The Lab Manager is responsible for supporting the Senior Lab Manager in the operation and management of the School of Engineering labs, equipment and student technicians. In this position, the Lab Manager will oversee student lab technicians in specific lab environments as assigned by the Senior Lab Manager, ensuring best safety practices and industry standards are used to meet the needs of the school’s educational and research activities. This position will be responsible for maintenance of equipment and engineering systems associated with the School of Engineering labs, including Computer, Civil, Electrical, Industrial and Systems, and Mechanical disciplines. The Lab Manager must have experience with various fabrication and research equipment, with knowledge extending to operation, safety, maintenance and life-cycle management.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Operate, manage and support engineering equipment and systems, in specific labs as assigned.
- Daily maintenance of equipment, monitoring usage, coordinating repairs, recommending service agreements and life-cycle management for improved cost reductions, safety, and quality control.
- Facilities management/support of labs and classrooms.
- Participate in regular staff meetings with lab managers and student technicians.
- Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.
- Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ.
Tier 1
- Give tours to visitors in support of university recruiting events and external guests.
- Administrative support tasks as assigned.
- Provide day-to-day support to student lab technicians.
Tier 2
- Provide training to faculty, staff, students and external users on lab and machine shop equipment.
- Provide services in support of student competition teams, capstone projects, academic labs and technology as required.
- Participate in budget management and strategic planning alongside the Senior Lab Manager.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Tier II positions oversee student lab technician groups assigned by the Senior Lab Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Education and Experience
Tier 1
- 0-4 years’ experience required
- A technical school degree and/or certification for a lab manager or relevant industry experience is required.
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
Tier 2
- 5+ years’ experience required
- Bachelor's degree required
- Knowledge of local, state and federal property and safety regulations is preferred.
- Prior administrative oversight of lab environments is preferred.
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension
- Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
- Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
- Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Computer skills.
Problem Solving
- Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
Physical and Sensory Abilities
- May be required to travel.
- May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
- Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
- Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.
- Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
- Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate. Working environment may include facilitation of events outdoors occasionally.
Driving Requirements
If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel. Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee’s position.
Time Type
Full time
Location
Onsite
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.
