Biology Lab Coordinator

PAY: $35.68-$37.20/hour.  Hourly compensation for this position is based on relevant education and experience and will be set within the listed range.

TITLE:                                  Biology Lab Coordinator

REPORTS TO:                     Science Department Chair

STATUS/HOURS:               Full-time, 12-month, Monday – Friday 40 hours per week, some occasional Saturday morning hours required.  Schedule may vary according to  departmental and Academy needs.

Position Purpose

Work in conjunction with science faculty to set up and improve existing labs and develop new labs while coordinating the distribution of materials, equipment and laboratory space.

Job Responsibilities

Classroom

• Sets up lab materials and equipment in classrooms for 30+ sections of biology classes and biology club meetings taught by 10 different faculty members.


• Designs and runs a teacher workshop on Lab Organization and Techniques during the annual Biology Institute at Exeter for Educators. Work closely with BIE faculty during the Institute to enhance the experience of attending educators.


• Consults with faculty to determine timing of laboratory experiments. Responsible for preparation, set up and safe disposal of all lab and field trip materials and equipment for 30+ sections of biology classes. Preparation and disposal may include chemicals, bacteria, biological media, preserved specimens, etc.


• Maintains a library of lab handouts and protocols for biology teachers.


• Experiments with new labs to see how they fit in curriculum.


• Troubleshoots audiovisual/computer/lab interface problems and contacts professionals for repair when necessary.


• Feeds and cares for live animals.


• Maintains shared biology lab schedule document.


• Works with students in lab settings and on individual student projects.


• Demonstrates and instructs the use of Scanning Electron Microscope to students and faculty.

Equipment, Inventory and Supplies

• Operates, maintains and repairs (when able) biotechnology, biology and general science laboratory equipment. Test run and instruct faculty when necessary on use of new equipment for labs.


• Manages inventory of and order laboratory supplies to ensure all materials needed for classroom and laboratory activities are readily available.  Maintain organized biology Prep/Stock rooms so all supplies are accessible.


• Researches new products and coordinate with faculty the need for large purchases of new equipment/inventory.  Work with vendors to set-up demos of (if needed) and purchase of new items.


• Manages the use and maintenance of the scanning electron microscope and wet table

 Safety and Sanitation

• Maintains laboratory safety procedures and regulations and responsible for departmental compliance with EPA, DOT, DEP, RCRA and OSHA regulations for storage, labeling, handling and disposal of chemicals.  This work is done in conjunction with the Safety and Environmental Compliance Manager.


• Adheres to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for proper storage and disposal of chemicals, reagents and preserved specimens; and files them in a publicly accessible area.


• Cleans and disinfects laboratories and equipment used in labs.

Other

• Collaborates with department chair to plan annual budget and prepare capitol request forms.


• Consults with non-academic departments such as IT, purchasing, facilities management and accounting to meet the needs of the Biology Department.


• Maintains purchase records and warranty information. Manage the biology supplies and inventory credit card and process monthly expense reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of Academy life


• Maintains professional knowledge by researching new technologies/techniques and products.


• Strategic high-level thinking coupled with the attention to detail necessary for successful planning and execution.


• Ability to organize and maintain a clean laboratory, keep accurate inventory, and order supplies.


• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.


• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.


• Demonstrated ability to work with students by building trust and credibility.


• A strict adherence to confidential policies is required.


• High degree of organizational skills and ability to work independently, multi-task with accuracy and handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.


• Proficiency or willingness to learn MS Office, Google Suite and Vernier probe software.


• Willingness and ability to learn additional applications as needed.


• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and restraint at all times, including stressful situations.

Direct/Indirect Reports

None

Position Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or closely related field required.

Experience

• Experience in a laboratory preferred.


• Experience as an educator or researcher in biology preferred.


• Experience working with adolescents in an educational setting preferred.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work and will require the ability to remain standing for extended periods of time, go up and down flights of steps, lift and push heavy objects as well as stoop, squat, bend, kneel, crouch, and lift.


• Ability to lift and transport up to 50lbs without assistance.


• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.


• Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example using a keyboard.


• Ability to see with normal parameters.

Additional Requirements

• Successfully complete a criminal background check (reviewed every 5 years).


• Clean Driving record (reviewed annually).


• Must wear personal protective equipment per safety requirements.