Microbiology Laboratory Manager

Position Summary

The Microbiology Department invites applications for a Laboratory Manager to support its teaching laboratories. This position is essential to maintaining high standards of laboratory readiness, safety, and instructional quality. Primary responsibilities include preparing microbiological and specialized media, chemical reagents, and laboratory materials while ensuring sterility and rigorous quality control. The Laboratory Manager will troubleshoot preparation issues, monitor consistency across lab sections, and maintain best practices for aseptic technique.

Additional duties include managing inventory, ordering supplies, and overseeing the proper disposal of biohazardous and chemical waste in compliance with safety regulations. This role also involves coordinating routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, handling weekly setup and breakdown of teaching labs and general facility upkeep, and supervising student employees and training Graduate Student Teaching Assistants.

• Preparation of microbiological media, chemical reagents, and supplies for teaching labs using sterile technique.
• Washing glassware and plasticware used in teaching labs.
• Ordering supplies for all lab courses and managing inventory in the Campus Optics system; assessing consumables stocks weekly.
• Maintaining general maintenance and cleaning of teaching labs on a weekly basis, restocking supplies, refilling disinfectants and stains, emptying staining trays, and arranging laundry of lab coats.
• Assisting with immediate lab needs during classes.
• Training and assigning daily tasks for undergraduate student employees; supervising and approving time in OneUSG Connect.
• Orienting and training graduate lab teaching assistants.
• Supervising clean‑up of teaching labs at the end of each semester and periodic disposal of unnecessary materials.
• Maintaining equipment repair list and arranging annual maintenance and repairs for teaching lab and media prep room equipment (e.g., microscopes, pipettors, plate pourer, fume hood).

• Preparation of microbiological media and chemical solutions.
• Managing student workers.
• Organizing inventory of supplies and reagents.

High school diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of related experience.

BS or MS in Microbiology or related field.

Standing for long hours and occasionally lifting more than 40 pounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check, verification of credentials and employment history, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Candidates may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities. Information about the background check process can be found on the UGA Background Check website.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

The University of Georgia is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR at hrweb.