Opportunities in the Department of Chemistry

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 23 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S is the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

Department/Program Description: The mission of the Stanford Chemistry Department is to deliver excellence in education and research by attracting the very best faculty and students.  The Department serves 26 faculty members, 5 lecturers, ~90-100 postdocs, ~250-300 PhD students, ~10 research staff, and 30 administrative staff, with an annual consolidated budget of approximately $30 million. The Department facilities consist of over 300,000 square feet of research, classroom and administrative space spread over 6 buildings.

Position Summary: The Department of Chemistry at Stanford University is hiring a Lab Manager (LM) who will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Chemistry Undergraduate Laboratory Program. The LM will work directly with our team of lecturers and faculty to evolve the undergraduate experiences and lead the culture of safety in these laboratories.  Extensive chemical knowledge is required to assure safe use, preparation, and storage of chemicals and gases, and to teach others about appropriate safety practices. The candidate should be excited to work with both graduate student TAs and undergraduate students to instill a sense of chemical exploration and safety within the laboratories. Strategic planning of the execution of the laboratories with instructors, management of the laboratory budget, preparation, and distribution of chemicals for laboratories, and oversight of several laboratory assistant staff will be the primary role of the LM. 

IF ON-SITE ONLY:

This is a 100% FTE, continuing position, exempt position. This position will be based on the main Stanford campus.

If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.

CORE DUTIES:

• Oversee the operation and management of department laboratory teaching facilities.
• Oversee and administer health and safety programs and ensure safety compliance; liaise with school and/or university health and safety office as appropriate.
• Serve as the primary safety officer of the Sapp Teaching Laboratories during laboratory periods; Lead emergency safety response for lab incidents and file incident reports; systematically work to improve standard operating laboratory procedures and communicate new protocols to instructors and TA’s.
• Manage, train, and work with other laboratory staff to prepare laboratory chemicals, equipment, and set-up of all laboratory supplies. Ensure efficient utilization of staff.
• Administer and prepare complex budgets that include multiple funding sources.
• Manage the chemical, PPE, and supplies purchases, ensuring all supplies are prepared and available in sufficient quantities for all labs.
• Schedule use of laboratories and equipment with laboratory instructors; communicate schedules with equipment laboratory assistant for timely set-up.
• Participate in creating strategic plans for future laboratory needs in consultation with faculty and department leadership. Consult and collaborate with faculty and department leadership to plan and allocate lab space and equipment for current and future teaching and research needs.
• Plan and determine equipment needs, authorize purchase of equipment including capital improvements, and manage installation of equipment and instruments in collaboration with facilities services staff. Evaluate and strategically determine equipment upgrade/replacement options and other alternatives in lieu of repair based on latest technological advances and current and future needs. Negotiate, select, and monitor complex equipment service contracts and warranties with vendors.
• Troubleshoot and perform regular maintenance of equipment (e.g., GC-MS, FTIR, Uv/vis, pH meters).
• Co-lead the annual new graduate student teaching assistant safety training in fall and equipment training sessions throughout the year; teach an intensive 4-day chemical safety course for advanced undergraduates each fall.

* Other duties may also be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Understanding of academic teaching laboratory needs.
• General background in a discipline related to the work in general chemistry, organic, analytical, and/or synthetic teaching labs
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple large budgets.
• Knowledge and experience in managing facilities, operations, maintenance, space, and equipment administration in a research or teaching setting.
• Excellent communication and customer services skills.
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects in a complex and technical environment.
• Familiarity with health and safety compliance regulations.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• PhD in relevant field
• Multiple years of laboratory management experience
• Experience with the use and maintenance of analytical laboratory equipment such as GC-MS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.
• Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
• Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
• Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May at times be required to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards include, but are not limited to, chemicals, pesticides, and solvents, allergens, blood borne pathogens.
• May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
• May be exposed to radiation or electromagnetic fields.
• Must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing, gloves, etc.
• May work extended or unusual work hours due to research or project requirements and peak work cycles. After hours on-call availability required.

The expected pay range for this position is $97,000 to $128,000 per annum. 

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

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The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.