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@highpoint.edu). 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 maintain appropriate stock of supplies and materials
• Prepare requisitions and coordinate ordering of laboratory supplies and equipment

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain clear and timely communication with faculty and departmental leadership
• Maintain a full-time presence at the workplace. Adjust work schedule, if needed, to support evening laboratory sections.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative departmental environment
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Reports to the Biology Department Chair
• Coordinate a regular work schedule with Biology Department Chair
• Respond to emails and other communication in a timely manner
• Adjust schedule as necessary to accommodate evening labs
• Under minimal supervision, prepares labs and ensures lab safety

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates primarily in laboratory settings and requires

• Movement between laboratory and storage spaces
• Handling of laboratory materials and equipment
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds)
• Regular interaction with faculty, staff, and students in both individual and group settings
• Work in environments with mechanical equipment, chemical materials, and standard laboratory hazards