Lab Coordinator

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Department of Food Science Chromatography Core in the College of Agricultural Sciences (University Park campus) is seeking a highly qualified candidate for aLab Coordinator (Advanced Professional)to oversee and enhance the operational, analytical, and research capabilities of the lab. This individual will support a dynamic research environment encompassing projects in food safety, flavor chemistry, metabolomics, and other multidisciplinary areas, while maintaining a leadership role in lab management, safety, and collaboration.

The Lab Coordinator will report directly toDr. Misha Kwasniewskiand work closely with other principal investigators, graduate students, and stakeholders across the university and beyond. This individual will lead efforts to develop and optimize workflows, manage resource allocation, and ensure the efficient operation of advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC-MS and LC-MS systems.

Responsibilities:

• Lab Workflow Management: Coordinate lab operations, including scheduling, resource allocation, and sample processing workflows. Oversee daily lab activities, ensuring operational efficiency for diverse, high-impact research projects.

• Safety Compliance and Protocol Management: Lead the development and delivery of EHS training, maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, and implement innovative safety protocols to foster a culture of accountability and excellence.

• Training and Mentorship: Provide advanced technical and procedural training to graduate researchers, student workers, and other lab users. Mentor team members to ensure proficiency in lab operations, analytical techniques, and safety protocols.

• Purchasing and Inventory Management: Manage procurement processes and maintain inventory systems to ensure the availability of critical resources, while optimizing procurement strategies to support efficient lab operations.

• Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Independently oversee maintenance and troubleshooting of complex analytical equipment, including GC-MS and LC-MS systems. Liaise with vendors for repairs and implement solutions to optimize performance.

• Method Development Support: Collaborate with researchers to support method development by aligning resources and equipment access with research goals. Provide expertise to troubleshoot technical challenges and enhance analytical capabilities.

• Communication and Collaboration: Act as a liaison between the lab, other university departments, external academic institutions, and industry stakeholders. Facilitate collaborations and communicate operational updates to support the department's broader research initiatives.

This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of refunding.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Food Science, or a related discipline, plus at leastthree years of relevant experiencein a research or lab management setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated expertise in the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of advanced analytical equipment (e.g., GC-MS, LC-MS).

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

• Proven experience in developing and implementing workflows, safety protocols, and operational improvements in a research lab environment.

• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across academic and industry settings.

• Experience mentoring and training researchers in technical procedures and lab operations.

Application Process:

Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or resume addressed toDr. Misha Kwasniewskithrough thePennStateHRapplicationportal.

This position typically requires a Bachelor's degree or higher plus five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position is a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: