College Lab Svcs Spec - Chemistry Stockroom / Lab Coordinator

Bemidji State University (BSU) invites qualified applicants to join our team as the Chemistry Stockroom / Laboratory Coordinator.
 
The Chemistry Stockroom / Lab Coordinator performs specialized work in the chemistry stockroom and laboratories at Bemidji State University (BSU). The position will manage and optimize the Chemistry Department laboratory operations at BSU through the strategic organization, planning, operations, improved efficiency, program planning, compliance inspections, and purchasing. This position will oversee and maintain the Chemistry Stockroom and Hazardous Waste Silo and is responsible for hazardous chemical disposal and OSHA related compliance with chemicals on campus. Developing policies and procedures for Hazardous Waste Management with the collection and oversight of satellite storage areas and bi-annual pickups / disposal.
 
Responsibilities of the Chemistry Stockroom / Lab Coordinator include:  

• Managing all chemistry stockroom and laboratory spaces. (Percent of Time: 35%)
  • Maintaining and managing the Chemistry Stockroom. This position will supervise the operations of the chemistry stockroom (Sattgast 352 and 349), its adjoining chemical storage rooms (Sattgast 353 and 354) as well as the laboratory spaces (Sattgast 358, 360. 361, 362, 364, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370).
  • Supervising preparations for all teaching labs.
  • Assisting faculty with weekly meetings and supervision of Teaching Assistants in lab teaching, techniques, and safety.
  • Providing in-classroom support to undergraduate students and Teaching Assistants as needed.
  • Developing and maintaining preparation instructions and guidelines for laboratory courses.
  • Assisting faculty in the development or modification of laboratory exercises to improve laboratory learning and outcomes.
  • Overseeing laboratory safety and maintaining safe operations, ensuring first aid kits are available and stocked, glass waste containers and chemical spill kits are available in appropriate spaces.
  • Being available to assist as needed in independent student research projects for classes or advanced projects.
  • Managing hazardous chemical disposal on campus and ensuring OSHA compliance with chemicals.

• Student worker supervision/coordination. (Percent of Time: 15%)         
  • Hiring, coordinating, supervising, and providing technical training to student workers.
  • Providing safety training for student workers.
  • Assigning working areas and tasks to student workers. 

• Managing physical spaces and major assets within the Chemistry Program. (Percent of Time: 15%)
  • Acting as the main point of contact for the Chemistry Program with Facilities, Physical Plant, and Central Maintenance and coordinating repairs and updates to department spaces in coordination with faculty.
  • Supporting faculty and school chair in identifying facilities, resources, and major equipment use and needs.
  • Overseeing operation and maintenance of major chemical instrumentation. Servicing instrumentation as is feasible.
  • Assisting the chair in managing the operations of the Departmental physical spaces; reviewing and providing input on the operational and maintenance plan.

• Inventory and purchasing management for the Chemistry Program. (Percent of Time: 15%)
  • Managing equipment materials and supplies within the Chemistry Program. Ensuring proper inventory, management, and the safe storage of chemicals.
  • Providing oversight and coordination for purchasing for labs, student needs, and faculty related to Chemistry accounts. Ensuring timely receipt of goods and avoiding unnecessary orders for items currently in stock. The main point of contact for the Department to Central Receiving.
  • Maintaining the reputation of the Department and organization as a viable business partner with outside vendors and partners. Vendor contacts for service, mainly for instrumentation and equipment.
  • Working with University Business Office and purchasing agents to prepare requisitions for contracts and Marketplace orders.

• Environmental, Health & Safety Training. (Percent of Time: 10%)
  • Developing and deploying safety signage/posters, documentation, and procedures.
  • Providing compliance for safety training for student workers, graduate students, and undergraduate student researchers. Communicating safety updates to the Chemistry Department.
  • Overseeing and managing the disposal of hazardous waste for Sattgast Hall, Northwest Technical College, Student Health Services, Nursing and Facilities. Overseeing the Waste Silo.
  • Coordinating and serving as a department resource for federal and institutional compliance requirements for faculty and staff, including IRB, IAUC and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) conformity.
  • Coordinating annual inspections of laboratory spaces to meet Federal and institutional requirements.
  • Participating in the Minnesota State College Lab Assistant (CLA) Safety Team. Group meetings monthly to share ideas, problem solve, and discuss laboratory safety concerns.

• Department laboratory and research coordination. (Percent of Time: 7%)
  • Providing operational optimization and continuity throughout the Department and the many focuses in the Program. Implementing innovative practices for the Program.
  • Collaborating and coordinating with other departments across campus, to develop collaborative initiatives, shared workflows, and improved student experiences.
  • Assisting and supporting faculty and providing input for the development and updates to research etiquette guidelines and expectations for graduate students and independent student research projects.
  • Working with faculty in developing and updating student (undergraduate research, orientation, training, and handbook). Relay "Need to Know" information and expectations to graduate students.
  • Consulting with the Chemistry Club to facilitate safe and effective conduct of events and activities.

• Serving as facilitator and consultant for NTC science and other programs related to hazardous waste stream and identification. (Percent of Time: 3%) This does not include handling hazardous waste from the NTC campus. 

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related four-year baccalaureate degree with experience with laboratory management and considerable knowledge of professional laboratory principles, techniques, and operation of sophisticated laboratory equipment in the area of assignment.
• Knowledge and training in first-aid protocols. 
• Skill and manual dexterity in the assembling, handling, and repair of delicate laboratory equipment, and troubleshooting skills for instrumentation and chemical laboratory.
• Manipulative techniques in following standard scientific laboratory methods.
• Competence with the Microsoft Office Program Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and Teams.
• Ability to plan, keep inventory, and maintain laboratory review and supply systems. 
• Ability to plan, assign, and provide work direction to others and instruct them in principles, methods, and procedures. 

• Master's degree. Years of experience will be considered for advanced degrees and education.
• Formal safety training relating to laboratory safety and handling of hazardous waste.
• Professional skills to develop procedures to ensure the safe storage of chemicals, recommend safety procedures for the laboratory and stockroom areas, and work effectively with laboratory users and regulatory agencies.
• Work experience in management relating to inventory control and purchasing.
• Ability to develop and maintain databases. Knowledge and experiences using Microsoft Office products (Excel and Access).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty, and purchasing vendors.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions, formulae, and charts. 
• Ability to work independently, assume responsibility, and exercise initiative in the area of assignment. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.