Cornell University's College of Engineering, the preeminent engineering school in the Ivy League, has a rich history of experimentation, innovation, and leadership. Consisting of almost 3,000 undergraduate students, 1,700 graduate students, and over 200 faculty members, Cornell Engineering is recognized as a global leader in the discovery of new knowledge and the creation of transforming inventions. Cornell Engineering students and faculty members possess a collaborative spirit that allows for the development of innovative interdisciplinary research, the creation of exciting new programs, and the education of students who will better the future.

Cornell's Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) has a long and distinguished history of successfully educating leaders for a wide variety of industries and academia. Graduates have major impacts on the chemical, consumer, pharmaceutical, petroleum, electronic, biotechnology, and biomedical industries.

The Lab Manager will support instructional activities and research in CBE teaching and research laboratories in Olin Hall, reporting primarily to the department head and director of administration. The individual will assist faculty, staff, and students in the development and teaching of lab courses; have oversight of student team projects;  collaborate on planning and conducting research within our emerging research hub and shared facility model as an important part of center grant development and execution; provide and maintain a safe working environment as the principal staff member for the CBE safety committee and interfacing with the College and University safety officers; schedule use of facilities and major equipment; and maintain cost records and reviews of lab expenses. This position will be responsible for the design, construction, assembly, operation, maintenance and disassembly of teaching and research apparatus. This position will provide general technical support and training for faculty, students, non-academic clients, and visiting scientists in the field of chemical and biomolecular engineering. This position will work closely in collaboration with the faculty managers of the unit operations laboratory course and the biomanufacturing hub, and as the research hubs expand to shared models, work with the faculty leads of them as well.

Major responsibilities of this position include:

Laboratory Management and Maintenance

•                    Manage CBE shared laboratories and equipment

•                    Provide support and oversight of setup, testing, and disassembling of instructional laboratory equipment in shared facilities, unit operations (UO), biomanufacturing lab, and future shared facilities

•                    Maintain, repair, and modify laboratory equipment and experiments in shared research hubs, UO, and biomanufacturing areas

•                    Consult with faculty, and assist as appropriate, on hands-on laboratory experiment design, execution for center grant support, courses that have laboratory components, and student team projects

•                    Troubleshoot problems with equipment operation, diagnose problems, and take corrective actions; interface with service and company representatives

•                     Oversee the work of students and temporary staff in the labs

•                     Establish and maintain operations, equipment, and procedures within the lab

•                     Collaborate with the faculty and student support team in providing excellence in instruction

•                     Research, recommend and purchase new equipment, chemicals, materials, and supplies

•                     Support of faculty research projects

•                     Support of faculty instruction

Safety Management

•                    Principal liaison with Cornell EH&S, Cornell Facilities Management, equipment vendors, and maintenance providers

•                    Principal staff member for CBE safety committee and partner with faculty safety officer and building manager of Olin Hall

•                    Ensure all students are cleared for experimental work with proper safety certification

•                    Ensure all equipment is ready to be safely used by students

Student Support and Teaching

•                    Support all laboratories in curriculum and development of hands-on exercises with faculty instructors

•                    Collaborate with faculty on pedagogical aspects of curriculum development as it relates to laboratory courses and labs and disseminate scholarship in this area as appropriate.

•                    Reinforce safety culture, training, and best practices to reach industry standards

•                    Aid in the logistics of faculty collaborative projects in center grant efforts and the execution of critical elements related to lab experiments and pedagogical design once awarded

•                    Support student project teams and undergraduate researchers in research hubs

•                    Train students at all levels in equipment standard operating procedures and clear them for use in shared spaces and labs

A Ph.D. degree and 3 to 5 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination with 2 to 3 years of lab experience (academic, industry, and/or government) or equivalent is required. Applicants with experience in both chemical and biological lab settings is a must. Must have demonstrated ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and be comfortable working in a dynamic environment. Must be able to interact effectively as part of a team with users at all levels of competence. Electrical, mechanical, and biological trouble shooting skills are required. Demonstrated ability to learn new hands-on skills. Willingness to work patiently with diverse population of researchers and students other users, as they gain the required skills to safely and successfully operate lab equipment. Must have a desire to support teaching, advising, and mentoring of students and student teams and be open to expanding into pedagogical development of our discipline. Must demonstrate commitment to inclusive education practices and ability to collaborate on complex projects.

Interested applicants should apply at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/23485.

As part of the university's comprehensive vaccination program, all Cornell employees are required to have and provide proof of an FDA-or WHO-authorized or approved COVID-19 primary vaccination or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption, regardless of their role and work location.

New hires are required to provide documentation showing primary vaccination status (that is, completion of two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or one shot of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) before their first day of work. If a new hire's vaccination is not complete or information is not received by their start date, the first day of work will be delayed. It is possible in some cases that an offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.