Job Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering seeks a Lab Coordinator - Engineering to coordinate the operational activities of research and instructional laboratories. This position ensures laboratory safety, readiness, efficiency, equipment availability, and compliance while providing technical and operational support to faculty, researchers, staff, and students. The position also serves as the department’s primary purchaser and purchasing initiator for teaching and research laboratory needs, including equipment, supplies, services, repairs, and related procurements.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Coordinate laboratory scheduling, preparation, setup, teardown, equipment availability, and general readiness for teaching and research activities.
- Support faculty, researchers, staff, and students in planning and conducting laboratory experiments, demonstrations, and testing; provide guidance on laboratory procedures, equipment capabilities, technical requirements, and appropriate supplies.
- Serve as the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering laboratory safety officer at ECoRE and coordinate departmental laboratory safety activities.
- Ensure laboratory operations, equipment, and procedures comply with Penn State policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Coordinate annual laboratory self-inspections and Penn State Environmental Health and Safety inspections; track corrective actions and maintain safety plans, records, training documentation, chemical and compressed-gas inventories, and other required documentation.
- Assist with the investigation and documentation of laboratory accidents, injuries, and safety concerns, and coordinate appropriate corrective actions.
- Promote safe laboratory practices, environmental awareness, waste reduction, and recycling.
- Serve as the department’s facilities representative for research and teaching laboratories, classrooms, computer laboratories, offices, administrative spaces, and designated student areas.
- Coordinate facility repairs, maintenance, renovations, upgrades, and other facilities-related requests; communicate with stakeholders regarding project status and completion.
Additional responsibilities may include:
- Coordinate tours of departmental facilities for faculty candidates, prospective students and families, alumni, advisory council members, accreditation teams, contractors, architects, and other visitors as needed.
- Coordinate the acquisition, installation, maintenance, repair, calibration, storage, and disposition of laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- Develop equipment specifications, obtain information from manufacturers and vendors, troubleshoot equipment issues, and coordinate preventive maintenance, calibration, and technical services.
- Maintain accurate records for laboratory operations, including equipment and property inventories, supplies, maintenance and repair activities, safety training and inspections, purchasing activity, and laboratory documentation.
- Monitor laboratory supply inventories and coordinate replenishment to support scheduled instructional and research activities.
- Initiate and process purchasing transactions in accordance with University policies; obtain quotes and competitive pricing, monitor orders and deliveries, resolve purchasing and vendor issues, and review invoices and supporting documentation.
- Compile information and prepare reports related to laboratory operations, expenditures, equipment, safety, facilities, and administrative activities.
It is preferred that the successful candidate will possess:
- Four to seven years of experience coordinating engineering, research, instructional, or specialized laboratory operations.
- Experience with laboratory safety programs, inspections, chemical and compressed-gas inventories, incident documentation, or environmental health and safety practices.
- Experience with laboratory equipment procurement, installation, calibration, maintenance, repair, and asset/inventory management.
- Experience with purchasing processes, invoice validation, vendor coordination, and budget monitoring.
- Experience supporting laboratories, instructional spaces, or research facilities.
- Ability to coordinate laboratory operations, equipment, supplies, maintenance, safety activities, and related documentation.
- Ability to interpret and follow institutional policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize varied responsibilities, and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Lab Coordinator - Engineering - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Lab Coordinator - Engineering - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $94,980.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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