Laboratory Manager

WESTERN UNIVERSITY; London; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Western University’s Western Nanofabrication Facility seeks a Laboratory Manager to ensure smooth operation and maintenance of the WAMF. You will coordinate safety, inventory, and financial processes while guiding staff and researchers in proper procedures.

Responsibilities include developing protocols, performing laboratory techniques, training users, and ensuring compliance with safety policies. This role is in-person and requires strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry or relevant discipline.
• Experience: 3 years in a related research environment with laboratory techniques.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: strong safety practices, documentation, and communication.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth operation and maintenance of the WAMF Nanofabrication Facility and related equipment.
• Act as point person for health and safety, conduct inspections and address safety issues.
• Maintain cleanliness, monitor inventory and financial processes, and guide staff and users.
• Develop protocols, perform laboratory techniques, and train staff, students and users.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Safety Compliance

Team leadership

Documentation

Troubleshooting

Education

Master’s Degree in Physics, Chemistry or relevant discipline

Tools

Metrology instruments

Electron microscopy

Optical microscopy

Vacuum operated instruments

Job description

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About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The WAMF Nanofabrication Facility provides training to HQP, postdoctoral fellows, researchers and engineers on a wide range of instrumentations to (i) design and fabricate nano- and microscale devices, (ii) modify, image and characterize various samples. As an open user facility, the Western Nanofabrication staff will train users on the requested instruments and will provide service work to internal and external users.

Responsibilities

The Laboratory Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of the Western Advanced Materials Foundry (WAMF) Nanofabrication Facility and related equipment. The role will provide effective and efficient management of the laboratory and will ensure that leaders, faculty members, students and other stakeholders have the required information, guidance, documentation, and resources required. The Laboratory Manager will act as a point person for health and safety issues, conduct inspections to ensure safe laboratory practices are employed, and assist in the resolution of issues that arise in the laboratory. The Laboratory Manager is responsible to ensure the cleanliness of the facility, monitoring and controlling the inventory of supplies and chemicals, and monitoring various financial processes as required. The role will also participate in the development of protocols, perform laboratory techniques, and train staff, students and other users of the facility.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Physics, Chemistry or relevant discipline
• Knowledge of scientific instrumentation and General Laboratory skills preferred
• Awareness of general safety in a research laboratory preferred

Experience:

• 3 years of experience in a related research environment, performing various laboratory techniques
• Experience using specialized equipment and instrumentation such as metrology instruments, electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and vacuum operated instruments
• Experience managing staff or students in a laboratory setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of principles and techniques in their area of specialty
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance techniques and practices
• Knowledge of general laboratory procedures
• Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
• Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users
• Ability to write clear, concise and accurate procedural documentation
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the laboratory’s events and activities
• Ability to provide guidance, support and feedback in a way that is positively received
• Computer skills with the ability to learn and use relevant software that achieves required outcomes and is in line with best practices
• Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands‑on expertise in technical support
• Possess a reputation for resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative
• Ability to delegate work and provide team members with clear direction and support in meeting their objectives
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to provide guidance on the proper and safe use of materials and equipment and to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Computer skills in software and applications related to the research
• Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone [phone].

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.