Materials Lab Operations Lead

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

Job summary

Lehigh University's Department of Materials Science & Engineering seeks an experienced laboratory facilities supervisor to maintain and support teaching labs and graduate research. You will prepare samples, manage instrumentation, coordinate preventative maintenance, and supervise shared spaces to keep operations running smoothly on campus.

Responsibilities include budgeting, inventory, safety program leadership, training students and staff, and serving as a liaison with vendors and visitors.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Vocational/Technical Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering, or related field; Bachelor's preferred.
• 1–3 years hands-on experience with sample preparation and LOM.
• Experience managing shared or multi-user lab facilities in academic, engineering, or industrial settings.
• Comfort teaching and mentoring undergrad/grad students in a teaching-lab environment.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and compliance frameworks.
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and calibrating laboratory instrumentation.
• Budget management, billing systems, or cost-recovery experience in a research setting.
• Meticulous record-keeping and organizational discipline for multiple equipment systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process samples for analysis and operate LOM to support instructional labs and graduate research.
• Develop and execute maintenance schedules for equipment; coordinate vendor repairs.
• Source and procure equipment and consumables; maintain inventory and purchase records.
• Oversee long-term lab asset performance and pursue funding for new instrumentation.
• Supervise shared MSE spaces across locations; enforce facility policies and procedures.
• Lead safety programs including inspections, audits, and training records.
• Train students and staff; serve as liaison for tours with visitors and vendors.
• Provide hands-on instruction for teaching labs and research activities across skill levels.
• Diagnose instrumentation issues to minimize downtime; ensure continuity of research.
• Manage operating budgets, track expenses, and prepare financial forecasts.

Skills

Sample preparation

Light optical microscopy

Lab management

Budget management

Safety compliance

Record-keeping

Education

Associate's or vocational/technical degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

LOM (light optical microscope)

Job description

Lehigh University's Department of Materials Science & Engineering seeks an experienced laboratory facilities supervisor to maintain and support teaching labs and graduate research. You will prepare samples, manage instrumentation, coordinate preventative maintenance, and supervise shared spaces to keep operations running smoothly on campus.

Responsibilities include budgeting, inventory, safety program leadership, training students and staff, and serving as a liaison with vendors and visitors.