Lab Coordinator II

Pay Grade: 30E

Context Of Job

The Delaware Biotechnology Institute (DBI) is an interdisciplinary research unit at the University of Delaware. The vision is to create a better future through leadership in life science research. Many of DBI's activities involve molecular and cellular studies of living systems and many, but not all, of the research activities involve partnerships with other institutions in the region. DBI's mission is to promote research, education, and technology transfer for biotechnology applications to the benefit of the environment, agriculture, and human health. DBI staff are committed to being proactive in solving problems, serving the needs of the faculty and research groups that rely on DBI, and performing all duties efficiently, with careful attention to detail, and with priority on issues that support the Institute's mission and the team.

Under the limited direction of the DBI Director and the DBI leadership team, the DBI lab coordinator is responsible for: (1) managing the Delaware Biotechnology Institute’s shared instrumentation facilities which includes over $2M in assets in biochemical, molecular, cellular, plant biology equipment and instrumentation that supports the institute’s research and education mission (2) managing the DBI safety/chemical hygiene program for DBI labs and facilities; (3) providing training and oversight of users of DBI resources and programs.

Major Responsibilities

• Manage DBI shared research and training instrumentation located at the Ammon-Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center and 15 Innovation Way. Support shared life sciences equipment and resources within the center.
• Order, receive, monitor, and maintain all research lab materials, supplies, and equipment. Oversee installation including arranging for facilities modifications as required.
• Be the primary contact for the use and application of shared instrumentation resources. Develop standard operating procedures and instruct users on proper use and applications of instruments.
• Assist in the evaluation and selection process for major new shared equipment. Solicit input from the DBI research community on instrumentation needs.
• Interfaces with outside vendors and research community to repair, replace, or upgrade instrumentation.
• Manage service contracts for shared instrumentation. Keep essential equipment under service contract. Make prudent recommendations for cost effective maintenance, repair and replacement of instrumentation.
• In consultation with campus Environmental, Health and Safety, coordinates formal and informal hazard reviews of all research and instructional laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Serve as DBI representative on APBio and 15 Innovation Way safety committees. Conduct quarterly lab safety inspections, act as the safety resource for the institute, purchase and stock basic safety equipment. Distribute hazard alerts and maintains incident reports. Plan, train, and maintain equipment for emergency preparedness. Assist DBI research groups with safety inspections and safety planning as well as maintain safety reference materials (SOPs, inventory and safety data).
• Respond to emergent situations and communicate with appropriate University contacts including Facilities, Environmental Health and Safety, and UD Police Department.
• Promote DBI shared instrumentation resources including maintaining up-to-date content of DBI shared instrumentation on website.
• Manage system for multi-user instrument scheduling and appropriate controlled access.
• Provide tours of DBI facilities and orientation for new researchers, visitors and guests.
• Assist DBI programs and activities and perform other job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred, in a biotechnology related field of science and four years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in scientific writing including reports and proposals, program development, management, and evaluation.
• Collegial and effective interpersonal skills and the ability to interact well with a diverse community across multiple organizations.
• Ability to think strategically and to recognize new opportunities, in-depth knowledge of missions and objectives and programs of federal funding agencies.
• Knowledge of formal and informal educational best practices. Exceptional communications skills including writing and presentation; technical writing and editing for an array of audiences; ability to interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.