Mathematics & Sciences Lab Manager

About the role

This position provides strategic and operational leadership for Mathematics & Sciences laboratories across all campus locations. The Lab Manager supervises laboratory technicians and student staff; oversees budgets, purchasing, inventory, equipment, facilities, and safety processes; and ensures consistent, efficient, and high-quality laboratory support for instruction, student learning, and Wake Tech initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Supervises, evaluates, develops, and coordinates the work of Mathematics & Sciences laboratory technicians, laboratory assistants, and student staff across all campuses
• Plans and coordinates purchasing, receiving, storage, distribution, and maintenance of laboratory equipment, chemicals, biological materials, and supplies across all campuses, including purchases supporting STEM initiatives and grant-funded activities
• Collaborates with designated Chemical Hygiene Officers, biosafety personnel, Environmental Health and Safety, and division leadership to support regulatory compliance, operating procedures, safety equipment, signage, chemical inventories, and hazardous-waste processes
• Coordinates fixed-asset inventories and related documentation with the Business Office
• Serves as a leader and advocate for laboratory technicians by promoting clear communication, appropriate staffing and resources, professional development, consistent procedures, and a safe, collaborative work environment
• Develops, administers, and monitors laboratory budgets in collaboration with division leadership and laboratory staff
• Analyzes and summarizes the costs of operating laboratories by course, discipline, department, and campus to support budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and long-range planning
• Develops and maintains living inventories of equipment, chemicals, biological materials, consumable supplies, service agreements, and other laboratory resources; uses inventory and cost data to minimize waste, identify replacement needs, and improve operational efficiency
• Schedules preventive maintenance, calibration, inspection, repair, and replacement of laboratory equipment; negotiates and maintains service contracts and coordinates with Facilities and vendors regarding laboratory infrastructure needs
• Oversees orientation, on-the-job training, and role-specific safety training for laboratory technicians and student workers in coordination with Environmental Health and Safety and other responsible College offices
• Oversees laboratory preparation and setup, including materials, chemicals, biological specimens, equipment, and weekly experiments; assists with setup when necessary to maintain continuity of laboratory operations
• Collaborates with divisional leadership on the design and renovation of laboratory spaces
• Compiles chemical, biological, equipment, and space information for appropriate colleges entities
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of laboratory operations in one or more relevant science disciplines, including laboratory preparation, equipment, supplies, and workflow
• Knowledge of chemical and biological laboratory safety practices and applicable OSHA, environmental, and institutional requirements
• Knowledge of purchasing, budgeting, cost analysis, inventory control, fixed assets, and vendor or service-contract management
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and clearly summarize operational and financial data by course, discipline, department, and campus
• Ability to develop and maintain accurate, current, and useful inventory systems and operational records
• Ability to supervise, coach, evaluate, and advocate for employees while fostering accountability, professional growth, teamwork, and respectful communication
• Ability to establish priorities, coordinate work across multiple locations, and respond effectively to changing instructional and operational needs
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, leadership, Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities, the Business Office, vendors, and external partners
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and related data-management tools
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and initiative, and travel among campus locations

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, geology, physics, environmental science, laboratory science, or a related science-based field
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in a laboratory setting

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant science, laboratory management, or a related field
• Two or more years of supervisory, managerial, or team leadership experience
• Two or more years of laboratory experience in a community college, college, university, or similarly complex instructional environment
• Experience with laboratory budgets, purchasing, inventory, equipment, process improvement, or safety and compliance