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JOB SUMMARY

The Institute of Materials Science (IMS), an interdisciplinary research institute on the Storrs campus, is seeking a Stockroom and Lab Safety Manager who will: 1) coordinate and provide lab safety guidance and 2) manage and distribute materials supporting research and instructional activities for faculty, staff, students, and other researchers in the new Science 1 building. The Manager will also lead the building’s safety committee, having responsibility for performing safety inspections and ensuring compliance throughout the building with all laboratory safety protocols.  This position provides critical scientific support services including hands-on support to faculty members and research groups who are affiliated with or reside within the unit. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Typical duties include:

• Serves as a technical and safety information resource for research facility personnel and works together with research facility personnel and UConn’s Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) to monitor and ensure compliance and assist with enforcement of departmental safety rules, EH&S requirements, University protocols, safety policy and regulatory standards.
• Creates and/or distributes safety information to all research facility personnel, including ensuring that all lab personnel receive training before engaging in research activities; creates and/or updates lab manuals; keeps current on new procedures and related safety requirements; conducts, coordinates, and/or participates in laboratory safety visits or inspections; communicates information on identified hazards, precautions, and resolves safety-related problems requiring corrective actions in collaboration with the IMS Director.
• Manages the stockroom following standard laboratory procedures to include duties such as: procuring chemicals or other materials used in research and teaching laboratories and laboratory exercises including a full range of chemicals, compressed gas cylinders, and other dry-goods supplies; organizes and stores chemicals or other materials assuring security and safe handling of the items; procures and maintains inventory levels and detailed records of items received and signed out; manages an online chemical inventory database in accordance with EH&S requirements; and ensures proper ordering, barcoding, and management of laboratory chemicals.
• Performs duties in support of materials and safety for Polymer Program courses, including:
  • Chemical/sample preparation for characterization, rheology and special topics courses 
  • Participation in laboratory components for Polymer certificate program
  • Conduct safety introduction lectures for lab courses and incoming graduate studies
  • Ordering and maintaining chemicals  for Polymer laboratory courses
  • Prepare and maintain AV and other special equipment in seminar rooms 
  • In partnership with course instructors, participates in experimental development and problem solving to help improve lab procedures and in the development of new labs.
• Chairs or co-chairs the IMS Safety Committee and routine reports safety findings to the IMS Director.
• Safely dispenses bulk chemicals to IMS research groups, including bonding and grounding of flammable liquids, while adhering to strict safety standards.
• Manages hazardous and other regulated wastes generated in the IMS stockroom.
• Works in partnership with the IMS Building Manager and staff to help address laboratory utility and modifications needed, safety-regulated building issues, facility checklists, safety documentation, and related standard operating procedures.
• Assists IMS stakeholders with outgoing shipments, in accordance with unit, federal and state regulations, and University policy.
• Provides direct support to capital asset inventory and tracking for the unit.
• Conducts routine calibration of balances in Science 1 laboratories.
• Performs other related laboratory support duties as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field and 4-5 years of experience, or equivalent education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to strict hazardous materials safety procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to move containers weighing up to 50lbs to and from locations varying in height from 10 to 36 inches.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory safety operations, including commonly accepted safety practices for handling hazardous materials. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior work experience in a higher education laboratory setting.
• Experience in chemical inventory management.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to analyze available information, draw conclusions and understanding, and present such conclusions effectively. 
• Completion of OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER, OSHA Hazard Communication, and/or EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act training.
• Experience with procurement tasks and recordkeeping.
• Experience writing and communicating laboratory procedures and outcomes in a professional setting.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 12-month position, with an anticipated start date of January 27, 2023. The University offers a competitive salary and outstanding benefits. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496627 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For additional questions, please contact Brianna Demers (brianna.demers@uconn.edu).

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.