Laboratory Manager

Lehigh University; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 67,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Retirement contributions

Job summary

Lehigh University’s Department of Materials Science & Engineering seeks an experienced professional to maintain shared laboratory facilities, support teaching labs, and advance research instrumentation. The role supports instructional labs and graduate work through hands-on instrument care and safety oversight.

Ideal candidates bring 1–3 years of lab experience, familiar with sample prep and light microscopy, and a strong commitment to safety, budgeting, and mentoring students in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Vocational/Technical Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of related work experience with sample preparation and LOM
• Experience managing shared or multi-user research facilities in academic/industrial settings
• Comfortable mentoring students in teaching labs
• Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and compliance frameworks
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and calibrating laboratory instrumentation
• Experience with budget management and cost-recovery in a research environment
• Meticulous record-keeping and organization to manage multiple systems

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process samples for analysis and operate light optical microscopes (LOM).
• Develop and execute maintenance schedules for instrumentation; coordinate repairs.
• Source, procure equipment and maintain inventory with records of purchases and usage.
• Oversee long-term laboratory asset performance; identify funding for new instrumentation.
• Supervise shared lab spaces and enforce facility policies and procedures.
• Lead safety programs, inspections, audits, and training compliance.
• Provide hands-on instruction for undergraduate and graduate labs.
• Diagnose and resolve instrumentation issues to minimize downtime.
• Manage operating budgets, billing, and financial reports for lab initiatives.

Skills

Lab facility management

Teaching‑lab support

Safety compliance

Budget management

Instrument maintenance

Education

Associate's or technical degree in materials science/engineering

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Light Optical Microscopy (LOM)

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Job no: 504080
Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time
Location: Bethlehem
Categories: Technical/Scientific

Lehigh University's Department of Materials Science & Engineering sits at the intersection of fundamental science and applied innovation, advancing research in structural alloys, functional materials, and everything in between. The shared laboratory facilities that support this work need an expert hand to keep them running at their best, and that's where you come in.

Position Number: S80080

This position is a Grade: 10 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $67,270-$81,830 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Prepare and process samples for analysis — including cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching — and operate light optical microscopes (LOM) to support both instructional labs and graduate research
• Develop and execute schedules for preventative and corrective maintenance, calibration, and vendor‑coordinated repairs to keep all instrumentation aligned with teaching and research needs
• Evaluate, source, and procure cost‑effective equipment and consumables while maintaining precise inventory controls and detailed records of purchases and usage
• Oversee long‑term laboratory asset performance and actively identify funding opportunities to acquire new instrumentation and modernize the facility
• Supervise shared MSE department laboratory spaces across multiple locations, developing and enforcing facility policies and operational procedures
• Lead comprehensive safety programs, including annual inspections and audits, training compliance records, and strict adherence to safety standards
• Conduct safety and operational training for students, staff, and researchers, and serve as facility liaison for tours with visitors, vendors, alumni, and external partners
• Provide hands‑on instruction for undergraduate teaching labs and graduate research activities, working directly and patiently with students across a wide range of skill levels
• Diagnose and resolve complex instrumentation and experimental issues to minimize downtime and ensure continuity of research and instruction
• Manage laboratory operating budgets, oversee equipment usage billing, track expenses, and prepare financial reports and forecasts to support new lab initiatives

What You'll Bring

• Associate's or Vocational/Technical Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering, or a related field. Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• One to three years of related work experience, including hands‑on experience with sample preparation (cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching) and light optical microscopy (LOM)
• Demonstrated experience managing shared or multi‑user research laboratory facilities in an academic, engineering, or industrial setting
• Comfort and skill working directly with undergraduate and graduate students in a teaching‑lab environment; patience, clear communication, and enthusiasm for mentoring are essential
• Sound knowledge of laboratory safety regulations, hazardous material handling, and institutional compliance frameworks, along with a demonstrated personal commitment to safety culture
• Practical experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and calibrating laboratory instrumentation
• Experience with budget management, billing systems, or cost‑recovery models in a research environment
• Meticulous record‑keeping practices and organizational discipline to manage multiple equipment systems simultaneously

Why Lehigh

Lehigh University offers a genuinely distinctive environment for research professionals, one where laboratory staff work alongside faculty shaping the future of materials engineering. As part of the College of Engineering & Applied Science, you'll benefit from Lehigh's generous retirement contributions, tuition benefits , and a campus culture that recognizes technical expertise as central to great research. This is a role with real scope and real visibility in a department where shared facilities are relied upon every single day. Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist .

Special Considerations

• The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community.
• This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University; therefore a credit check is required.
• This position has direct contact with minors, therefore a background check is required.

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Advertised: October 13, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled

A comprehensive benefit package for you and those that you care about.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or familial status, national origin (including shared ancestry), pregnancy or related conditions, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Lehigh University is committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and interested in candidates who seek to contribute tothe university’s mission.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

LCA Notices of Intent to Hire H-1B/E-3 Employees

In compliance with US Department of Labor requirements and pursuant to 20 CFR 655.734, Lehigh University provides notices of intent to hire non‑immigrant workers in the H‑1B and E‑3 visa classifications. Please note candidates have already been selected to fill the positions; the Notice of Intent to Hire is not a posting for an open position.