Laboratory Operations Lead – Materials Science Lab

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

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,