Manager of Biology Laboratory and Safety Officer

The Department of Biology at High Point University invites applications for a full-time Biology Laboratory Manager and Safety Officer.
This 12-month staff position reports directly to the Chair of the Department of Biology and plays a central role in supporting undergraduate
laboratory instruction.

The laboratory manager is responsible for coordinating the preparation and operation of introductory and
upper-level biology laboratories, maintaining instructional and research instrumentation, and ensuring compliance with safety standards
across all laboratory spaces. This position works closely with faculty to support teaching, troubleshoot equipment, and implement laboratory
activities, while also training and supervising student laboratory assistants.

The successful candidate will contribute to a highly
collaborative, student-focused environment and will be essential to maintaining a safe, organized, and modern laboratory program that
supports hands-on learning across the biology curriculum.

Applicants should submit the following materials as a single
document:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Contact information for three professional references

For questions about the position, please contact Matthew Talbert,
Chair of the Department of Biology (mtalbert@highpoint.edu). Applications should be submitted
through the university’s employment portal.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree
  in biology or a closely related field
• Experience with laboratory preparation or laboratory support activities
• Familiarity with standard laboratory techniques and safety practices
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adjust to changing instructional needs
• Effective written and verbal communication
  skills

Preferred

• Prior experience supporting undergraduate teaching laboratories
• Experience
  maintaining or troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation (e.g., autoclaves, electrophoresis systems, balances, cell culture equipment)
• Experience with chemical inventory systems, safety documentation, or compliance processes
• Familiarity with the proper
  labeling/storage/disposal of chemical and biological wastes
• Experience training or supervising student workers
• Experience training faculty/PIs in laboratory and safety protocols
• Experience conducting laboratory hazard assessment
• Experience writing standard operating procedures

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability
  to maintain organized and efficient laboratory operations
• Comfort learning and working with new instrumentation and laboratory
  technologies
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, or inventory systems
• Commitment to maintaining a safe
  laboratory environment
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty, staff, and students
• Professional, responsive, and student-centered approach to interactions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Laboratory Operations

• Prepare, set up, and break down laboratory exercises for introductory and upper-level biology
  courses
• Maintain organization across laboratory, prep, and storage spaces to ensure efficient course delivery

Instrumentation and Equipment

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure proper functioning of laboratory equipment,
  including water purification systems, autoclaves, balances, electrophoresis systems, gel documentation systems, and cell culture equipment
• Assist faculty with the use of laboratory instrumentation during instructional activities
• Support the identification,
  evaluation, and procurement of new equipment

Safety and Compliance

• Monitor all laboratory spaces to
  ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory safety standards
• Maintain chemical safety documentation, including Safety
  Data Sheets (SDS)
• Coordinate chemical waste management and disposal processes
• Train student laboratory assistants and
  other personnel in appropriate laboratory safety procedures

Instructional Support and Training

• Work
  directly with faculty to prepare laboratories and support course implementation
• Train and supervise student laboratory assistants
  to ensure effective and safe lab operation

Inventory and Procurement

• Manage laboratory inventory and
  maintain appropriate stock of supplies and materials
• Prepare requisitions and coordinate ordering of laboratory supplies and
  equipment

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain clear and timely communication with faculty and
  departmental leadership
• Maintain a full-time presence at the workplace. Adjust work schedule, if needed, to support evening
  laboratory sections.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative departmental environment
• Perform other duties as
  assigned by the Department Chair

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Reports to the Biology Department Chair
• Coordinate a regular work schedule with Biology Department Chair
• Respond to emails and other communication in a timely
  manner
• Adjust schedule as necessary to accommodate evening labs
• Under minimal supervision, prepares labs and ensures
  lab safety

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position operates primarily in laboratory settings and requires:

• Movement between laboratory and storage spaces
• Handling of laboratory materials and equipment
• Occasional
  lifting (up to 25 pounds)
• Regular interaction with faculty, staff, and students in both individual and group settings
• Work in environments with mechanical equipment, chemical materials, and standard laboratory hazards

Tagged as: Employment