Lab Equipment Manager - George Mason University

Department: College of Public Health

Classification: Lab & Research Specialist 1

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Part-Time

Work Schedule: Part-time

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The College of Public Health prepares graduates to function as professionals and citizens who provide leadership, care and services as related to wellness and quality of life through promotion of physical, social, and environmental health.

About the Position:

The Lab Equipment Manager manages research laboratory operations and equipment. This includes overseeing the maintenance, operation, and proper use of shared laboratory equipment (e.g., centrifuges, fume hoods, ultra-low temperature freezers), coordinating with staff and external services for equipment servicing, and ensuring that safety and quality standards are upheld. Additionally, the role involves writing and maintaining laboratory plans, policies, and procedures, as well as providing training on equipment usage.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as a subject matter expert regarding common/shared research equipment, including but not limited to, centrifuges, fume hoods, ultra-low temperature freezers, autoclaves and biosafety cabinets, and liquid nitrogen tanks;
• Performs routine checks on equipment to verify parts are in good condition, ensures equipment is functioning properly, equipment is properly used and cared for, and documentation and recordkeeping is maintained. This requires regular visits to laboratories located on the Fairfax and Prince William campuses;
• Arranges equipment replacement and repairs as needed;
• Verifies and maintains liquid nitrogen levels in ultra-low temperature freezers;
• Coordinates with laboratory Principal Investigators, faculty, staff, and university Environmental Health and Safety office to properly maintain common/shared equipment including preventive maintenance, service, repair, calibration, and certification;
• Establishes quality standards and develops, maintains, and troubleshoots standard operating procedures;
• Participates in review of plans, policies, and procedures for the laboratory;
• Writes plans, policies, and procedures as needed for the laboratories;
• Consults with laboratory PI and staff regarding plans, policies, and procedures;
• Facilitates instrument/equipment training;
• Prepares purchase requests, obtains quotes and interacts with purchasing personnel; Supports QA and QC functions;
• Monitors safety and compliance;
• Facilitates activities in the laboratories to optimize safety and smooth operations; and
• Maintains current and accurate emergency contact lists/sheets for the laboratory.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Demonstrated laboratory research experience in molecular biology, clinical laboratory, or biochemistry;
• Experience working in a team environment;
• Must be able to reach a minimum of 76" overhead and able to lift 25 pounds in order to reach into the freezer with the assistance of a stool and transfer samples to an overhead container. The freezer is about 5'8" tall.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory research methods and instrument/equipment operation;
• Proficient computer skills and demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint);
• High level of attention to detail;
• Strong data entry and organizational skills;
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines;
• Effectively communicate through verbal and written communication with people from diverse backgrounds;
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty and students to complete an assigned task and assign them if necessary; and
• Comfortable handling biological specimens and ability to accurately identify specimens.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with laboratory management systems; and
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable regulations, guidelines, and standards for laboratory operation and biosafety to include College of American Pathologists, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, NIH Guidelines for Work involving Recombinant or Synthetic