Senior Chemical and Biological Engineer for Active Learning

Conditions. Workplace Diversity, LLC.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

Retirement plans with university

Wellbeing resources

Family care support

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences seeks a Senior Chemical and Biological Lab Engineer to support active learning and hands‑on instructional laboratories in chemical, environmental, and biological engineering. The role focuses on developing courses, improving lab platforms, and ensuring safe, engaging learning experiences for students.

You will collaborate across disciplines, maintain equipment, lead safety trainings, and mentor students in design projects while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or closely related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience supporting wet laboratory engineering, instructional laboratories, or research labs.
• Hands‑on experience with wet lab methodologies and laboratory processes.

Responsibilities

• Support hands‑on laboratory instruction across environmental, biological, and engineering science courses.
• Collaborate in design, development, and implementation of laboratory exercises and new course materials.
• Provide technical instruction, supervision, and guidance to students during labs and projects.
• Maintain safe operation of teaching laboratories and coordinate procurement of supplies and equipment.
• Lead laboratory safety trainings and ensure compliance with institutional policies.

Skills

Public speaking

Instructional design

Project management

Analytical chemistry

Electrochemistry

Education

Advanced degree in chemical/biomedical engineering

Tools

ICP‑OES

GC

IC

HPLC

XRF

SEM

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.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

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 setup of equipment and supplies (up to 50 lbs).

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 and Schedule

• 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

• 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.

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

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.