Job Description
LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION:
Provides executive leadership and administrative direction for laboratory operations and safety programs across the College of Arts and Sciences, encompassing instructional and research laboratories in multiple departments and locations.
Establishes a structure for providing guidance and enforcing safety protocols for operational standards that ensure consistency, effectiveness, and full regulatory compliance across all laboratory environments.
Sets strategic priorities, defines performance expectations, and ensures accountability for outcomes related to laboratory operations, safety compliance, and support services.
Develops and executes the laboratory preparation and technical support, including standardized systems and processes for gathering course and research preparation requirements. Coordinates weekly preparation workflows while ensuring readiness of materials, equipment, and specialized environments across multiple laboratory locations.
Oversees the development and administration of comprehensive laboratory safety programs, including standard operating procedures, compliance frameworks, training systems, hazard assessments, and incident response protocols.
Ensures institutional compliance with all applicable safety and environmental regulations, including oversight of hazardous and infectious waste management and the annual review and implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP).
Exercises independent judgment in addressing complex operational, technical, and regulatory challenges, and drives continuous improvement in laboratory practices, infrastructure, and service delivery.
TRAINING AND SUPERVISION:
Provides leadership and oversight for all personnel functions within assigned laboratory operations, including supervision of the Natural Sciences Technical Assistant in the Biology Department and student employees.
Exercises authority in staffing decisions, including recruitment, selection, training, performance management, and professional development, ensuring effective utilization of human resources.
Establishes and enforces training standards and requirements for laboratory operations and safety compliance, ensuring the development and delivery of comprehensive training programs and technical instruction.
Maintains technical standards for laboratory preparation activities, including best practices for experimental setup, equipment operation and calibration, reagent preparation, aseptic technique, tissues and cultures, preserved specimens, hazardous materials handling, and quality assurance procedures.
Directs workflow planning, staff assignments, and operational coordination to meet programmatic demands and institutional priorities.
Fosters a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement through effective leadership, communication, and performance oversight.
Leads and administers laboratory operations meetings and S
Qualifications
1. Eleven (11) years of progressively responsible management work experience in a private or governmental organization:
A. Eight (8) years in the area of designated specialization required by the position
AND
B. Three (3) years supervising the work of a professional staff or process within the designated specialization
Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for the above three (3) years non-specialized experience requirement
Master’s degree may be substituted for one (1) year specialized work experience
Hours: Full-Time (37.5 hours per week). The weekly schedule will vary and may include occasional evenings or weekend times needed.
Location: NEIU Main Campus (Requires travel to all NEIU campuses).
Setting: In Office (No permanent or full-time work from home is available).
This position requires a background check.
Salary
$85,000 - $94,000
Links
JR100713 Deputy Director of Laboratory Operations (Biology & El Centro) and Science Safety
Contact Information
| University/Agency
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Northeastern Illinois University
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| Department/College
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Biology
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| Contact
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Molly Filipowicz
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| Phone Number
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7734425223
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| Address
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| Comments
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