Laboratory Coordinator - Pan Lab (Huck Institutes)

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount (employee and as-

Job summary

Penn State University seeks a Laboratory Coordinator to oversee daily operations of the Pan Laboratory, coordinating purchasing, budgeting, safety, equipment, and research administration. This position supports faculty, staff, and students and ensures efficient operations in a fast-paced biomedical research setting.

The role can be Intermediate or Advanced Professional level, with annual contracts and a strong likelihood of reappointment, emphasizing process improvement and organized workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biomedical sciences or related field.
• 1+ year of experience in laboratory operations or research administration.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business software.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day laboratory operations, safety, space, and equipment.
• Manage purchasing, budgeting, inventory, and vendor relations.
• Oversee research administration, budgets, and grant-related tasks.
• Support project planning, scheduling, and cross-team communication.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication

Problem-solving

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences seeks an organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Laboratory Coordinator to oversee daily operations of the Pan Laboratory, a collaborative biomedical research laboratory conducting research in biomaterials, nanomedicine, drug delivery, cancer immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine. This position will be filled at the Intermediate Professional or the Advanced Professional level, based on the successful candidate. The Laboratory Coordinator serves as the operational hub of the laboratory, ensuring efficient laboratory operations while coordinating purchasing, budgeting, safety, equipment, facilities, research administration, and project logistics. The role supports faculty, research staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students, enabling researchers to focus on scientific discovery. The successful candidate will be a problem-solver who enjoys improving processes and maintaining an organized environment. This is an annually contracted position with an excellent likelihood of reappointment.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory OperationsCoordinate day-to-day operations of a fast-paced interdisciplinary research laboratory. Oversee laboratory security, safety, organization, efficiency, and quality control. Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory policies, procedures, and standard operating practices. Coordinate laboratory space, equipment, maintenance, repairs, and service contracts. Manage purchasing, inventory, supply ordering, vendor relationships, and equipment procurement. Ensure compliance with University, environmental health and safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Research Administration and Financial CoordinationCoordinate laboratory budgets, purchasing activities, and research expenditures. Monitor spending and work with Huck and College of Engineering staff to reconcile financial transactions. Compile funding information and assist with grant proposal preparation and progress reporting. Maintain records related to operations, equipment, inventory, compliance, and research activities. Coordinate reporting requirements and maintain operational metrics.
• Project and Research CoordinationCoordinate research project operations, including timelines, laboratory resources, equipment availability, and logistics. Facilitate communication among faculty, research staff, students, collaborators, vendors, and University offices. Track project activities and assist with planning to keep projects on schedule. Support implementation of new processes and operational improvements.
• Laboratory and Student SupportAssist with onboarding and training laboratory members on operations, safety procedures, and equipment use. Coordinate laboratory schedules and support instructional and research activities. Provide operational support to faculty, research staff, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and visiting scholars. Assist with special projects and other administrative responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, life sciences, or a related field.
• One or more years of experience in laboratory operations, research administration, laboratory coordination, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a dynamic research environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting federally funded research in an academic environment.
• Experience with laboratory purchasing, budgeting, inventory management, and financial reconciliation.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience assisting with grant proposals and research administration.
• Experience coordinating shared laboratory resources and equipment.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $71,340.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.

One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.