Research Laboratory Manager at Clemson University in Clemson, SC

Job description

JOB SUMMARY: This position leads applied and fundamental research and industry service projects while managing undergraduate and graduate students and delivering project outcomes. It coordinates transport package testing for industry partners, including test planning, proposal development, specialized equipment operation, testing, professional reports, peer-reviewed papers, and conference presentations. The role maintains the Clemson Package Dynamics Laboratory (CPDL), develops safety procedures with Clemson University Occupational and Environmental Safety, and ensures the laboratory supports safe, efficient research, teaching, and industry service. It trains lab assistants and interns and provides technical support to graduate students and faculty. The position also trains graduate teaching assistants and oversees undergraduate laboratory instruction, with primary responsibility for a multi-section, packaging dynamics lab course. Additional duties include maintaining student and graduate teaching assistant lab manuals, organizing graduate teaching assistant training, assisting with laboratory teaching, and serving as a guest speaker in other packaging science courses. JOB DUTIES: 20% - Undergraduate laboratory support: Train graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) to deliver undergraduate laboratory courses in the CPDL, with primary responsibility for the multi-section PKSC 4540 laboratory course. Organize and conduct a multi-day GTA boot camp for graduate student training at the start of the semester. Maintain course materials, including the student and GTA lab manuals. Assist with undergraduate laboratory instruction and serve as a guest speaker in courses such as PKSC 4400.

20% - Laboratory Operations: Partner with CU Occupational and Environmental Safety to develop laboratory-specific safety regulations and maintain a safe laboratory environment. Train lab assistants and interns in proper equipment use and safety procedures. Ensure staff compliance, mentor laboratory student staff, and address performance issues, including disciplinary action when needed. Provide training and technical support to graduate students and faculty conducting research in the Clemson Package Dynamics Laboratory (CPDL). Maintain the CPDL as a safe, clean, organized, and efficient environment for research, teaching, and industry service. Operate, maintain, and repair complex scientific equipment. Conduct laboratory tours and demonstrations.

60% - Research and service: Manage undergraduate and graduate students working on applied and fundamental research and industry service projects. Operate specialized equipment to evaluate and test products, packaged products, and packaging materials. Generate detailed professional reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and conference presentations. Serve as the primary contact for industry partners seeking to use the department’s facilities for transport package testing. Develop test plans and research proposals, coordinate and conduct testing, and deliver project outputs. Develop marketing strategies to expand the industry testing business. JOB CODE: ED70 EMPLOYEE TYPE: Time-Limited (TLP) Staff Minimum Requirements: Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology, microbiology, biochemistry or a closely related field and relevant experience in a clinical or research laboratory environment. Preferred Requirements: Master's Degree RESPONSIBILITIES: JOB KNOWLEDGE Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Supervises Student workers only BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: %
Extends hands or arms in any direction: %
Move, transport, raise or lower 30lbs or less: %
Recognize or inspect visually: %
Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: %
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