Coordinator, Molecular Biosciences Lab

Job Summary

The Molecular Biosciences Lab Coordinator works under minimal supervision with significant autonomy and professional judgment to manage laboratory operations supporting molecular biosciences instruction, including biotechnology, microbiology, cell biology, and genetics, at Salt Lake Community College. As the department's recognized subject matter expert in molecular biosciences laboratory operations, this position carries primary responsibility for the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of laboratory environments supporting these instructional areas, ensuring they are safe, well-maintained, properly supplied, and instructionally ready.

This includes de facto management of procurement, budgeting, inventory, equipment maintenance, and safety compliance with minimal oversight, while formal budget approval ultimately rests with the Associate Dean. The Coordinator manages weekly setup and takedown for BIOL 2065 (Microbiology Lab) and provides operational support for additional laboratory courses, including biotechnology (BTEC) courses, BIOL 2035 (Genetics Lab), and BIOL 2025 (Cell Biology Lab).

Across all laboratories they support, the Coordinator is responsible for managing supplies, equipment, shared inventory, laboratory cleanliness, safety protocols, and logistical coordination required to support consistent and high-quality laboratory instruction. This position works closely with faculty course leads to provide essential expertise for curriculum implementation, recommend substantive improvements to laboratory objectives and procedures, maintain consistency across sections, and lead continuous improvement of laboratory instruction.

The coordinator demonstrates creativity and innovation in solving complex laboratory problems and implements strategic improvements that enhance program quality and student success, while working within the curriculum framework established by faculty. This position serves as a key bridge between the Biology and Biotechnology programs, providing coordinated support across both areas and ensuring alignment of laboratory operations, budgeting, and resources to serve the instructional needs of both programs.

While formal budget approval and supervisory authority ultimately rest with the Associate Dean, this position exercises significant operational and budgetary management with minimal oversight, including procurement decisions, expenditure tracking, budget forecasting, and resource allocation across multiple laboratory sections. The coordinator independently manages expenditures across multiple funding streams, including student lab fee accounts for Biology and Biotechnology courses, the Biotechnology E&G budget, and the Student Factured operational account.

The coordinator provides co-leadership in the hiring, training, mentoring, and scheduling of lab instructors and aides, and contributes data-driven recommendations to support departmental planning and resource optimization. This position is primarily based at the Jordan Campus and serves a cross-departmental role supporting broader laboratory success, including monitoring supply levels, maintaining shared stockrooms, and receiving laboratory shipments for other laboratories as needed.

The coordinator oversees Student Factured, a production operation in which a part-time staff member produces consumable laboratory supplies for use across Biology department courses. The coordinator also plays a key role in School of Science, Mathematics, and Engineering (SME) initiatives, including strategic planning and logistical support for the undergraduate research conference (UP3RC) each semester.

Essential Duties

• Laboratory Management and Safety: Manage weekly setup, maintenance, and takedown of BIOL 2065 (Microbiology Lab) and provide operational support for BTEC courses, BIOL 2035 (Genetics Lab), and BIOL 2025 (Cell Biology Lab). Develop and enforce safety protocols, lead operational planning for laboratory improvements, and implement preventative maintenance programs for specialized equipment.
• Budget, Inventory, and Procurement…