Laboratory Coordinator - Materials Science

Gokenamericallc; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Goken seeks a Materials Science Laboratory Manager to oversee daily operation of a multidisciplinary lab in Columbus, OH. The role ensures safe, well-organized spaces, proper handling of chemicals, and up-to-date SOPs to support research activities.

The successful candidate will manage inventories, coordinate purchasing, enforce safety policies, and ensure regulatory compliance, while collaborating with researchers and EHS personnel. Training is provided for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering, or related scientific discipline.
• Working knowledge of laboratory practices, chemical handling, and materials science laboratory operations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to develop and maintain technical documentation, including SOPs and laboratory records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with researchers, students, technical staff, and environmental health and safety personnel.
• No prior laboratory management experience is required; training will be provided for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventories of chemicals, consumables, laboratory supplies, and research materials.
• Coordinate purchasing, receiving, labeling, and storage of laboratory materials.
• Implement and enforce laboratory safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with institutional, OSHA, EPA, and other applicable regulations.
• Manage chemical hygiene, hazardous waste handling, and laboratory inspections.
• Organize laboratory workspaces to support efficient operation and safe workflows.
• Oversee equipment placement, storage systems, and shared laboratory resources.
• Develop, maintain, and update laboratory SOPs.
• Prepare risk assessments, job hazard analyses, and equipment operating procedures.

Skills

Laboratory practices

Chemical handling

Materials science lab operations

Organizational skills

Documentation skills

Written and verbal communication

Independent work

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering, or related

Tools

Materials characterization equipment

Laboratory instrumentation

Laboratory safety certifications

Job description

Summary

The Materials Science Laboratory Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a multidisciplinary materials science laboratory. This position ensures that laboratory spaces, equipment, chemicals, and documentation are managed effectively to support safe, efficient research activities. The role is operational rather than research-focused, requiring strong organizational skills, technical knowledge of laboratory practices, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and well-managed laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventories of chemicals, consumables, laboratory supplies, and research materials.
• Coordinate purchasing, receiving, labeling, and storage of laboratory materials.
• Implement and enforce laboratory safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with institutional, OSHA, EPA, and other applicable regulations.
• Manage chemical hygiene, hazardous waste handling, and laboratory inspections.
• Organize laboratory workspaces to support efficient operation and safe workflows.
• Oversee equipment placement, storage systems, and shared laboratory resources.
• Develop, maintain, and update laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare risk assessments, job hazard analyses, and equipment operating procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Working knowledge of laboratory practices, chemical handling, and materials science laboratory operations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to develop and maintain technical documentation, including SOPs and laboratory records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with researchers, students, technical staff, and environmental health and safety personnel.
• No prior laboratory management experience is required; training will be provided for the right candidate.

Preferred

• Experience working in a research, university, or industrial laboratory.
• Familiarity with materials characterization equipment and laboratory instrumentation.
• Knowledge of OSHA laboratory standards, chemical hygiene practices, hazardous waste management, and environmental health and safety requirements.
• Experience with laboratory inventory management systems or equipment maintenance tracking.
• OSHA laboratory safety training or other applicable laboratory safety certifications.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Goken is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and engaging workplace across all global locations. We value diversity and provide equal opportunities for career growth and professional development, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.