Laboratory Manager, School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management in Bristol, Rhode Island at Roger Williams University

Company Description:

At Roger Williams University, students are prepared to be thinkers and doers ready to solve challenging problems with innovative solutions. RWU offers 50 majors and robust offerings of graduate and professional programs across eight schools of study including Rhode Island's only law school, with campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I. With small classrooms and a focus on undergraduate and graduate research and community engagement, a Roger Williams education blends the strength of liberal arts and professional studies, providing all students with the depth and breadth of interdisciplinary thinking and well-rounded knowledge necessary to succeed in our interconnected, global world. RWU is committed to strengthening society through engaged scholarship so that students graduate with the ability to think critically and apply the practical skills that today's employers demand.

Roger Williams University seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value all races, genders, identities, and abilities. RWU is committed to creating a thriving community that encourages lifelong learning, professional development, and academic innovation.

To learn more about Roger Williams University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please visit https://www.rwu.edu/who-we-are/diversity-equity-inclusion.

Job Description:

The School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management (SECCM) Laboratory Manager serves as one of the operational resources for SECCM and the Director of Operations. The position provides operational management and oversight for engineering, construction management, computer science, and cybersecurity laboratories while supporting student learning, faculty teaching, research activities, recruitment initiatives, outreach programs, and interdisciplinary projects. The SECCM Laboratory Manager maintains SECCM's laboratory infrastructure and coordinates, as appropriate, with other academic and administrative units regarding shared facilities within the SECCM buildings and instructional spaces. The position also serves as a critical resource for laboratory operations, equipment management, safety compliance, technical support, and facility readiness. The SECCM Laboratory Manager reports to the Dean and carries out day-to-day operational responsibilities under the operational direction of the Director of Operations.

Laboratory Administration

The SECCM Laboratory Manager will manage and administer the processes, activities, and planning associated with the School's laboratories and related instructional spaces.
Specific administrative responsibilities include organizing and supervising day-to-day operations in accordance with established School and department standards; coordinating the scheduling, access, and utilization of laboratories, project rooms, maker spaces, and other instructional facilities, as appropriate; supervising work-study and payroll student employees assigned to laboratory and project spaces, including assigning tasks and monitoring performance; inventorying, ordering, and receiving laboratory equipment and supplies; conferring with faculty regarding equipment, classroom, and facility needs and translating those needs into capital requests and operating expense proposals; responding to immediate operational needs in laboratories and instructional spaces by identifying practical interim solutions and coordinating with Information Technology, Media Services, Facilities Management, and other appropriate offices on longer-term resolutions; supporting the readiness of laboratories and instructional facilities for teaching, research, student competitions, recruitment activities, outreach programs, presentations, and special events; working effectively with other academic units and administrative offices to facilitate the use of School facilities by outside attendees; supporting the commissioning and implementation of new laboratory and instructional facilities and equipment; developing and maintaining laboratory operating procedures, documentation, and standard practices to improve efficiency, consistency, and user experience; developing and implementing operational improvement plans; ensuring a professional, safe, efficient, and accountable operational environment; and recommending, planning, and coordinating these functions in accordance with established School goals and objectives.

Capital Equipment Planning Implementation

The SECCM Laboratory Manager will assist faculty and administration in planning future laboratory, technology, equipment, and facility investments. Responsibilities include consolidating and reviewing faculty equipment requests; preparing and recommending laboratory operating and capital equipment budget requests; recommending equipment purchases and replacement priorities; and supporting long-term investments that advance engineering, construction management, computer science, cybersecurity, and interdisciplinary programs.

Facilities and Technical Operations

The SECCM Laboratory Manager will coordinate preventive maintenance for laboratory and instructional equipment; maintain equipment inventories and lifecycle replacement plans; manage vendor relationships, service agreements, and equipment procurement processes; support laboratory renovations, installations, and facility improvement initiatives; assist with the operational readiness of new and renovated facilities; and ensure that laboratories and instructional spaces are prepared for teaching, research, outreach, recruitment, and related School activities.

Supplies Procurement/Control

The SECCM Laboratory Manager will maintain equipment inventories and laboratory supplies; procure research materials and instructional equipment through approved vendors; coordinate equipment delivery, installation, and commissioning; and maintain accurate inventory and asset records.

Laboratory Safety Planning

The SECCM Laboratory Manager is responsible for supporting the safe operation of SECCM laboratories and instructional facilities. To that end, the Manager will establish, implement, and maintain guidelines, procedures, and practices that promote a safe working and learning environment for faculty, staff, student employees, and students.
The SECCM Laboratory Manager serves as the primary on-site laboratory safety resource for SECCM and works collaboratively with SECCM's Director of Operations and the University Environmental Health and Safety personnel to maintain compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and institutional policies.
Specific safety responsibilities include conducting routine laboratory safety inspections; coordinating safety training for faculty, staff, student employees, and students; maintaining laboratory safety procedures, documentation, and records; assisting with hazard assessments and incident response activities; publishing, regularly reviewing, and revising laboratory safety guidelines and providing instruction and clarification regarding those guidelines; supporting the safe operation of engineering, construction, fabrication, welding, environmental, computing, cybersecurity, and research laboratories; and monitoring laboratory equipment and coordinating the timely correction of deficiencies that could create unsafe conditions.

Student Projects and Research

The SECCM Laboratory Manager will support faculty and student research activities, interdisciplinary projects and initiatives, capstone/senior design teams, student competition teams, industry-sponsored projects, and other student design, fabrication, manufacturing, and construction activities by identifying and coordinating space, equipment, material, fabrication, and operational needs. Responsibilities include collaborating with faculty and students on the logistical and operational aspects of project work; supporting prototype development and fabrication activities; recommending, purchasing, and coordinating equipment and materials for research and student projects; supporting summer camps, outreach programs, recruitment events, and related School activities; and developing relationships with external organizations to secure contributions or donations of materials and equipment in support of student projects and SECCM initiatives.

Outreach and External

The SECCM Laboratory Manager will support School recruitment, outreach, community engagement, and special events, including Open House programs, Accepted Students Days, summer camps, demonstrations, competitions, the Design Showcase, and similar activities that highlight SECCM programs and facilities. Responsibilities may include coordinating with the Department of Events and Conferences regarding the use of laboratory facilities and materials by external organizations; assisting with event preparation, equipment, materials, and faculty needs; and periodically providing tours and general program information to prospective students and families. The position will carry out this work in coordination with the Dean, Associate Dean, Director of Operations, faculty, and other appropriate University offices.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Applied Technology, Industrial Technology, a relevant physical or applied science discipline, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

The ability to work closely with others in an appropriate and professional manner is a must.

Preferred Qualifications

Three to five years of progressively responsible experience managing or supporting academic laboratories, maker spaces, fabrication facilities, technical training environments, or computing and cybersecurity laboratories.

Experience with laboratory safety management and compliance, supervision of student employees, and support of interdisciplinary academic programs is also preferred.

At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be accepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information:

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law. For information on our Non-discrimination policy, visit here.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. TITLE IX COORDINATOR: Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone Number: (401) 254-3123 /Email Address: jstanley@rwu.edu

Application Instructions:

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references.