Biology Lab Supervisor

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

The Laboratory Supervisor shall manage the operation, materials, and records of University’s biology laboratories.  In this capacity, the Laboratory Supervisor will perform the following (non-exhaustive) obligations, as explained in further detail below: 1) preparing of and maintaining required inventory for all of biology, general education core science, and biology research laboratory courses; 2) ensuring proper set-up of all biology laboratories; 3) ensuring regulatory and institutional compliance for the above-referenced laboratories (i..e complying with federal and state law, as well as University policies and procedures); and 4) overseeing and managing graduate assistants and student workers working in the aforementioned department.  In this role, the Laboratory Supervisor shall report to University Biosafety Officer/Laboratory Manager of Physical Sciences, Biology & Biomedical Research, the Dean of Science & Society, and the Chair of the Biology Department.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Drafting, reviewing, and updating all laboratory safety protocols in the biology department (e.g. SDS sheets, lab safety plans, etc.), in coordination with the Laboratory Manager.

• Establishing institutional compliance with all state and federal requirements regarding laboratory safety, health safety, and biosafety in the biology department in coordination with the Biosafety Officer.

• Ensuring that the above-mentioned laboratory facilities are in good working order, including removal and storage/disposal of old equipment that is no longer being used as well as maintenance of all actively used equipment.

• Overseeing all hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal in the above-referenced laboratories in coordination with the Biosafety Officer and Chemical Hygiene Officer.

• Ensuring proper training of all laboratory personnel (including student workers), in coordination with the Laboratory Manager.

• Hiring, assigning, supervising, and documenting all records pertaining to graduate and undergraduate student workers for Biology in coordination with the Laboratory Manager.

• Overseeing the set-up, take down and regular cleaning of the student labs, which includes obtaining prep lists from the faculty and planning orders for the following semester.

• Ordering supplies and materials as requested by biology faculty, upon the Laboratory Manager’s determination that the University is equipped to store and maintain such substances. The Laboratory Supervisor shall also consult with faculty to develop course-specific inventories for all laboratory courses. All expenditures must be first approved by the Laboratory Manager.

• Maintaining inventories and supplies (including without limitation preparation of stock solutions, care of living organisms in the laboratories, and testing of new and existing equipment for proper function) as needed for both teaching and research in the Biology Department.

• Maintaining electronic records and tracking all purchase orders for laboratory supplies.

• Oversee projects assigned to student workers, such as inventories, lab preparation, organizational tasks, etc.

• Maintaining specimen collections for the department.

• Serve on the Institutional Biosafety and Laboratory Safety Committee.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.

• Strong familiarity with biology undergraduate and graduate curricula, biosafety and biosecurity, excellent organizational and communication skills, hands-on experience with lab instrumentation.

• A flexible, quick learner, preferably with experience in a biology, biomedical, or other life sciences laboratory in the role of either a manager, supervisor, or a technician is strongly desirable.

• Experience with and mentoring students is desirable.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

• M.S in Biology or related life sciences field.

• 2-5 years of relevant laboratory experience.

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

Work Environment

Physical Activity

Lifting Requirements 

Vision requirements (Especially relevant if driving is required by the job)

_X_     Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

___      Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

___      Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

___      Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

___      Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)

___      No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Pet Insurance

• 401k employer match

• Employee & dependent life insurance

• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents

• PTO program

• Flexible work schedules / work from home opportunities

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.