Grand Valley State University
Laboratory Supervisor - CLAS
Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan, United States, 49401
Laboratory Supervisor - CLAS
Grand Valley State University
Summary:
This full‑time, 12‑month lab support position involves preparing materials and setting up lab exercises, maintaining multiple lab spaces, supervising student lab assistants, purchasing specialized supplies, and supporting student and faculty research. The role requires strong organizational, communication, and safety‑compliance skills.
Primary Duties Lab Support
Oversee daily operations of assigned laboratory spaces, ensuring they are well‑maintained and ready for use.
Communicate area‑specific facility needs to the Lab Manager.
Collaborate with faculty and instructional coordinators to develop up‑to‑date lab preparation protocols, optimizing space utilization.
Develop detailed Laboratory Preparation Sheets for student employees, outlining materials, methods, and protocols for specific experiments and courses.
Prepare, set out, maintain, and break down required lab materials for lab courses (e.g., chemical and media preparation, maintenance of live cultures, care of live organisms, equipment, consumables). Perform daily lab classroom checks for cleanliness and restock chemicals and consumables.
Serve as a resource for faculty and students concerning teaching labs, shared equipment, and spaces, addressing questions and concerns as they arise.
Facilitate makeup lab exercises and troubleshoot lab exercises as needed.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of teaching labs and storage areas.
Restock general supplies and consumables for common areas and research labs.
Provide instrument and equipment training for faculty and students; develop and post SOPs for common equipment.
Work with the Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) office to coordinate student accommodation requests.
Coordinate logistics of off‑campus trips associated with lab courses (transportation, equipment, scheduling).
Develop and implement policies and procedures for facility usage, safety, and maintenance, and coordinate scheduling and access to shared resources to maximize utilization.
Coordinate checkout of equipment for field or research use, verifying return of materials.
Collaborate with Science IT Specialist to determine computer usage needs in teaching labs.
Inventory Management
Maintain up‑to‑date inventories of collections, equipment, supplies, and chemicals using the Resource Management System (RMS).
Maintain accurate records of laboratory cleaning schedules and maintenance activities.
Monitor inventory levels and report ordering needs to the Lab Manager.
Organize and maintain storage areas for easy access to supplies and equipment.
Maintain department media displays on campus.
Purchasing
Make purchases of area‑specific supplies (e.g., grocery, Amazon, hardware store) and small equipment for instructional labs; reconcile purchasing card expenses in Workday.
Receive and distribute ordered resources for courses and faculty research.
Coordinate contracts with outside vendors (e.g., Chemdraw+, Mnova, cadavers) for area‑specific needs.
Laboratory Safety
Implement and follow EH&S procedures for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.
Conduct and maintain records of regular inspections of teaching lab spaces and hazardous waste storage areas per EH&S policies.
Ensure proper PPE and safety equipment are available and functional.
Identify safety concerns associated with proposed laboratory procedures and communicate with the Laboratory Manager to align activities with EH&S guidelines.
Support staff and students on hazardous chemical and waste management, safety protocols, labeling, and emergency procedures.
Provide training on safe laboratory practices to promote a culture of safety.
Outreach
Assist with outreach events such as the Science Olympiad, department activities, club events, and community outreach programs. May affiliate with professional associations.
Student Employee Supervision
Work with Manager to hire, train, schedule, and supervise student employees.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
B.S. degree.
Troubleshooting and support for scientific equipment and processes.
Excellent organization, communication, and record‑keeping skills.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
M.S. degree.
Previous experience in lab supervision and/or instruction.
Experience in ecology and/or field work.
Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
Self‑directed and motivated.
GVSU Competencies Innovator mentality · Fosters inclusive and equitable community · Well‑being oriented · Asset mindset · Acts with integrity · Emotionally intelligent · Collaborative teamwork · Empowering
Working Conditions
Time split between office and lab work; some travel may be required with the ability to work weekends and nights as needed.
Physical demands: Perform essential duties at least 5 days per week, lift up to 25 pounds unassisted, and work long hours on your feet. Reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.
Minimum Starting Salary $58,000, commensurate with experience.
Benefits Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities. Family and child‑care options are also available.
Department The Biology Department at Grand Valley State University emphasizes teaching excellence, inclusive pedagogies, active scholarship, and community service. Its 34 full‑time faculty uphold values of a liberal education and provide intensive engagement in the biological sciences.
College The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) offers over 50 bachelor’s degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees. CLAS is a student‑centered learning community that welcomes diverse backgrounds and extends knowledge to enrich public life.
University Grand Valley State University is a public comprehensive institution in West Michigan, serving approximately 22,000 students. The university is nationally recognized for its innovation and commitment to student social mobility.
How to Apply Submit a complete application that includes a cover letter addressing qualifications and motivation, a résumé, and contact information for three professional references. Attach all documents in the same file location via the online application. If you need technical assistance, email Human Resources (hro@gvsu.edu). For position‑related questions, contact Dr. Joe Jacquot (jacquotj@gvsu.edu).
Application Deadline The review process will begin on October 27, 2025. The posting may close at any time at the discretion of the university thereafter.
Equal Opportunity Employer Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. The university policy extends protections to additional identities.
