere. The area offers scenic river trails and parks along with easy access to the rolling hills of Kentucky and Ohio's natural landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Manage the activities of the assigned research/instructional support facility and laboratory and assist faculty in setting up lab courses.
• Consult with appropriate administrator to determine equipment and materials purchase priorities, evaluate and communicate condition of existing equipment; design and engineer mechanical systems for research; build technical apparatus as needed; includes responsibility for procurement activities in shops, labs and stockrooms.
• Develop unit procedures including preparing equipment schedules for use during laboratory teaching sessions; develop equipment training procedures; train students in the safe use of shop equipment, maintain record of training, communicate and enforce health and safety practices and procedures related to the operation of the lab/shop; demonstrate care and use of equipment; and oversee instruction of graduate/undergraduate students in labs and shops.
• Implement quality improvement initiatives/controls and assess staff skills to ensure achievement of established department goals and objectives; ensures product and services yields the expected outcome and meets established quality levels.
• May serve on various university, division and departmental committees, attend meetings/conferences and serve as liaison to other university departments, vendors.
• May provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.).
• Perform related duties based on departmental need.
• This job description can be changed at any time.
• Assist with data collection in the field and lab, macroinvertebrate and water chemistry sample processing, maintenance of field and lab instruments, and some supervision of undergraduate workers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree must be in a relevant field. Seven (7) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.
• Some positions may require a current RN license to practice in the state of Ohio.
• Three (3) years of relevant laboratory, research support, or technical operations experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Must be comfortable working in and around water, and under adverse conditions such as heat, cold, and with biting insects.
• Ability to process aquatic macroinvertebrate samples over extended periods
• Attention to detail and safety standards
• Experience using and maintaining multi-probes and aquatic data loggers
• Data entry
• Aquatic macroinvertebrate identification skills