Job Purpose:

The Department of Biology at Gonzaga University invites applications for a Instructional Lab Manager to prepare laboratory facilities and reagents for the teaching of multi-section laboratory courses, to assist with the implementation of lab curricula, to teach lab sections, and to supervise teaching assistants and student workers. The lab courses include Introductory Microbiology 170L, Microbiology 370L, and Genetics 207L. The genetics labs are the second semester component of the HHMI SEA-PHAGES program, which is a course-based undergraduate research experience. Students use bioinformatics tools to analyze and annotate newly sequenced bacteriophage genomes, and they prepare the annotations for submission to GenBank and publication as genome announcements in peer-reviewed literature. The Instructional Lab Manager will prepare cultures, reagents, and computers for the labs, recruit, train, and supervise student assistants, coordinate the implementation of the curriculum, and teach several lab sections each semester. The Instructional Lab Manager will also coordinate the preparation of novel phage DNA and shipping for DNA sequencing, to supply new genomes to genetics labs for annotation each semester. We seek applicants who have training and experience in microbiology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology, who have experience teaching microbiology and genetics lab courses, and who have experience supervising employees.

Essential Functions:

• 50% - Teaching
  • Effectively teach assigned lab sections each semester.
  • Grade student assignments and labs in a timely and fair/equitable manner.
  • Provide office hours to students in lab sections for additional guidance and assistance.
  • Troubleshoot teaching, materials, and curriculum as required.
  • Teach a wide range of lab topics, including lower and higher level genetics and microbiology labs. 
• 20% - Maintenance of Designated Labs
  • Ensure laboratory safety and compliance for up to biological safety level 2 (BSL 2).
  • Prepare laboratory spaces and materials for class sections.
  • Maintain designated laboratory areas and inventory of supplies, materials, and equipment.
  • Order / purchase supplies materials and equipment.
  • Manage laboratory budgets, fiscal responsibility for labs, etc. 
• 15% - Coordinate Curriculum & Lab Implementation
  • Coordinate multiple sections of labs, taught by one or more instructors, to include supplies, space reservation, etc.
  • Develop or assist in curriculum development.
  • Maintain and distribute course materials and documents via electronic and in-class methods.
  • Assist / coordinate in common or shared materials for all sections and instructors of the lab.
• 15% - Direct Student Lab Employees
  • Team and Operational Effectiveness:
    • Meet regularly with all student employees.
    • Schedule students to lab assignments / labs.
    • Direct work of student lab employees.
    • Manage performance of students throughout the semester/year, providing constructive feedback.
    • Create and ensure opportunities for team development through multiple mechanisms and support recognition efforts that build morale.
    • Support and contribute to student hiring efforts that meet our operational and mission needs.
  • Develop and Support Inclusive Environments:
    • Ensure all students are effectively onboarded to their role including training on lab skills and position requirements, as well as University / department training on policies, procedures, and other compliance like Title IX.
    • Actively build relationships and demonstrate a bias for collaboration.
    • Address and resolve conflicts.

Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

Master's Degree

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

<1 year

In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education. 

Skills & Abilities:

• An M.S. in Biology or a related discipline
• Specialist knowledge in microbiology and genomics/bioinformatics
• Experience teaching undergraduate students in relevant courses

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supervising student employees in a lab environment.
• Experience with ordering materials, maintaining inventory, and monitoring budgets.
• Experience with curriculum design and development.

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 5 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Often (50%-75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Daily (>75% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)