Laboratory Supervisor, Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a Laboratory Supervisor to support instructional programming in the areas of biochemistry, general and organic chemistry, and instrumental analysis. This position is an 11-month appointment from August to June. This position works with faculty, course coordinators, graduate teaching fellows, and another instructional laboratory supervisor to ensure that the educational objectives of each course are met. The Supervisor ensures that the instructional materials are fully vetted to produce correct outcomes; manages and directs day-to-day operations within the labs, including all support activities for instruction; facilitates the safe execution of instructional activities; and in collaboration with instructional staff maintains the stockroom and equipment for each laboratory, including procurement of supplies and oversight of a large cohort of undergraduate work-study assistants. The successful candidate will have substantial experience working across a range of chemistries with a particular emphasis in biochemistry, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse community of researchers and learners.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

• Meet regularly with course coordinators, faculty members, and teaching fellows regarding the objectives of laboratory procedures identified for instructional purposes.
• Provide advice and insight regarding the design and logistics for the execution of protocols based on available laboratory resources, and support pre-lab testing of lesson plans.
• Remain up-to-date and conversant with multiple lesson plans and their associated experiment protocols, supplies, and laboratory set-ups, which may require two or three changeovers per day.
• Maintain stocks of all required laboratory supplies and materials as needed to support instruction throughout each semester.
• Ensure the chemical inventory stays up-to-date, and that prep, storage, and instructional spaces remain in compliance with all safety and fire code guidelines.
• Train and supervise a team of undergraduate work-study assistants to support instructional operations.

 

 

Required Skills

Required Qualifications:

 

• B.A./B.S. degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, or a related life-sciences field.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience in laboratory management and instructional support.
• Demonstrated knowledge and strong technical skills in biochemistry and molecular biology, general and organic chemistry and related laboratory equipment.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and collaborate with faculty, staff, and students.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

 

• M.A./M.S. or better in Chemistry, Biology, or a related life-sciences field.
• Biochemistry focus, including protein chemistry.
• Previous experience supporting instructional laboratories at the university level.

 

About the Role:

 

This position offers the opportunity to support a vibrant scientific community of researchers, teachers, and learners. The Laboratory Supervisor will play an essential role in facilitating the education of Boston University students who plan to pursue careers in the life sciences, medicine, and other areas.

Required Experience