Laboratory Coordinator

Position Title: Laboratory Coordinator
Location: Johnson University, Knoxville, TN
Reports To: Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2025

Position Summary

Johnson University, a Christ-centered learning community in Knoxville, TN, seeks a dynamic and detail-oriented Laboratory Coordinator to facilitate the start-up and ongoing operations of a new Center for the Sciences, scheduled to open in Fall 2026. This individual will be instrumental in ordering and maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies that support high-quality undergraduate education and research while fostering a culture of safety, stewardship, and innovation. Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students, the Laboratory Coordinator will ensure that the labs are fully equipped and compliant with safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Start-Up Phase:

  • Assist in the equipping and stocking of laboratory spaces in collaboration with faculty, architects, and construction teams, ensuring alignment with the university’s mission and goals.
  • Research and recommend laboratory equipment, instruments, and materials for purchase, prioritizing sustainability and cost-efficiency.
  • Develop and implement laboratory policies, procedures, and safety protocols in compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations.
  • Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to procure equipment and supplies, maintaining clear communication and accountability.
  • Establish inventory systems for laboratory materials, ensuring proper storage, labeling, and organization.

Ongoing Program Management:

  • Oversee daily operations and stocking of the Center for the Sciences laboratories, ensuring readiness for instructional and research activities.
  • Manage and maintain laboratory equipment, including routine calibration, maintenance, and repairs.
  • Train and support faculty, staff, and students in the proper use of laboratory equipment and safety procedures.
  • Monitor laboratory budgets, track stocking needs and subsequent expenditures, and assist with grant applications and reporting.
  • Supervise laboratory assistants, technicians, and student workers, fostering a collaborative and Christ-centered work environment.
  • Support faculty in preparation of materials and reset of teaching labs for instructional sessions, and/or oversee students completing these tasks.
  • Collaborate with faculty to support teaching and research objectives, ensuring alignment with academic and spiritual goals.

Safety and Compliance:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for laboratory safety and emergency protocols, promoting a culture of safety and responsibility, including the roles of Chemical Hygeine Officer (CHO) and biohazard waste manager.
  • Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of laboratory spaces, addressing potential hazards proactively.
  • Maintain and update chemical inventory and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Lead comprehensive safety training sessions for faculty, staff, and students, incorporating Christ-centered values.

Other Duties:

  • Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in laboratory management and education.
  • Support special events, such as open houses, student research presentations, and community outreach activities, reflecting the university’s mission and values.
  • Assist in teaching student laboratory sessions.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director or Department Chair.

Qualifications

Education:

  • A master’s degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics) is strongly preferred.
  • Candidates with a bachelor’s degree with extensive experience may be considered.

Experience:

  • Experience in laboratory management, preferably in an academic setting.
  • Familiarity with laboratory safety standards and regulations.
  • Willingness to learn a wide variety of laboratory and maintenance skills.

Skills and Competencies:

  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, committed to collaboration and Christ-centered service.
  • Proficiency in using Microsoft office software and laboratory information management systems(LIMS).
  • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with laboratory equipment.
  • Knowledge of budget management and procurement processes.

Work Environment

  • The position involves work in laboratory settings, which includes occasional exposure to chemicals and biohazards, lifting items up to 35 pounds, and the ability to maneuver up and down a ladder. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided as needed.
  • Some work outdoors may occasionally be required.
  • May require occasional evening or weekend hours to support laboratory or institutional events.

Application Process

  • A cover letter detailing qualifications, experience, and alignment with Johnson University’s Christ-centered mission.
  • A current CV or resume.
  • Contact information for three professional references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please send application materials to Sarah Cathey, Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences, [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity Provider

Johnson University is a Christian university affiliated with Christian churches and churches of Christ. Its mission is to educate students for “Christian ministries and other strategic vocations framed by the Great Commission in order to extend the kingdom of God among all nations.” Accordingly, Johnson University seeks to hire and educate individuals who share its vision and core values to carry out that mission. Johnson University does not unlawfully discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

Johnson University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or disability–if such disability may be accommodated without undue hardship—in provision of educational opportunities, programs and activities, or employment opportunities and benefits, pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent amendments to that act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and subsequent re-authorization of that act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and subsequent amendments to that act.

The University, however, reserves the right under those provisions to make certain employment decisions based on religion, marital status, or sex consistent with the University’s religious beliefs when establishing qualifications for certain positions. Further, as a Christian ministry, the University retains the right to select those who serve in ministerial positions, as that term has been defined by the courts in the context of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, based on criteria established by the University without regard to Title VII, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law governing the employment relationship.