General Summary: 

The Laboratory Coordinator within the Biology Department is responsible for the technical planning, oversight, and daily operation of the freshman biology teaching laboratories in the Integrated Science Complex (ISC). The incumbent supervises the set-up and implementation of lab experiences associated with the freshman biology courses, as well as assisting in the design, implementation, and evaluation of new laboratory exercises. The coordinator trains and supervises staff and student employee assistants. The coordinator is one of the technical representatives of the Biology Department and may be called on to provide technical support to the department and its operations in the ISC.

Examples of Duties: 

Duties include, but are not limited to: Supervise the planning, logistics, and implementation of all lab exercises for the freshman biology labs. This involves testing, setting-up, and evaluating all course lab experiences, and maintaining an efficient and safe operation for students and staff. Supervise and support biology lab technician for freshman labs by providing direction, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring proper lab procedures. Responsibilities include monitoring technician performance, coordinating materials and equipment, and overseeing the maintenance of clean experimental stations. Oversee the hiring. training, and work of student lab assistants. This role involves guiding the students lab practices, supervising their work, and mentoring them on career development opportunities. on Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of new laboratory exercises for the freshman lab courses. Guide faculty, graduate teaching assistants, staff, and students in the set-up and operation of laboratory equipment, instruments, and experimental apparatuses used in teaching and research environments. Work with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety to ensure that the operations of the biology laboratories meet safety requirements. Maintain accurate and updated lab manuals for the freshman biology courses: Provide quality control and incorporate changes into the electronic lab manuals and lab preparatory notes; incorporate updates in equipment protocols and use of equipment; assist in rewriting and/or editing exercises or developing new exercises; prepare student lab manual packets at the start of each semester for select courses. Confer weekly with faculty and teaching assistants for advance training and supervise trial training runs of experimentation with graduate student teaching assistants prior to their teaching; provide data and troubleshooting tips at weekly meetings with the teaching staff. Research, recommend, and guide the purchasing of laboratory equipment and supplies for the teaching labs; provide technical support on use and troubleshooting of equipment; replace or repair experimental set-ups and instruments when needed. Maintain overall institutional knowledge of the Biology Department's teaching and research facilities; make recommendations regarding teaching lab logistics and operations, provide technical support and offer services to those requesting help on the use of facilities within the department. Assist in writing, preparing, and setting up lab practical exams; help to proctor lab practical exams when needed. Oversee the secure use of rooms and equipment. This includes providing security for computers and peripherals and other departmental equipment. Monitor the general operation of equipment and provide maintenance, calibration, and repair when needed; request equipment maintenance from vendors when necessary; recommend new equipment purchases to replace outdated or broken instrument; surplus obsolete and broken equipment and when possible, salvage and reconstitute devices; keep records of equipment in use, track its distribution, and monitor condition of equipment upon return. Maintain inventories of chemicals, preserved specimens, and frozen samples. Supervise the use of assigned departmental teaching and prep spaces; relocate equipment as needed, stay abreast of current changes in equipment and protocols used in the training and safety in laboratories; support faculty with course management software such as Canvas to post related information related to the lab courses. Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

A Bachelor's degree in biology or related field. Experience with general lab techniques in biology or related field. Experience in laboratory course work in general biology. Working knowledge of lab work in two or more of the following areas: science education, cell biology, genetics, ecology, and microbiology. Attention to detail and good record-keeping skills. Strong written and oral communication skills. Computer literacy (especially Microsoft Excel). Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions. Ability to work well with others. Ability to supervise staff and undergraduate student workers. Ability to handle supplies and other items of up to 30 lbs.

Application Instructions: 

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date. 

Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting.  All other candidates will be considered after that period. 

Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link: 

Grade: 31             

Salary Ranges

This is an exempt union position.

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.