Laboratory Manager at Lehigh University

Job description

Lehigh University's Department of Materials Science & Engineering sits at the intersection of fundamental science and applied innovation, advancing research in structural alloys, functional materials, and everything in between. The shared laboratory facilities that support this work need an expert hand to keep them running at their best, and that's where you come in. Position Number: S80080 This position is a Grade: 10 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $67,270-$81,830 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications. What You'll Be Responsible For Prepare and process samples for analysis — including cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching — and operate light optical microscopes (LOM) to support both instructional labs and graduate research Develop and execute schedules for preventative and corrective maintenance, calibration, and vendor-coordinated repairs to keep all instrumentation aligned with teaching and research needs Evaluate, source, and procure cost-effective equipment and consumables while maintaining precise inventory controls and detailed records of purchases and usage Oversee long-term laboratory asset performance and actively identify funding opportunities to acquire new instrumentation and modernize the facility Supervise shared MSE department laboratory spaces across multiple locations, developing and enforcing facility policies and operational procedures Lead comprehensive safety programs, including annual inspections and audits, training compliance records, and strict adherence to safety standards Conduct safety and operational training for students, staff, and researchers, and serve as facility liaison for tours with visitors, vendors, alumni, and external partners Provide hands-on instruction for undergraduate teaching labs and graduate research activities, working directly and patiently with students across a wide range of skill levels Diagnose and resolve complex instrumentation and experimental issues to minimize downtime and ensure continuity of research and instruction Manage laboratory operating budgets, oversee equipment usage billing, track expenses, and prepare financial reports and forecasts to support new lab initiatives What You'll Bring Associate's or Vocational/Technical Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering, or a related field. Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. One to three years of related work experience, including hands-on experience with sample preparation (cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching) and light optical microscopy (LOM) Demonstrated experience managing shared or multi-user research laboratory facilities in an academic, engineering, or industrial setting Comfort and skill working directly with undergraduate and graduate students in a teaching-lab environment; patience, clear communication, and enthusiasm for mentoring are essential Sound knowledge of laboratory safety regulations, hazardous material handling, and institutional compliance frameworks, along with a demonstrated personal commitment to safety culture Practical experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and calibrating laboratory instrumentation Experience with budget management, billing systems, or cost-recovery models in a research environment Meticulous record-keeping practices and organizational discipline to manage multiple equipment systems simultaneously Why Lehigh Lehigh University offers a genuinely distinctive environment for research professionals, one where laboratory staff work alongside faculty shaping the future of materials engineering. As part of the College of Engineering & Applied Science, you'll benefit from Lehigh's generous retirement contributions, tuition benefits , and a campus culture that recognizes technical expertise as central to great research. This is a role with real scope and real visibility in a department where shared facilities are relied upon every single