COS Laboratory Technical Support Instruction Assistant I

Rochester Institute of Technology; City of Rochester (NY); Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The Microbial Ecology and Genomics in Amphibians Lab at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) seeks a highly organized Lab Manager to oversee day-to-day operations, support ongoing research, and foster a collaborative lab environment. This role emphasizes leadership, mentorship, and exceptional communication.

Responsibilities include managing procurement, scheduling, safety compliance, equipment maintenance, and data management, with optional outreach activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and support to students, faculty, and researchers in planning and executing research activities.
• Fabricate, prototype, and test experimental materials, models, and devices.
• Set up, calibrate, maintain, and repair laboratory equipment and tools used in demonstrations and analyses.
• Prepare and standardize chemical and biological samples and ensure safe handling and waste disposal.

Skills

Laboratory practices

Lab safety & compliance

Troubleshooting equipment

Time management

Recordkeeping

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Highlights

The Microbial Ecology and Genomics in Amphibians Lab at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is seeking a highly organized, responsible, and proactive Lab Manager to oversee day-to-day operations, support ongoing research initiatives, and cultivate a supportive, collaborative laboratory environment. This position plays a pivotal role in keeping our research running smoothly, managing supplies and lab schedules, supporting student researchers, and facilitating clear communication within the lab. The ideal candidate brings prior management or coordination experience, strong leadership and mentorship abilities, and excellent written and oral communication skills. Prior experience working in a lab management or research position is ideal, but most important is the ability to learn new skills quickly, take initiative, and handle administrative tasks with high attention to detail.

Key responsibilities include:

1. 1. Operational & Administrative Management
   • Procurement & Inventory: Manage laboratory purchasing, track orders, maintain inventory of reagents and consumables
   • Scheduling & Coordination: Oversee shared equipment schedules and manage shift or workstation rosters for lab personnel
   • Lab Safety & Compliance: Ensure lab member compliance with RIT Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) guidelines, biosafety protocols, and institutional animal care guidelines (IACUC)
   • Equipment & Facility Maintenance: Manage routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation and field gear
2. 2. Team Leadership & Student Mentorship
   • Mentorship & Onboarding: Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers in laboratory safety, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and professional conduct
   • Team Collaboration: Foster an inclusive, supportive, and highly collaborative team culture across diverse lab members
   • Workflow Management: Help delegate and monitor routine lab tasks to ensure accountability and project deadlines are met
3. 3. Research Support & Communication
   • Documentation & SOPs: Maintain and update protocol documentation, lab manuals, and centralized digital records
   • Written & Oral Communication: Communicate with park managers and assist with regulatory permit applications/renewals
   • Data Management: Assist in organizing genomic, microbial, and ecological records using established digital infrastructure
4. 4. Community Engagement & Outreach (Optional, but Preferred)
   • Public Outreach: Assist in planning, organizing, and executing science communication events, educational workshops, and public outreach programs
   • Media & Digital Presence: Manage the lab's social media accounts (e.g., Instagram) and update the lab website to highlight recent publications, research milestones, and team accomplishments

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Provides technical guidance and support to students, faculty, and researchers in the design, planning, and execution of research activities. Aids in the fabrication, proto-typing, and testing of experimental materials, models, and devices. Sets up, calibrates, maintains, and performs minor repairs of laboratory equipment, instruments, and tools for use in demonstrations, experiments, and analyses. Prepares and standardizes chemical and biological samples or other materials for experiments. Monitors laboratory operations and procedures to promote a safe working environment and ensure adherence to safety protocols. Enforces the proper handling, storage, and disposal of laboratory materials, chemicals, and waste. Performs administrative duties related to lab scheduling, resource management, inventory tracking, and record-keeping for research and teaching activities. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of laboratory practices, procedures, and operations
• Knowledge of the standards, regulations, and protocols related to the proper handling, storage, and disposal of laboratory materials, chemicals, and waste
• Ability to set up, calibrate, trouble shoot, or instruct the use of laboratory equipment and instruments
• Skill in time management, organization, and multi-tasking in high volume environments
• Skill in maintaining detailed records of research activities, ensuring documentation is thorough and easily accessible

Minimum Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in related field. 2 years of relevant experience. Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Job Level Overview

Operations, Administrative, Service, or Technical Support Level 1 - An entry-level role building knowledge and skills. Performs routine, well-defined, easy-to-understand tasks that can typically be learned in a short period of time. Work is performed under close supervision using clearly prescribed methods and detailed instructions.

FLSA Category

Non-Exempt

Work Location

Hybrid

Compensation

$19.65 - $31.45 Hourly