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). 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…