Laboratory Coordinator

Job Summary Help power the discoveries, innovations, and hands-on learning experiences that define Purdue Engineering. The Laboratory Coordinator in the School of Materials Engineering serves in a lead capacity for the daily operations of supporting teaching and research laboratories and a senior technical staff member collectively supporting our undergraduate students and graduate researchers. This position at times will coordinate the work of laboratory support staff, assigning daily tasks, reviewing completed work for quality and safety compliance, and providing ongoing performance feedback and training.

The role works closely with colleagues focused on safety and advanced instrumentation, instructors for undergraduate laboratory courses, faculty research groups, and undergraduate students. The overall responsibility is to keep our equipment operating safely; establish and ensure laboratory procedures and standards; assist with the planning, design, and installation of new systems; and guide researchers in the effective use of those tools and systems.

The position serves as the recognized subject matter expert for laboratory equipment, systems, and processes within the School. The role provides insight into best practices and safety protocols requiring creativity and patience to provide an environment in which research can be done safely and be enriching to all participants.

This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.

What You'll Be Doing:

LEAD DAILY LABORATORY OPERATIONS — coordinate, prioritize, and collaborate equipment maintenance tasks and laboratory setup activities; at time delegate work to two junior lab support staff and review their completed work for quality and compliance; ensure all labs are operationally ready for scheduled classes and research activities EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE — perform and lead preventive maintenance, calibrate equipment, and repair equipment; assist in establishing preventive-maintenance schedules and standards for the laboratory team TRAIN, MENTOR, AND EVALUATE JUNIOR STAFF — provide ongoing hands-on training to junior laboratory support staff on equipment operation, maintenance procedures, and safety protocols;

review and approve their work products; provide input on performance evaluations ASSISTING GRAD STUDENTS WITH PROJECTS TRAINING STUDENTS ON SAWS, FURNACES, BELT GRINDERS, HOT PRESSES, ETC — develop and maintain standardized training protocols used across all labs ASSISTING SENIOR DESIGN STUDENTS WITH PROJECTSASSISTING LAB CLASSESORDERING APPROPRIATE PARTS FOR REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE — manage laboratory supply budget and approve purchases within delegated authorityINSTALLATION OF NEW EQUIPMENT — lead the planning, specification, and installation of new systems;

make recommendations to faculty on equipment selection

About Us:

The College of Engineering at Purdue University is among the best and largest Engineering schools in the world. With nearly 16,000 engineering students and more than 500 tenure track faculty in the college, this position has ample opportunity to have an impact at one of the world’s most influential universities.

For more information about our department, please visit:

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