Job Description

The Materials Science Laboratory Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a multidisciplinary materials science laboratory. This position ensures that laboratory spaces, equipment, chemicals, and documentation are managed effectively to support safe, efficient research activities. The role is operational rather than research-focused, requiring strong organizational skills, technical knowledge of laboratory practices, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and well-managed laboratory environment.

Responsibilities:

• Manage inventories of chemicals, consumables, laboratory supplies, and research materials.
• Coordinate purchasing, receiving, labeling, and storage of laboratory materials.
• Implement and enforce laboratory safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with institutional, OSHA, EPA, and other applicable regulations.
• Manage chemical hygiene, hazardous waste handling, and laboratory inspections.
• Organize laboratory workspaces to support efficient operation and safe workflows.
• Oversee equipment placement, storage systems, and shared laboratory resources.
• Develop, maintain, and update laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare risk assessments, job hazard analyses, and equipment operating procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Working knowledge of laboratory practices, chemical handling, and materials science laboratory operations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to develop and maintain technical documentation, including SOPs and laboratory records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with researchers, students, technical staff, and environmental health and safety personnel.
• No prior laboratory management experience is required; training will be provided for the right candidate.

Preferred:

• Experience working in a research, university, or industrial laboratory.
• Familiarity with materials characterization equipment and laboratory instrumentation.
• Knowledge of OSHA laboratory standards, chemical hygiene practices, hazardous waste management, and environmental health and safety requirements.
• Experience with laboratory inventory management systems or equipment maintenance tracking.
• OSHA laboratory safety training or other applicable laboratory safety certifications.