Laboratory Coordinator/Manager

University of Idaho, United States

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Moscow, IDAHO
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ;

Position Details
Position Information


Posting Number SP003338P
Position Title Laboratory Coordinator/Manager
Location Moscow
Division/College Col of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
FLSA Status Overtime Exempt
Employee Category Exempt
Pay Range $50,378 per year or higher depending upon education and experience
Type of Appointment Fiscal Year
FTE
1.0
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Position Overview
Supervises a team of scientists and laboratory technicians performing inorganic analytical chemistry and serves as the Soils Laboratory Supervisor. Testing includes nutrients, trace elements, heavy metals, and other substances in agricultural, biological, and environmental samples including plant and animal tissues, water, and soil. Use of advanced analytical instruments including ICP-OES, ICP-MS, FIA, TOC, UV-VIS, flame photometer, ion chromatograph, CNS combustion, and other methods as required. Responsible for sample analysis, workflow scheduling, method development, report writing, use of LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) for result entry and reporting, staff training, QA/QC, adherence to regulatory guidelines, and other group management tasks.
Unit Overview
The Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station is the research division of the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and is responsible for statewide programming in agricultural research.
The University of Idaho Analytical Sciences Laboratory (ASL) is a full-service laboratory that operates within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Our staff of scientists, technicians and support personnel is committed to providing the highest quality analytical and research services.
ASL directs its services and research support to universities, government agencies and contractors, nonprofit organizations, the clinical veterinary community and agricultural producers. As a supporter of private commercial laboratories, ASL encourages commercial clients to contact a local independent testing laboratory.
ASL provides analytical services in five main areas: Environmental Monitoring, Plant Chemical, Soil Chemical and Physical, Veterinary Diagnostic Toxicology, and Water Quality.
Funding This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. Uncertain
Internal Posting?

Position Responsibilities


Key Accountability Supervises Inorganic Group and Sample Testing by:
Job Duties
Performing testing and overseeing other chemists responsible for the determination of inorganic substances in agricultural, veterinary, and environmental samples; analyzing soil, water, plant and animal tissue samples using ICP-OES, ICP-MS, FIA, TOC, UV-VIS, flame photometer, ion chromatography, CNS combustion, and other methods as required. Extracting chemical substances from a variety of sample types using liquid and solid-phase extraction, acid digestion, and other methods. Preparing analytical reagents, solutions, controls and standards. Conducting method development and performing non-routine testing as needed. Investigating unexpected test results to determine reasons for non-conformance. Troubleshooting poor performing or inoperable instruments and recommending course of action for maintenance or repair. Annual determination of method detection and quantification limits, completion of proficiency testing samples, and participation in laboratory certification/accreditation programs.
Key Accountability Participates in Laboratory Management and Quality Control by:
Job Duties
Reviewing all work performed by the Inorganic Group for validity according to established quality control guidelines. Maintaining complete and accurate analysis records and procedures in laboratory notebooks. Ensuring accuracy and completeness of sample labeling and storage. Recording sample data and results in written records, LIMS, and quality control files. Documenting results for standards, blanks, controls, duplicates, and sample fortification recoveries. Monitoring laboratory worklists, establishing workflow priorities, scheduling laboratory personnel and equipment usage to meet sample turnaround times and optimize resource efficiency. Overseeing purchase of reagents and laboratory supplies, and recommendations for instrumentation purchases. Training of laboratory staff. Ensuring adherence to established quality control procedures, quality assurance principles, and the UIASL Quality Management Plan.
Key Accountability Provides Quality Results to Clients by:
Job Duties
Reviewing quality control data to determine if the analytical results are acceptable for reporting. Writing reports for clients and preparing electronic data summaries when the analyses are complete. Communication with prospective clients regarding lab’s capabilities, work scheduling, sample analysis, and completion dates. Making recommendations regarding analytical methods, special requests, and method development. Answering client questions regarding reports, analytical limits, turnaround time, sample sizes, pricing and analytical results.
Key Accountability Contributes to Method Development and Continuing Education by:
Job Duties
Keeping abreast of new developments in procedures and instrumentation for soil testing, water analysis, and other inorganic analyses. Attending training courses, seminars, and demonstrations in analytical chemistry and related topics. Providing input and suggestions for new or improved laboratory procedures. Developing or modifying new methods to meet project needs.

Position Qualifications


Required Experience
  • Two years of post-bachelor’s research work to include technical/administrative experience in research operations.
Required Education
  • B.S. degree in soil science, chemistry, or related field.
Required Licensures, Certifications or other
Additional Preferred
  • M.S. or Ph.D. degree in soil science, chemistry, or related field.
  • Laboratory or field research site management experience including monitoring safety compliance, training personnel, and budgeting and procuring necessary supplies/equipment.
  • Experience in developing and revising standard operating procedures.
  • Three (3) years of directly related professional experience.
  • Experience with scientific principles.
  • Experience with computer hardware and software programs.
  • Experience operating, maintaining, calibrating, troubleshooting and resolving basic problems with instruments and equipment.
  • Experience keeping records and compiling written information for reports.
  • Experience following good safety practices.
  • Possess good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated Ability to use state of the art analytical methods and advanced instrumentation including ICP-OES, ICP-MS, UV-VIS, FIA, and ion chromatography in the analysis of inorganic compounds in water, soil, and biological tissues.
  • Good knowledge of LIMS for result entry and reporting, principles of QA/QC and ISO 17025.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to carry, lift or otherwise move items weighing up to 50 lbs.
Working Conditions
  • Willingness and ability to work with toxic, volatile and corrosive chemicals and/or carcinogenic substances.
  • May be required to work in adverse environmental conditions.
Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of application

Posting Information


Posting Date 04/15/2022
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
First consideration for receipt of applications is April 29, 2022.
IMPORTANT: To be considered, your “Letter of Qualification” must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume WILL NOT be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.
Applicant Resources
Background Check Statement

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement

The University of Idaho (U of I) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, U of I does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information or status as any protected veteran or military status in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions and educational programs.

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