Laboratory Supervisor, University Chemistry Laboratories

Michigan Technological University, Department of Chemistry invites applications for the position of Laboratory Supervisor. Applicants for the position are required to have a master of science in chemistry or a closely related field, at least 1 year or experience managing a chemistry or biology laboratory, demonstrated leadership in safety principles and practices, demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability to work with hazardous materials.  

Michigan Tech attracts world-class faculty and staff who enrich the educational experience of smart, motivated, and adventurous students. Applicants who are committed to promoting a sense of belonging and contributing to an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all are strongly encouraged to apply (www.mtu.edu/diversity/).

Successful candidates will be expected to ensure high quality, hands-on, efficient, and safe laboratory experiences for ~1200 students in up to 69 sections annually.  Responsibilities related to these laboratories include:

• Supervise, coordinate, train, and evaluate teaching assistants and a laboratory associate or assistant
• Provide a consistent educational experience among sections
• Maintain inventory, ordering, preparation, and readiness for all materials (chemicals, supplies, equipment, instructional materials)

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

1. Oversee the day-to-day operations of the teaching laboratories.
2. Establish, teach and monitor compliance of safety rules and practices for students, Teaching Assistants (TAs), and the lab associate/assistant; regarding use of equipment, handling chemicals, good laboratory housekeeping, and general laboratory safety.
3. Be present/available during scheduled laboratories to assist, troubleshoot, monitor safety, and occasionally cover teaching for TAs.
4. Develop, prepare, and provide all instructional materials for students and teaching assistants.  Distribute instructional materials through University Learning Management System (Canvas).
5. Maintain office hours to meet with students and teaching assistants.
6. Maintain laboratory records, including chemical inventories, equipment and supply inventories, incident reports, student grades, TA assessments, etc.
7. Prepare TAs to teach by providing guidance and training and meeting regularly to discuss methods/strategies, safety practices and issues, proper use of equipment, laboratory preparations and clean-up, grading issues, student issues, etc.
8. Evaluate TAs and provide feedback on teaching effectiveness.
9. Develop/improve procedures and policies for equipment, safety, laboratories, training, etc.
10. In collaboration with the Undergraduate Programs Committee, assess student learning outcomes.
11. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work. Provide leadership to foster a culture of safety; promote safety through actions, communication, and training.
12. Anticipate, recognize, and respond appropriately to potential and actual unsafe situations. Initiate accident/incident investigation process.
13. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.

Located in Houghton, in the heart of Upper Michigan's scenic Keweenaw Peninsula, the university is just a few miles from Lake Superior. The surrounding area is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities throughout the year. (All ads must include geographic location to meet federal requirements)

Michigan Tech is proud to be an ADVANCE Institution that has thrice received National Science Foundation support to increase diversity, inclusion, and the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For more information contact Human Resources at (906) 487-2280. To apply: See jobs.mtu.edu/postings/ and https://www.employment.mtu.edu/en-us/job/493523/laboratory-supervisor