Laboratory Coordinator

USM Foundation; Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS seeks a Laboratory Coordinator to oversee forensic science teaching and research laboratories. The role emphasizes safe coordination of laboratory operations, inventory management, and collaboration with faculty to support instruction and research.

Responsibilities include procuring materials, preparing lab manuals, maintaining equipment, budget support, and student advisement while ensuring compliance with safety standards and campus

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forensic science or related field
• One year related experience and/or training
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Experience with microscopes, balances, centrifuges, fume hoods, refrigerators, freezers, and other forensic laboratory equipment

Responsibilities

• Procures, maintains, and assembles materials, specimens and equipment for forensic science laboratories.
• Prepares instructional materials and lab manuals for forensic laboratories.
• Ensures laboratory workspace is prepared and clean prior to each lab.
• Works with faculty and staff to identify and maintain laboratory inventory lists and assist with locating inventory.
• Monitors lab teaching schedules in coordination with faculty and school director and instructs lab sections as needed.
• Liaises with university safety representatives and ensures lab safety requirements are followed.
• Maintains laboratory equipment; obtains quotes and coordinates repairs.
• Assists with lab fee account reports and budget decisions.
• Assists with student advisement as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job description

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Laboratory Coordinator.

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States

Division School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, and Security

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade E09

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must complete an online application at https://jobs.usm.edu. Along with the application, applicants should include: (1) a cover letter describing relevant laboratory experience and qualifications for the position; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a statement describing their experience with laboratory instruction, laboratory management, and laboratory safety; (4) a list of three professional references with contact information for each; and (5) unofficial transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions. Official transcripts will be required prior to a campus interview. To receive priority consideration, applications must be received by November 22, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B). The anticipated start date for this position is August 2027. Direct inquiries to: Richard Swearingen, Chair School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security The University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive #5127, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 [e-mail]

Job Summary

This position is designed to oversee the orderly, safe, and proper coordination and administration of forensic science teaching and research laboratories.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Procures, maintains, and assembles materials, specimens and equipment for forensic science laboratories.
• Prepares instructional materials and lab manuals for forensic laboratories.
• Ensures laboratory workspace is prepared and clean prior to each lab.
• Works with faculty and staff to identify and maintain laboratory inventory lists. Assists University personnel and state auditors in identifying and locating inventory.
• Monitors lab teaching schedules in coordination with faculty and school director and instructs lab sections, as needed.
• Serves as a liaison with university safety representatives and ensures that lab safety requirements are adhered to within forensic laboratories. .
• Works with faculty to maintain laboratory equipment; obtain quotes and necessary repairs.
• Assists with lab fee account reports, budget decisions.
• Assists with student advisement, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science or related science field. One-year related experience and/or training. Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with microscopes, balances, centrifuges, fume hoods, refrigerators, freezers, and other forensic laboratory equipment.

Knowledge,Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Utilizes and maintains personal computer, microscopes, balances, centrifuges, and hand tools (hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers), refrigerators, freezers, and other forensic laboratory equipment.
• Ability to use standard office equipment such as stapler, staple remover, and scissors.
• Knowledge and competency of general forensic techniques.
• Understanding of safety guidelines and how to establish safety standards for a forensic laboratory.
• Ability to develop a detailed budget and account reports.

Preferred Qualifications

Lab instruction, planning and set-up. Supervisory and training experience. Purchasing and budget experience. Experience developing and facilitating safety precautions within a laboratory environment. Experience within a forensic laboratory. Experience with financial systems, purchase orders, and purchasing procedures.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its service, programs, and activities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact: The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity & Labor Regulatory Compliance [e-mail] McLemore Hall (MCL) 310 | 118 College Drive #5111 | Hattiesburg, MS 39406 Phone: [phone] | Fax: [phone] | TTY/TDD: 1.800.582.2233

Employment Notices

Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Click on the links below to learn more about employer requirements and your right to work:

If you have questions, please email the Human Resources department at [e-mail].

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

The University of Southern Mississippi is committed to the safety and security of the USM community. The annual federal required compliance document which contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University is available on the UPD website at http://www.usm.edu/police/ .You may also request a copy by contacting the University Police Department at Bond Hall, 1st Floor West, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 [phone]. The policy statements address the University's policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses. Three years' of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.