Instructional Lab Manager at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter and a curriculum vitae in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

About George R. Brown School of Engineering

The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment.

We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary:

Rice University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is a top-ranked program that educates the civil and environmental engineering leaders of tomorrow and that conducts cutting-edge research that improves people's lives now and in the future.

The CEE department is seeking a skilled Instructional Lab Manager to provide specialized instructional laboratory technical services and support to faculty and students as well as to provide support and technical oversight for the research labs. The Instructional Lab Manager will be responsible for managing the operational, safety, and administrative activities in teaching laboratories as well as providing technical support in the design and fabrication of experimental hardware for research labs.

The Instructional Lab Manager will also provide equipment support for instructional and research laboratories including operating MTS machinery, ensuring regular maintenance of equipment, and fabricating ad hoc materials with a variety of manual and power hand tools, wood shop tools, and metal machining tools.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate will collaborate and communicate well with students, faculty, and staff within and outside the department, will be safety-conscious, and will have the technical and organizational skills to balance both civil and environmental teaching and research lab support while ensuring proper maintenance and storage of equipment and supplies.

Workplace Requirements

This job is 100% in person, and involves moving heavy materials such as concrete pieces and wooden beams, as well as work with a variety of tools and equipment

Hiring Range:

This position is benefits-eligible, exempt, and has an expected minimum salary of $48,000 annually depending on qualifications.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
  
  
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
  
  
• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory, workshop, manufacturing, or technical field
  
  
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related research, technical or, vocational education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
  
  

Skills:

• Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet software
• Ability to maintain quality safety standards
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Knowledge of operations and maintenance of relevant engineering lab software, machinery, and equipment
• Skilled in verbal, written, and interpersonal communication
• Ability to teach, guide, and work with students, faculty, and staff
• Ability to work independently and make decisions with some supervision

Essential Functions:

• Manages teaching laboratory spaces and associated support spaces, and assists with equipment setup, operation, organization, and maintenance. This is for teaching labs such as, but not limited to: Concrete & Steel Lab, Soil Mechanics Lab, Strength of Materials Lab, and Urban Water Systems Lab.
• Coordinates the day-to-day and long term technical operations in the instructional labs and assists with technical and safety operations in the research labs.
• Manages and updates procedures and processes
• Procures research materials and supplies for the laboratory in coordination with administrative staff
• Ensures and promotes lab safety and routine laboratory hygiene
• Maintains laboratory spaces, apparatus, and equipment
• Supervises research technicians and students in the labs
• Trains students regarding research techniques and safety matters; Trains Teaching Assistants on technical aspects of teaching lab lessons
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Organize and maintain all instructional lab facilities, ensuring they are in orderly, operable condition at all times, and in compliance with health and safety standards
• Construct or adapt specialized lab equipment to meet specific instruction or experimental needs
• Enforce safety requirements and safe use of equipment, materials, and supplies
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all teaching lab related issues
• Support the design and implementation of both basic and innovative instructional and engineering techniques for the teaching labs

Preferences

• Proficiency in operating a variety of machine shop tools and equipment
• Ability to operate diagnostic equipment and interpret results, diagnose malfunctions, and determine corrective actions
• Knowledge of reinforced concrete construction
• Experience with hydraulic pump system
• Knowledge of safe handling and disposal methods for hazardous materials
• Strong technical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Prior experience in developing training materials, conducting workshops, or providing technical instruction is a plus
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented and collaborative environment

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

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