Pay Grade: Coordinator 8
This position provides strategic and operational leadership for Mathematics & Sciences laboratories across all campus locations. The Lab Manager supervises laboratory technicians and student staff; oversees budgets, purchasing, inventory, equipment, facilities, and safety processes; and ensures consistent, efficient, and high-quality laboratory support for instruction, student learning, and Wake Tech initiatives.
Most postings are open for a limited time, depending upon the number of applications received. When the maximum number of applications has been met as stated above, the position may close without notice. Please apply immediately.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.
Supervises, evaluates, develops, and coordinates the work of Mathematics & Sciences laboratory technicians, laboratory assistants, and student staff across all campuses
- Plans and coordinates purchasing, receiving, storage, distribution, and maintenance of laboratory equipment, chemicals, biological materials, and supplies across all campuses, including purchases supporting STEM initiatives and grant-funded activities
- Collaborates with designated Chemical Hygiene Officers, biosafety personnel, Environmental Health and Safety, and division leadership to support regulatory compliance, operating procedures, safety equipment, signage, chemical inventories, and hazardous-waste processes
- Coordinates fixed-asset inventories and related documentation with the Business Office
Serves as a leader and advocate for laboratory technicians by promoting clear communication, appropriate staffing and resources, professional development, consistent procedures, and a safe, collaborative work environment
Develops, administers, and monitors laboratory budgets in collaboration with division leadership and laboratory staff
Analyzes and summarizes the costs of operating laboratories by course, discipline, department, and campus to support budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and long-range planning
Develops and maintains living inventories of equipment, chemicals, biological materials, consumable supplies, service agreements, and other laboratory resources; uses inventory and cost data to minimize waste, identify replacement needs, and improve operational efficiency
Schedules preventive maintenance, calibration, inspection, repair, and replacement of laboratory equipment; negotiates and maintains service contracts and coordinates with Facilities and vendors regarding laboratory infrastructure needs
Oversees orientation, on-the-job training, and role-specific safety training for laboratory technicians and student workers in coordination with Environmental Health and Safety and other responsible College offices
Oversees laboratory preparation and setup, including materials, chemicals, biological specimens, equipment, and weekly experiments; assists with setup when necessary to maintain continuity of laboratory operations
Collaborates with divisional leadership on the design and renovation of laboratory spaces
Compiles chemical, biological, equipment, and space information for appropriate colleges entities
Develops and maintains standard operating procedures
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of laboratory operations in one or more relevant science disciplines, including laboratory preparation, equipment, supplies, and workflow
Knowledge of chemical and biological laboratory safety practices and applicable OSHA, environmental, and institutional requirements
Knowledge of purchasing, budgeting, cost analysis, inventory control, fixed assets, and vendor or service-contract management
Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and clearly summarize operational and financial data by course, discipline, department, and campus
Ability to develop and maintain accurate, current, and useful inventory systems and operational records
Ability to supervise, coach, evaluate, and advocate for employees while fostering accountability, professional growth, teamwork, and respectful communication
Ability to establish priorities, coordinate work across multiple locations, and respond effectively to changing instructional and operational needs
Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, leadership, Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities, the Business Office, vendors, and external partners
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and related data-management tools
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and initiative, and travel among campus locations
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, geology, physics, environmental science, laboratory science, or a related science-based field
Three years of progressively responsible experience in a laboratory setting
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree or higher in a relevant science, laboratory management, or a related field
Two or more years of supervisory, managerial, or team leadership experience
Two or more years of laboratory experience in a community college, college, university, or similarly complex instructional environment
Experience with laboratory budgets, purchasing, inventory, equipment, process improvement, or safety and compliance
