Laboratory Manager, Biological Sciences; Microbiology Core

Laboratory Manager, Biological Sciences (Microbiology Core)

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees.

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The Department of Biological Sciences is seeking applicants for a Laboratory Manager with microbiology lab experience who can manage the Microbiology Core Facility and coordinate and teach biology lab courses. The candidate will work mainly with undergraduate students while maintaining a safe working environment. The main function of the Facility is to facilitate microbiology and introductory biology instructional laboratories for the department.

Properly trained student technicians and faculty are granted access to the Facility. Equipment and supplies in the facility are for academic lab preparation and instructional use. This facility includes and maintains an autoclave, biosafety cabinet, centrifuge, freezers and refrigerators, general microbiology and biology labware, incubators, microscopes, spectrophotometer, water baths, and a chemical stock room and the departmental culture collection. This is a regular twelve-month full-time position.

• Manage Microbiology Core Facility. This includes maintaining inventory, supplies and service contracts, maintaining microbiological culture stocks for teaching labs and maintaining Core Facility equipment. Communicate effectively with faculty, staff and students.
• Teach and coordinate Biology Lab courses and contribute to outreach activities
• Supervise student workers and provide appropriate training to support research and teaching activities. This includes appropriate instruction/training on the safe operation of equipment in the Core Facility and the teaching labs.
• Support faculty research and efforts to introduce new techniques/procedures into classroom settings.
• Serve as a resource and point of contact for laboratory safety questions and related issues.

• Master of Science degree in a biologically-related discipline by the start of appointment, including at least 18 graduate credits in Biology coursework
• Teaching experience as either a Graduate Teaching Assistant or instructor of record
• Broad experience in microbiological techniques

Salary Range: $50,000 - $54,000

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI…