Chemistry Lab Manager-Durham

State of North Carolina; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 53,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition waiver benefits

Paid holidays

On-site gym and facilities

Job summary

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) in Durham seeks a Lab Manager to oversee daily chemistry lab setup, inventory, and safety, while supervising high school students and supporting faculty in research activities. The role requires on-site presence and collaboration across departments within the NCSSM science division.

The position emphasizes hands-on lab management, equipment maintenance, and training of students in safety practices, with opportunities to assist in

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required; two years related experience preferred.
• Undergraduate degree in chemistry or physical science preferred.
• Knowledge of chemistry solutions and laboratory procedures.
• Ability to safely operate laboratory instruments and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Management of Chemistry Laboratories (60%).
• Support of Biology Laboratories (10%).
• Supervision of Campus Service Students (10%).
• Support for Student Research (10%).
• Support for Special Events (5%).
• Other duties as assigned (5%).

Skills

Lab Safety

Data Collection

Equipment operation

Research support

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Undergraduate degree preferred in chemistry/physical science

Tools

Google Suite

Inventory management

Job description

Agency

North Carolina School of Science , Math

Division

VC for Academic Programs

Job Classification Title

Research Technician (S)

Position Number

60087934

Grade

30005042

About Us

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) a constituent of the University of North Carolina System, is a world-class public high school with statewide reach empowering academically talented students from every corner of the state to design their own future. We offer our Residential high school program in Durham and Morganton for juniors and seniors, our Online supplementary honors program, and individual virtual daytime Connect courses in partnership with local high schools, all tuition free. Our wide array of summer offerings for rising fifth- through 12th-graders includes free opportunities for in-state students alongside paid options for students from anywhere in the world. Specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math and embracing the fine arts and humanities, NCSSM has become the model for 18 such specialized schools around the globe since its founding in 1980. For more information visit ncssm.edu. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran or national guard. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Description of Work

CLOSING DATE: Tuesday, October 20, 2026

**This position will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date listed.

POSITION TYPE: Permanent, 12-Month, SHRA, FLSA Non-exempt, 1.0 FTE

NCSSM and the Science Department foster an environment of collaboration across departments and divisions and support community-engaged service and research.

Description of Duties

The Lab Manager is responsible for consulting with Chemistry faculty and the Chemistry Chair regarding lab needs for setting up, taking down, and putting away lab equipment on a daily basis.

Responsibilities

organization and storage of all instructional laboratory equipment; maintenance of an up-to-date inventory of equipment and yearly chemical inventory; maintenance and minor repair of equipment. This position will provide a central resource for information regarding location of materials and operating manuals for equipment. This position will train high school students in basic lab safety practices and supervise high school students to assist with the daily work load.

This position is essential and required to be on site in Durham to ensure lab safety and support the pursuit of excellence in the educational program. This position reports to the Dean of Science.

Specific Duties

• Management of Chemistry Laboratories (60%)
• Support of Biology Laboratories (10%)
• Supervision of Campus Service Students (10%)
• Support for Student Research (10%)
• Support for Special Events (5%)
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $53,140 - $54,320

Hiring salary will be determined based on education, experience, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge - Technical: Knowledge in a specific technical area(s) and ability to stay current with developments and trends in areas of expertise. Technical knowledge of standardized or specialized procedures and the ability to safely operate instruments and equipment.

Operations - Research Support: Ability to follow instructions through a standard work process; ability to perform routine or repetitious tasks, ability to check work for accuracy before completion of tasks. Ability to support scientific research by assisting in experiments, procedures, and/or tests; ability to perform work that requires mental concentration, visual attention and extensive manipulative skills to comply with research protocol.

Data Collection: Ability to observe, monitor, collect, and record data in order to assess accuracy, validity and integrity of data.

Laboratory/Subject Care: Ability to provide care for study subjects (i.e. patient, animal, crop) within research protocol, including maintaining optimal conditions to prevent disease and contamination, ability to work with study subjects in an ethical manner.

Team NCSSM Benefits

NCSSM has been named the #1 Public High School in America for 2025 and 2026. Join our winning team!

NCSSM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and work-life balance of our employees. Highlights include generous vacation and sick leave; 12 annual holidays; paid parental, family medical, and community service leave; and flexible work schedules where applicable. Leave is earned monthly and pro-rated for part-time employees and those working less than 12 months. Employees also enjoy access to the State Health Plan, multiple retirement options (including TSERS and ORP), supplemental retirement savings plans, tuition waiver benefits across the UNC System, and free access to on-site facilities like a gym, library, and cafeteria. Additional perks include life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and membership eligibility with the State Employees Credit Union.

Supplemental and Contact Information

Please visit NCSSM Employee Benefits for more information.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require a motor vehicle check. If the highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree equivalency verified at www.wes.org or equivalent service. NCSSM participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Please note: Only one application is accepted per candidate for each specific job posting.

If you have questions, please email [e-mail].

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

High School and two years of directly related experience required to perform the assigned duties.

Management Preferences

• Undergraduate degree or higher in chemistry or physical science.
• Knowledge of chemistry solution-making and laboratory experience (academia or industry).
• Working knowledge of Google Suite for use with spreadsheets, word processing and file management.
• Interest in working with and supervising high school students.
• Candidates must have a valid driver’s license with no serious driving-related convictions to support occasional driving responsibilities for the department.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.