Texas A&M

HECM Laboratory Manager

McAllen, TX Full time

Job Title

HECM Laboratory Manager

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

McAllen Higher Ed Center

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

McAllen, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

A Glimpse of the Job

The HECM Laboratory Manager ensures that procedures and practices (proper handling, storage, and disposal of laboratory wastes, etc.) are carried out appropriately to maximize safety and operational effectiveness. Manage procurement, inventory of laboratory equipment and instruments, chemical storage, safety labeling, and documentation of received supplies.  Assists in the development and updating of instructional materials for teaching laboratories as well as testing of new experiments and curricula as new degrees and programs are offered at McAllen. Supervises staff and student workers in the laboratory, providing staff support and student assistance while managing their schedules, duties, and daily tasks and quality control procedures. 

 

Essential Duties/Tasks 

Lab Safety and Procedures 

  • Ensures that procedures and practices (proper handling, storage, and disposal of laboratory wastes, etc.) are carried out appropriately to maximize safety and operational effectiveness. 

  • Adheres to Federal, State, and Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) procedures, policies, and safety regulations. 

  • Maintains quality assurance manuals, Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs), validation of laboratory procedures, check sample program, and record control.  

  • Promotes safe building access practices for faculty, staff, and student workers, providing reminders as necessary and reporting incidents or accidents, when required, if safety rules are compromised. 

  • Maintains up-to-date trainings and certifications in laboratory safety procedures and oversees the development and instruction of laboratory manuals.  

  • Collaborates with the Environment Health & Safety Department to ensure proper waste disposal, supervision of organization and maintenance of teaching labs, etc., according to the safety regulation and pass the annual safety inspection.  

Laboratory Operations and Maintenance 

  • Manage procurement, inventory of laboratory equipment and instruments, chemical storage, safety labeling, and documentation of received supplies.   

  • Organizes laboratory supplies in teaching labs and stockrooms and ensures accurate record keeping.   

  • Develops and improves inventory and ordering procedures for laboratory equipment and supplies for any new courses.   

  • Evaluates existing laboratory facilities, equipment, and instrumentation and arranges qualification, calibration services, maintenance, repairs, and service as needed.  

  • Tracks and coordinates service schedules for equipment and facilities to ensure operational efficiency.  

Assistance with Teaching Laboratories and Instructional Materials 

  • Assists in the development and updating of instructional materials for teaching laboratories as well as testing of new experiments and curricula as new degrees and programs are offered at McAllen. 

  • Assists and supports instructional members with lab preparation, set up and operation of equipment for demonstrations, and other teaching-related activities upon request. 

  • Instruct students and staff on the proper use of laboratory instrumentation and software systems. 

  • Equips students with instruments, disposable supplies, and chemicals.   

Supervision 

  • Supervises staff and student workers in the laboratory, providing staff support and student assistance while managing their schedules, duties, and daily tasks and quality control procedures. 

  • Attends and participates in departmental meetings or other meetings pertaining to laboratory matters. 

Other Duties 

  • Performs other duties as assigned. 

  • May travel 15% of time to Bryan/College Station

 

What you need to know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to selected hire’s experience.

Special Instructions: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended. You may upload these in the CV/Resume section.

Other Factors: Located in McAllen, TX

Required Education and Experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
  • Five years of experience in academic laboratory operations and management. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering, or any other laboratory-based sciences. 

  • Three years' experience managing teaching laboratories.   

  • Experience working with individuals and communities. 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

  • Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation applications.   

  • Knowledge of scientific and standard teaching laboratory equipment and procedures associated with biology, chemistry, genetics, microbiology, engineering and related life sciences. 

  • Knowledge and understanding of applicable laboratory safety and environmental standards and requirements including proper handling, preparation, and disposal of biologicals, chemicals, and glassware. 

  • Knowledge of biological samples and/or chemical preparation, waste disposal, and associated safety concerns.  

  • Ability to maintain laboratory equipment, manage inventory and controlled drug logs, order laboratory and other supplies and perform scheduled equipment maintenance.  

  • Ability to coordinate with College Station departments to remain updated with curriculum changes for the lab.  

  • Ability to work with new technology and software to assist instructive members to fulfill teaching needs.  

  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise and train lab technicians and student workers, assign tasks, and assume lab technician responsibilities when absent or as needed.  

  • Ability to multitask, work cooperatively with others and respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies involving dangerous situations or hazardous materials.   

  • Ability to work with instructional faculty from multiple disciplines to maintain laboratory standards in each discipline. 

  • Excellent problem-solving, communication (oral and written), analytical, interpersonal and organizational skills. 

Machines or equipment used in the performance of essential duties  

  • Standard teaching laboratory equipment for biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics.  

  • Office equipment including computer, printer, copier etc.  

Physical Requirements 

  • Ability to lift or move light objects.  

  • Must be able to sit/stand for long periods of time.  

  • Work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.  

Other Requirements and Factors 

  • Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system or water treatment system

  • This position is security sensitive. 

  • This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures. 

  • All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements 

  • Ability to work with subject material outside of immediate expertise.   

  • This position is required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed.  

  • This position may be required to work weekends, holidays, or after normal working hours (5:00 PM). 

  • This position is required to travel between College Station and McAllen for lab-related trainings, meetings, procurement of materials, equipment and supplies, etc., when necessary.

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.