Lab Curriculum Coordinator I

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans with university match

Wellbeing resources

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking a Lab Curriculum Coordinator I to support undergraduate biology labs across multiple courses. You will prepare reagents, manage equipment, and assist instructors while ensuring a safe learning environment.

This full-time onsite role collaborates with the Biology Teaching Laboratories team and reports to the lab manager. The position emphasizes lab safety, accurate calculations, and the ability to troubleshoot procedures in a teaching setting.

Qualifications

• College background required with at least one year of lab experience.
• Knowledge of lab techniques.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to perform calculations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reagents, media, and cultures per approved protocols.
• Set up and maintain scientific equipment (microscopes, computers, and audio/visual tools).
• Assist instructors and act as lab safety officer.
• Order supplies and manage lab inventories.
• Maintain clean lab classrooms and proper storage of components/equipment.
• Support multiple courses and coordinate with instructors.

Skills

Lab techniques

Independent judgment

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology

Tools

Microscopes

Autoclave

Job description

• Salary Grade: 053
• Department: Sciences - Molecular and Cellular Biology
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Lab Curriculum Coordinator I position reports to the Manager of the Biology Teaching Laboratories. Supports the implementation of labs for undergraduate instruction in molecular biology, microscopy, cell biology, organismic biology, human evolutionary biology and general education.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Works as part of a team in preparing the lab portion of undergraduate Biology courses. The position supports multiple courses at a time. Collaborates with course instructors and manager to determine all necessary components for safe, effective lab instruction. Provides material and technical support for undergraduate experiments, including preparing chemical reagents, media, cultures, and consumables. Must be able to accurately calculate molarity, percent solutions, and other formulas as called for. Position may require the pre-running of lab procedures and troubleshooting of protocols under the supervision of course instructors or manager. Attends lab meetings for course portfolio and acts as a guide for Teaching Assistants. Sets up and maintains scientific equipment including microscopes, computers, and audio/visual tools. Provides technical assistance and instruction in the proper use of all equipment. Provides routine maintenance and arranges for repairs when necessary. Maintains clean lab classrooms and properly stores lab components and equipment. Purchases chemicals, specimens, and consumable supplies. Considers new equipment for student and/or teaching staff use and proposes ideas to the manager. Monitors chemical and biological waste and arranges for disposal or decontamination. Acts as the lab safety officer for lab classrooms. Must attend safety meetings and stay up to date on all lab safety training as determined by manager.

Typical Duties:

• Preparation of reagents, media, and cultures according to approved protocols.
• Operation of glassware washer, autoclave, and other lab equipment as needed.
• Transport of lab equipment and materials between lab classrooms and buildings.
• Orders supplies for each course as needed as well as general lab/office supplies for Teaching Labs’ staff.
• Performs regular lab maintenance and cleaning.
• Maintains a history of lab protocols and equipment documentation.
• Anticipates the needs of instructors and uses student protocols to proactively prepare lab classrooms.
• Act as lab safety officer in lab classrooms and be a first-contact for all users.
• Other duties as may be requested by lab instructors and performed with Manger’s approval.
• Makes periodic reports of duties and status to supervisor.

Working Conditions:

This position requires being present and active among multiple lab classrooms, full-time, Monday-Friday and is 100% onsite.

Physical Requirements:

At times, position requires repetitive motions. May be required to lift and transport equipment between locations.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

College background required. A minimum of one year of lab experience (relevant course work may count toward experience). Knowledge of lab techniques.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field strongly preferred. General lab safety, hazardous waste, biohazard and blood-borne pathogen experience. Must be able to accurately perform calculations .Must be self-motivated with independent judgment and trouble-shooting skills, customer service oriented, and have strong oral and written communication skills. Must also be comfortable learning new lab skills. Must be able to act with autonomy.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. Please visitHarvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.