ADA and Accommodation Statement Grand Valley State University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States and provide necessary documentation upon appointment. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology – Higher Education sector.
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Summary:
This full‑time, 12‑month lab support position involves preparing materials and setting up lab exercises, maintaining multiple lab spaces, supervising student lab assistants, purchasing specialized supplies, and supporting student and faculty research. The role requires strong organizational, communication, and safety‑compliance skills.
Primary Duties Lab Support
Oversee daily operations of assigned laboratory spaces, ensuring they are well‑maintained and ready for use.
Communicate area‑specific facility needs to the Lab Manager.
Collaborate with faculty and instructional coordinators to develop up‑to‑date lab preparation protocols, optimizing space utilization.
Develop detailed Laboratory Preparation Sheets for student employees, outlining materials, methods, and protocols for specific experiments and courses.
Prepare, set out, maintain, and break down required lab materials for lab courses (e.g., chemical and media preparation, maintenance of live cultures, care of live organisms, equipment, consumables). Perform daily lab classroom checks for cleanliness and restock chemicals and consumables.
Serve as a resource for faculty and students concerning teaching labs, shared equipment, and spaces, addressing questions and concerns as they arise.
Facilitate makeup lab exercises and troubleshoot lab exercises as needed.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of teaching labs and storage areas.
Restock general supplies and consumables for common areas and research labs.
Provide instrument and equipment training for faculty and students; develop and post SOPs for common equipment.
Work with the Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) office to coordinate student accommodation requests.
Coordinate logistics of off‑campus trips associated with lab courses (transportation, equipment, scheduling).
Develop and implement policies and procedures for facility usage, safety, and maintenance, and coordinate scheduling and access to shared resources to maximize utilization.
Coordinate checkout of equipment for field or research use, verifying return of materials.
Collaborate with Science IT Specialist to determine computer usage needs in teaching labs.
Inventory Management
Maintain up‑to‑date inventories of collections, equipment, supplies, and chemicals using the Resource Management System (RMS).
Maintain accurate records of laboratory cleaning schedules and maintenance activities.
Monitor inventory levels and report ordering needs to the Lab Manager.
Organize and maintain storage areas for easy access to supplies and equipment.
Maintain department media displays on campus.
Purchasing
Make purchases of area‑specific supplies (e.g., grocery, Amazon, hardware store) and small equipment for instructional labs; reconcile purchasing card expenses in Workday.
Receive and distribute ordered resources for courses and faculty research.
Coordinate contracts with outside vendors (e.g., Chemdraw+, Mnova, cadavers) for area‑specific needs.
Laboratory Safety
Implement and follow EH&S procedures for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.
Conduct and maintain records of regular inspections of teaching lab spaces and hazardous waste storage areas per EH&S policies.
Ensure proper PPE and safety equipment are available and functional.
Identify safety concerns associated with proposed laboratory procedures and communicate with the Laboratory Manager to align activities with EH&S guidelines.
Support staff and students on hazardous chemical and waste management, safety protocols, labeling, and emergency procedures.
Provide training on safe laboratory practices to promote a culture of safety.
Outreach
Assist with outreach events such as the Science Olympiad, department activities, club events, and community outreach programs. May affiliate with professional associations.
Student Employee Supervision
Work with Manager to hire, train, schedule, and supervise student employees.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
B.S. degree.
Troubleshooting and support for scientific equipment and processes.
Excellent organization, communication, and record‑keeping skills.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
M.S. degree.
Previous experience in lab supervision and/or instruction.
Experience in ecology and/or field work.
Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
Self‑directed and motivated.
GVSU Competencies Innovator mentality · Fosters inclusive and equitable community · Well‑being oriented · Asset mindset · Acts with integrity · Emotionally intelligent · Collaborative teamwork · Empowering
Working Conditions
Time split between office and lab work; some travel may be required with the ability to work weekends and nights as needed.
Physical demands: Perform essential duties at least 5 days per week, lift up to 25 pounds unassisted, and work long hours on your feet. Reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.
Minimum Starting Salary $58,000, commensurate with experience.
Benefits Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities. Family and child‑care options are also available.
Department The Biology Department at Grand Valley State University emphasizes teaching excellence, inclusive pedagogies, active scholarship, and community service. Its 34 full‑time faculty uphold values of a liberal education and provide intensive engagement in the biological sciences.
College The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) offers over 50 bachelor’s degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees. CLAS is a student‑centered learning community that welcomes diverse backgrounds and extends knowledge to enrich public life.
University Grand Valley State University is a public comprehensive institution in West Michigan, serving approximately 22,000 students. The university is nationally recognized for its innovation and commitment to student social mobility.
How to Apply Submit a complete application that includes a cover letter addressing qualifications and motivation, a résumé, and contact information for three professional references. Attach all documents in the same file location via the online application. If you need technical assistance, email Human Resources (hro@gvsu.edu). For position‑related questions, contact Dr. Joe Jacquot (jacquotj@gvsu.edu).
Application Deadline The review process will begin on October 27, 2025. The posting may close at any time at the discretion of the university thereafter.
Equal Opportunity Employer Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. The university policy extends protections to additional identities.
ADA and Accommodation Statement Grand Valley State University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States and provide necessary documentation upon appointment. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology – Higher Education sector.
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