Project Manager
Professional / Unclassified
LSUAM CCE - DOCS - Wetland Biogeochemistry (John R White (00008640))
3197 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building
Professional
Wetland Biogeochemistry Analytical Services (WBAS), an environmental chemistry lab located in the College of the Coast and Environment at Louisiana State University, is seeking a talented individual to manage all aspects of maintaining the successful operation of a university service center. The primary focus of the WBAS laboratory is the analysis of nutrients in water, soils, sediments and plant samples for universities, non-profits, governmental agencies, and industry.
Job Responsibilities:
30% Manage, oversee and will perform laboratory-based projects involving multiple sample types and analytical methods for water, soil, and plant materials. Direct day-to-day project operations, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and execution to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables. Manage and implement project initiatives and strategies. Stay informed about updates/changes to institutional and/or regulatory policy/procedures.
20% Supervise and develop personnel, including undergraduate and graduate students and research staff. Provide training on laboratory protocols, analytical techniques, and proper operation of instrumentation to maintain operational excellence and compliance within the WBAS laboratory. Evaluate project outcomes and make recommendations for improvements.
15% Coordinate cross-functional project activities by collaborating with internal stakeholders, clients, and external partners. Monitor project progress, document outcomes, and proactively address risks or operational issues to ensure successful completion of project objectives.
10% Maintain client relationships and support business operations by interacting with new and existing clients, preparing and delivering final analytical reports, and ensuring clear communication of results and expectations.
10% Manage financial and administrative components of projects, including invoicing, sample tracking, and contributing to annual budget and accounting processes for the analytical cost center. Lead the preparation and submission of rate development worksheets and service center rate sheets, including mid-year updates, in coordination with the Office of Budget and Planning.
5% Ensure quality assurance and regulatory compliance by producing high-quality technical data and reports that meet established QA/QC standards. Stay current on applicable regulatory frameworks and analytical standards (e.g., EPA, ASTM, Standard Methods) and incorporate updates into laboratory practices.
5% Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced analytical instrumentation, including ICP-OES, autoanalyzers, combustion analyzers, mass spectrometers, and TOC analyzers. Develop and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for complex instrumentation and laboratory workflows.
5% Evaluate project outcomes and implement continuous improvements by analyzing performance, identifying efficiencies, and recommending enhancements to processes, methodologies, and service delivery. Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's in Science
3 years related experience
LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply--a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience in the job description.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D in Science
Specific Experience
Laboratory management in the operation of maintenance of analytical instrumentation including ICP-OES, Autoanalyzers, combustion analyzers and Isotope ration mass spectrometers for analysis of waters, soils, sediments and plant samples.
Job Competencies:
Proficient - Familiar with analytical instrumentation and equipment and their standard operating procedures to professionally manage the effective operation of a complex laboratory.
Proficient - Knowledgeable in laboratory techniques and regulatory compliance, strong personnel management (hiring, training, mentoring), budget management, and problem-solving.
Proficient - Familiar with the methods and techniques used in the analysis of nutrients in water, soils, sediment and plant samples.
Proficient - Ability to maintain high standards for accuracy, establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and auditing to improve laboratory efficiency.
Proficient - Ability to provide strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with clients, along with organizational skills to manage time and prioritize tasks.
Proficient - Maintain high standards for accuracy, establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and auditing to improve laboratory efficiency.
Proficient - Familiar with modern software such as Microsoft Excel and Word as it relates to data evaluation, data processing, and assembling data reports.
Proficient - Familiar with basic statistical analysis of analytical data and information to provide evaluations of AC/QC of instrument output.
Proficient - Ability to manage budgets, inventory control, purchasing equipment, and to negotiate with vendors.
Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.
Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.
A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring (if applicable). Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required. This position is classified as a safety and security-sensitive position. These positions are subject to drug screens per PS-67/FASOP HR-04.
For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Sharon Butler at sbutler@lsu.edu.
May 22, 2026
September 19, 2026
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.
