Undergraduate Laboratory Facilities Operations Supervisor - Mellon College of Science - Chemistry Department

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world's most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn't imagine the future, we invent it. If you're passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Mellon College of Science (MCS) is home to four departments and many programs and research centers that cross disciplines. We approach scientific problems from fresh angles using creative interdisciplinary approaches while drawing on our departmental strengths in the core sciences. MCS faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized for their research in a variety of fields, including polymer science, cosmology, mathematical finance, and neuroscience.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Undergraduate Laboratory Facilities Operations Supervisor to oversee the technical and safety aspects of our undergraduate laboratory program. In this role, you will manage the daily operations of the laboratories, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.

Key responsibilities include advising and supporting laboratory technicians, troubleshooting technical challenges, and coordinating program activities to optimize costs and efficiency. You will also work closely with the Director of Undergraduate Labs and faculty to align schedules, resolve technical issues, and maintain a safe learning environment. Additionally, you will develop and administer budgets, establish priorities, and effectively manage multiple tasks.

If you thrive in a dynamic lab setting and have strong organizational and problem-solving skills, we encourage you to apply!

Core responsibilities are broken into three main categories and include:

Facilities Management

• Serving as the UG lab service response coordinator. This person oversees maintenance and housekeeping within the laboratory spaces through interaction with FMS, CPS, and other outside contractors.
• Serving as the Undergraduate Chemistry department's safety coordinator on EHS safety committees to review EHS, ACS and University policies regarding maintaining a safe work environment for all personnel in the laboratory spaces.
• Providing recommendations to obtain a more sustainable and safer work environment.

Purchasing

• Training and becoming up to date with current University Financial policies. They must have full knowledge of specialized office skills i.e., utilizing Oracle Self Service Applications (SSA) and Core Application (purchasing).
• Procurement of a chemical and equipment bid that addresses the needs of the individual laboratory courses and aligns with the curriculum being taught. This includes capital equipment.
• Negotiating price with vendors to obtain pricing and deliverables.
• Sourcing alternative and new suppliers and partners for products requisitioned for purchase.
• Working with Central Administration to enter new vendors into the oracle system.
• Producing purchase orders, assigning charges to appropriate Oracle general ledger and grants management accounts, working with faculty and lab personnel as well as vendors to ensure timely and accurate creation or purchase orders, compliance with university, college and department policies and procedure, receive in the Oracle system and work with Accounts Payable to ensure payment and detailed record keeping of these transactions.
• Placing orders by purchasing order and with a CMU P-card (both regular and Hazardous Materials Cards).
• Following policies and procedures to order hazardous materials.
• Reconciling purchasing card purchases in Oracle.
• Coordinating central departmental files for purchase order reconciliation and PCard transactions.
• Assessing budget allocation by course number, providing records as requested and where necessary providing recommendations for lowering budgetary allocations.
• Receiving orders and coordinating transporting deliveries from central stockroom to ancillary locations.
• Working with UPS and FedEx on large deliveries (provide directions, instructions for accessing a suitably sized elevator for accessing the appropriate space etc.)
• Tracking items received and back orders, handling returns, refunds and credits as required.
• Receiving hazardous materials, entering all chemicals into Bioraft/ChemTracker as in accordance with University Policy.
• Inventorying current API chemicals, handling receipt of orders, packing, shipping, billing, and reconciliation of deposits.
• Invoicing students for lab fees through student accounts

Personnel Management

• Training and supervision of a laboratory technician and possible work-study students.
• Development of onboarding protocols for laboratory technicians.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

What You Bring:

• Excellent analytical, organizational, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function competently in a team environment. Ability to interact effectively with departmental staff, other members of the campus community and external customers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Strong computer skills including Oracle Purchasing and Self-Service applications, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.
• Proven ability to read and interpret a Safety Data Sheet and knowledge associated with handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 3-5 years of research lab experience required.
• Experience in procurement and purchasing in a university's research office or department preferred.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check
• Child Protection Clearances (Act 153)

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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