Chemistry Laboratory Manager

Seattle University; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 64,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Onsite fitness facility

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Seattle University is seeking a part-time Lab Manager to support general chemistry teaching labs and undergraduate research. The role focuses on laboratory operations, inventory, and safety within on-site teaching spaces.

The position involves teaching CHEM 1501/1511 labs, supervising student workers, and collaborating with faculty to ensure accurate lab setups and safe procedures. A strong background in chemistry and lab safety is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemistry or related field, or an Associate's with 2+ years of lab experience.
• Strong knowledge of general chemistry, organic chemistry, and quantitative analysis.
• Proficiency with lab safety practices and equipment.
• Experience using LIMS and Excel for data tracking and inventory.

Responsibilities

• Manage lab operations for assigned courses and research, including purchasing materials and maintaining safe spaces.
• Teach General Chemistry Laboratory sections (CHEM 1501/1511) per quarter.
• Supervise and train student workers; oversee hiring and task assignment.
• Support safety, waste management, and compliance with lab protocols.

Skills

Lab safety

Time management

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Inventory management

Attention to detail

Education

Master's degree in chemistry or related area

Associate's degree in chemistry or related area with 2+ years lab work

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Part Time

JR100013

Months Per Year

11 Months

Work Model

Onsite

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.

Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.

Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.

Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.

Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.

Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description

Manage lab operations for assigned courses and research (40%)

• Purchase materials, chemicals, and equipment for general chemistry, biochemistry, and other assigned courses in partnership with faculty.
• Maintain assigned lab rooms as clean, organized and safe spaces, in consultation with faculty who teach in these spaces.
• Work closely with faculty to develop and implement laboratory procedures and setups for assigned courses.
• Oversee preparations of reagents, equipment, and experiments for assigned courses.
• Distribute lab materials and set up equipment according to the needs of assigned courses.
• Respond to immediate lab needs such as emergencies, chemical spills and contamination, equipment malfunctions, and procedural issues.
• Clean up and reset teaching labs for the assigned courses.
• Upkeep cleanliness of laboratory benches and hoods in assigned lab spaces.
• Keep detailed records of stockroom activities as appropriate (Ex. as lab development, solution preparation, and procedure troubleshooting).
• Collaborate with faculty and the other Lab Manager to support undergraduate research needs.
• Serve as a member of the General Chemistry Committee.
• Upkeep inventory of chemicals and supplies in assigned lab spaces.
• Loan, track, and maintain shared PPE, including laundering shared lab coats and cleaning shared goggles.

Teaching General Chemistry Laboratory Courses (20%)

• Teaching responsibilities will include one section of general chemistry laboratory (CHEM 1501 or CHEM 1511) per quarter.
• Laboratory sections meet one day per week for approximately 3.5 hours.
• Teaching duties will be in collaboration with other faculty.
• Successful applicants must demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence and undergraduate education.

Manage Student Workers (25%)

• Supervise and coordinate a team of student workers to address lab needs such as reagent preparation, preparing teaching lab, and upkeep stocks of clean glassware
• Provide lab training to student workers in lab safety, solution preparation, proper reagent labeling procedures, and addressing other course needs.
• Initiate and oversee hiring process for student workers as necessary.
• Assign tasks to student workers based on their training and skill level.
• Train student workers to test new experimental procedures for classes as needed.

Safety & Waste Management (5%)

• In collaboration with the Academic Safety Officer (ASO), perform annual inspections of teaching labs, prep rooms and stockrooms assigned to you.
• In collaboration with the ASO, conduct hazard assessments in assigned lab spaces and create SOPs as needed. Implement the Chemical Hygiene Plan in assigned teaching labs; assist faculty in implementing the Chemical Hygiene
• Plan in research labs.
• Ensure safe lab behaviors of student workers.
• Manage supply of PPE in assigned lab spaces.
• Maintain electronic safety records of student trainings and lab inspections of your assigned areas
• Participate as a member of the Sinegal Building Safety Committee and Departmental Safety Committee.
• Collect biohazard waste & collect and label hazardous chemical waste for assigned courses and research labs
• Assist the other Lab Manager in training research students in proper waste handling as needed.
• Collaborate with the Departmental and Building Safety Committees to identify opportunities to improve safety, and to
• Implement appropriate changes, including creating and/or updating forms (e.g., incident report, waste collection, chemical relocation log, etc.).

Assist Lab Staff: (5%)

• Develop and implement strategies to maintain stockrooms and prep rooms as clean, organized and safe spaces.
• Collaborate with the other department staff to maintain accurate records of lab purchases and create budget reports. Work with the other Lab Manager and the Storeroom, Hazardous Materials, and Instrument Manager to maintain all instructional equipment in good working order.

Other (5%):

• Provide guidance to departmental management at the strategic level to ensure all laboratories are kept fully functional and aligned with department goals.
• Collaborate with the other Lab Manager and the Storeroom, Hazardous Materials, and Instrument Manager, as needed.
• Receive chemicals and supplies when Storeroom, Hazardous Materials, and Instrument Manager is not available.
• Assist research groups, as needed (e.g., reagent preparation, equipment distribution, distributing hazardous reagents).
• Perform related duties as assigned, such as preparing labs, glassware, and equipment and training teachers for supplementary programs.
• Support department chair with budgetary reports as needed.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemistry or related area which must include course work in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and quantitative analysis; or Associate's degree in chemistry or related area which must include course work in general, organic chemistry plus at least 2 years of laboratory work experience.
• Training in laboratory safety.
• Knowledge of fundamental chemical principles; chemical reactions, proper handling, storage and transport of chemicals; waste disposal regulations.
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment and LIMS and in preparing solutions with and without using a chemical fume hood.
• Proficiency using common computer programs such as Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, independently set and meet deadlines, and to adapt to changing situations, priorities, and technologies.
• Strong initiative, ability to function independently, and as a contributing team member.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with faculty, students, staff, and vendors.
• A demonstrated commitment to the University's mission, vision, and values.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in chemistry or related field.
• 3+ years of experience conducting chemistry laboratory preparation and supervision, preferably in academic environment.
• Formal coursework or training in Laboratory Safety
• Knowledge of management of chemicals and of chemical and biological waste, IOSHA/WISHA, EPA/WA Dept. of Ecology, and other applicable safety regulations and guidelines.
• Experience with institutional biosafety committees and IACUCs and using analytical instrumentation.
• Experience with inventory management software (LIMS) for labs and chemical stockrooms.

Compensation At a Glance

$60,000 - $64,000

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate's gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits At a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/ Positions designated as hybrid eligible may offer the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of an introductory period of 3-6 months. In these cases, the role typically begins fully on campus to support onboarding and training, with the potential to transition to a hybrid arrangement thereafter. Positions designated as on-site are not eligible for hybrid work and are expected to remain fully on campus. All flexible work arrangements are subject to periodic review and may be modified or discontinued at any time at the university's discretion.