Laboratory Manager

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Department: Col of Engineering and Computing

Classification: Lab & Research Specialist 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary to commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Department of Bioengineering at Mason is a young department with vibrant undergraduate and graduate educational activities and research laboratories. Our primary purpose is to perform research and provide education at the undergraduate and graduate level at the intersection of engineering and bioscience to improve health. We aim to provide a challenging and rewarding multidisciplinary education to our students; establish and conduct nationally-recognized research programs in bioengineering; and serve the university as a nexus for opportunities at the interface of engineering and biomedicine.

About the Position:

The Lab Manager ensures a smooth, safe, and efficient operation of teaching laboratories within the Bioengineering department. This role oversees day-to-day lab activities, manages resources, and supports faculty, staff, and students by maintaining compliance with safety regulations and institutional policies. In addition to operational responsibilities, the Lab Manager provides hands-on training in laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and equipment use, and may teach or assist in delivering selected lab sections for undergraduate courses. This position is critical for enabling high-quality research and education by coordinating equipment maintenance, inventory, purchasing, and instructional support.

Responsibilities:

• Oversees day-to-day lab operations, including inventory management, procurement decisions, and compliance with safety regulations;
• Maintains a clean and safe environment for undergraduate and graduate students in the performance of their tasks and classes;
• Maintains chemical inventory by the classes taught in the Bioengineering department and updates as needed. This also includes glassware and equipment used in these classes;
• Ensures proper disposal and maintenance of chemical inventory per EHS guidelines, as well as keeping proper EHS disposal area maintained;
• Maintains updates to the SDS folders and conducts lab tours for EHS audits in compliance with safety regulations;
• Maintains 3D printers in the Bioengineering labs including cleanup, and when needed, repairs the Method X, Bambu, and Form 3 printers. This also includes teaching users of the Form 3 resin-based printers, the proper techniques to prevent the transmission of resin over lab areas;
• Keeps 3D printing supply inventory used by students in order to have materials available at all times to complete tasks in a timely manner;
• Works with the department Fiscal Coordinator to see that proper supplies and devices are ordered by the department, as well as those needed by students for their projects;
• Keeps inventory of a large variety of parts and components that are utilized in the teaching labs;
• Maintains electronic soldering stations in the Bioengineering labs with up-to-date equipment and proper disposal of lead-based waste. Instruction of proper techniques of soldering are also included as part of the teaching curriculum for those students that wish to learn and use the stations;
• Maintains electronic testing equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, DMM, circuit building boards, soldering irons, and includes the repair and/or replacement of said devices during lab times;
• Develops and maintains hand tools and power tools in labs, as well as proper instruction to prevent accidents by novice users;
• Develops SOPs on the usage of equipment and safety compliance;
• Assists in special teaching projects, including teaching two modules and helping with summer camp;
• Assists students with their capstone course projects;
• Conducts lab tours for prospective students, as well as visitors in the department as needed and when required; and
• Develops lab sessions from outlines provided by the professor of the associated lecture class, and leads lab sessions as needed. These lab sessions are primarily on electronic circuit design and testing, and microcontroller-based devices.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Typically, 3+ years of experience managing an academic or research laboratory;
• Experience teaching or assisting in laboratory courses;
• Knowledge of fundamental principles of bioengineering laboratory operations;
• Knowledge of laboratory safety standards and compliance regulations;
• Knowledge of proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials;
• Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and chemical hygiene practices;
• Familiarity with standard laboratory techniques and equipment;
• Basic understanding of laboratory instrumentation and maintenance;
• Strong organizational and time-management skills for coordinating multiple labs and schedules;
• Effective communication skills for interacting with faculty, students, and vendors;
• Ability to train students and staff in laboratory techniques and safety protocols;
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain laboratory equipment;
• Ability to enforce safety policies and ensure compliance;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment; and
• Ability to adapt to evolving research and teaching needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related field;
• Experience with advanced bioengineering equipment (e.g., cell culture, imaging systems, bioreactors);
• Familiarity with laboratory management software and procurement systems;
• Strong interpersonal skills and customer-service mindset;
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills;
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and safety;
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment; and
• Physical ability to lift and move laboratory supplies and equipment as needed.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Laboratory Manager at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and CV for review.

Posting Open Date: February 16, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 2, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes