Laboratory and Technology Manager

Position Summary

The Laboratory and Technology Manager at the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Columbia University is responsible for the management of the Biomedical Engineering Department Teaching Laboratories, as well as the shared department equipment and laboratory operations tasks. The position reports to the Director of Finance and Administration, and works in close cooperation with and operational supervision by the lead faculty of the Teaching Lab. Main duties include :

• Serve as lab operations and technology lead and support educational process in the teaching lab; support faculty in course design,
• Supervision of undergraduate and graduate BME students in modern machine shop operations, guiding and mentoring students, including guidance for students on design projects, prototype fabrication, and design of experiments.
• Supporting research efforts in BME laboratories through technical and design support of trainee and faculty projects, training, and supporting users of departmental shared equipment.
• Supervising laboratory engineer and other Teaching Laboratory staff and trainees.

Performing departmental administrative tasks associated with laboratory operations (such as regulatory compliance) and technologies (hardware or software,) and other related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

(35%) Technology and operations lead for educational process in the teaching lab, support faculty in the development and instruction of the teaching lab, and design course curricula. Supervision of undergraduate and graduate BME students in modern machine shop operations, provide student guidance and mentoring in transforming ideas into designs and prototypes; provide support for student projects and fabrication. Instruct students and assist the faculty and teaching assistants in the undergraduate teaching laboratory, support course functioning through course preparation, clean-up, inventory management, and supply ordering.

(30%) Manage departmental teaching laboratory. Supervise the operation of the departmental machine shop as well as fabricate parts for research labs and student projects. Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures, including lab safety. Budgeting, purchasing, and equipment maintenance for the teaching lab and machine shop, including for BME graduate, undergraduate, and summer courses held in the teaching laboratory. Provide technical support for BiomedX / Coulter projects. Fully responsible for financial and operational monitoring of provided services.

(10%) Manage departmental shared equipment. Support research efforts, training, and supporting users of departmental shared equipment, performing departmental administrative tasks associated with laboratory operations (such as regulatory compliance) and technologies (hardware or software), and other related duties as assigned. Budget and track expenditures for the departmental shared equipment and teaching facilities.

(10%) Provide technological support to BME faculty in their research labs, serve as technical advisor and technician for Departmental research labs as needed.

(5%) Coordinate departmental efforts in complying with EPA and OSHA requirements, and serve as the EH&S contact point.

(5%) Provide technology support (hardware and software) for platforms and equipment used at the Department, including platforms for online education, audiovisual equipment. Other related duties

(5%) Other related : Perform other related duties as assigned / requested.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or science, and at least three to five years of related experience.

Good organizational and interpersonal skills, teamwork and communication skills, and ability to teach / work with students.

Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Innovative and a self-starter.

Experience in biomedical engineering.

Experience in managing a lab in a relevant technology area; Knowledge of and experience in machine shop operations.

Working knowledge of confocal imaging / instrumentation.

Skilled in the proper handling of biological explants, animal and human cells, and electromechanical devices, or the ability to acquire such skills rapidly on the job.

Preferred Qualifications