Senior Chemical and Biological Engineer for Active Learning

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks a Senior Chemical and Biological Lab Engineer to support active learning and hands-on laboratory education in chemical, environmental, and biological engineering.

The role involves developing lab modules, maintaining safe experimental spaces, and mentoring students across disciplines in a collaborative academic environment. On-site; standard work schedule with occasional after-hours activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in chemical/ environmental/ biological/ biomedical engineering, biology, chemistry or closely related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in wet laboratory engineering, instructional or research labs.
• Demonstrated contribution to multidisciplinary projects with wet lab methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with ICP‑OES, GC, IC, HPLC, XRF or SEM.
• Experience with bacterial systems and/or mammalian cell culture.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry and/or electrochemistry, including method development.

Responsibilities

• Support hands-on laboratory instruction across environmental, biological, and engineering courses.
• Collaborate in designing, developing, and implementing lab exercises and new course materials.
• Maintain safe, efficient operation of teaching laboratories and equipment.
• Coordinate procurement, inventory management, and safety documentation.
• Lead laboratory safety trainings and ensure compliance with policies.
• Mentor students and support capstone and interdisciplinary projects.

Skills

Public speaking

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Independent work

Problem solving

Excellent communication skills

Microfluidics

Bacterial & mammalian cell culture

Analytical chemistry / electrochemisty

Education

Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering / Environmental Engineering / Biological Engineering / Biomedical Engineering / Biology / Chemistry

Tools

ICP‑OES

GC

IC

HPLC

XRF

SEM

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

Job Description

Job Summary: The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Senior Chemical and Biological Lab Engineer to support active learning and laboratory-based engineering education. This position plays a central role in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of hands‑on instructional laboratories in chemical, environmental, and biological engineering, and related interdisciplinary fields. The Lab Engineer will support a range of course‑based laboratories and student design projects, ensuring safe, effective, and engaging experimental learning experiences. This role requires strong technical expertise, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to student‑centered, experiential learning in a collaborative academic environment.

Instructional Support

• Support hands‑on laboratory instruction across environmental engineering, biological engineering, and engineering science courses.
• Assist in laboratory modules including electrochemistry, bacterial and mammalian cell biology, fluid dynamics and Microfluidics, and related experimental systems.
• Collaborate with faculty and instructional staff in the design, development, and implementation of laboratory exercises and new course materials.
• Provide technical instruction, supervision, and guidance to students during laboratory sessions and project work.
• Support student‑led design projects, including capstone and interdisciplinary applied science and engineering projects.

Program Development & Collaboration

• Collaborate with faculty and engineering staff across disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, computational, environmental, and biological engineering.
• Contribute to the development of new laboratory platforms and instructional technologies that support active learning pedagogy.
• Support documentation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement of laboratory systems and teaching practices.
• Participate in efforts to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of experiential learning environments.

Laboratory Operations & Maintenance

• Maintain safe, efficient operation of biological and environmental engineering teaching laboratories.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and documentation of wet laboratory equipment.
• Coordinate procurement of supplies, reagents, and equipment, including vendor communication and order management.
• Maintain accurate inventory systems and ensure availability of laboratory materials and consumables.
• Support hazardous materials handling, including storage, labeling, waste disposal, and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and readiness of laboratory spaces.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong culture of safety, responsibility, and best practices in all laboratory environments.
• Lead laboratory safety trainings and orientations for students, teaching staff, and other users of wet laboratory spaces. Ensure researchers, faculty, and students are trained and oriented to the protocols and best practices related to space, equipment, and instruments/systems.
• Monitor and ensure laboratory safety compliance, and compliance with university policies, procedures, and applicable legal rules and regulations. Escalate violations to internal leadership.
• Develop, maintain, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety documentation, and training materials.
• Participate in safety trainings based on your work and as advised by your advisor/manager, EHS, and Science Operations.

Student Engagement & Community Support

• Provide mentorship and technical advising to students engaged in laboratory and design‑based work.
• Support summer programs, extracurricular activities, and outreach initiatives as needed.
• Participate in student orientations, lab tours, and Active Learning Lab (ALL) events and open houses.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive learning environment for students across disciplines.

Working Conditions

• Regular work will occur in laboratory environments that contain hazardous chemicals.
• May be exposed to infrared light emitting, toxic, magnets, materials/equipment including compressed gases, acids, solvents, vacuum pump oils, and other chemicals.
• Protective equipment is provided.
• May be required to serve as emergency contact for space or equipment.
• The capacity to adjust to a flexible work schedule is critical. Some student activities organized and managed by this position may occur outside of a typical Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm work schedule, or during weekends. Must be willing and able to be on site to supervise these activities.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to participate in moving and set‑up of equipment and supplies (up to 50lbs).

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience supporting wet laboratory engineering, instructional laboratories, research laboratories, or other technical laboratory environments.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to multidisciplinary engineering projects involving wet lab methodologies, experimental techniques, and laboratory processes.
• Hands‑on experience with one or more of the following analytical instruments: ICP‑OES, GC, IC, HPLC, XRF, or SEM.
• Experience working with bacterial systems and/or mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry and/or electrochemistry, including solution preparation, instrumentation, experimental method development, and laboratory best practices.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Must be proficient at public speaking and able to present live instruction to groups of students.
• Prior experience in an academic laboratory, teaching laboratory, or active learning environment.
• Experience with microfluidic systems and device fabrication/operation.
• Experience in interdisciplinary engineering environments involving collaboration across multiple engineering domains.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast‑paced instructional setting.
• Initiative in improving laboratory workflows, systems, and instructional materials.
• High level of energy, adaptability, and enthusiasm for hands‑on engineering education.
• Commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment.

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 standard hours per week. See “Working Conditions” for more information about the schedule.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity and Education

Work Format Details This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.