Rice University
Apply for the
Lab Management Specialist II
position at
Rice University .
About Rice Boasting a 300-acre tree‑lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6‑to‑1 undergraduate student‑to‑faculty ratio, and a residential college system that supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses and student government. Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success and shape Rice’s culture: Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.
About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that supports diversity and collaboration across faculty, staff and students, and seeks greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans.
Job Description The Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering seeks an experienced Lab Management Specialist II to provide specialized instructional laboratory technical services and support to faculty and students. The role involves managing operational, instructional, and administrative activities in teaching laboratories, providing technical support in the design and fabrication of experimental hardware, and offering course instruction on a wide array of machine shop tools, metrology, woodworking, metal machining, and welding. Responsibilities include administering written and practical exams, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with Rice EHS policies.
Ideal Candidate Statement Highly skilled and safety‑minded laboratory professional with hands‑on experience in instructional lab environments and advanced fabrication techniques. Proactive, detail‑oriented, collaborative, and capable of translating complex technical concepts into accessible instruction for students. The candidate excels at managing multiple teaching laboratories, maintaining equipment, and ensuring full compliance with university procedures.
Workplace Requirements This is an on‑campus position; all duties must be performed in person at Rice University.
Hiring Range $63,100–$75,000. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)
2+ years of related experience in lab management
Skills
Excellent organizational, time‑management, and verbal and written communication skills
Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Attention to detail; proactive initiative
Ability to work collaboratively
Excellent analytical skills
Knowledge of analytical laboratory equipment
Preferences
Experience Preferred:
Experience with engineering or materials science students and faculty in instructional and research laboratory environments
Experience managing laboratory logistics, including inventory control, purchasing, vendor coordination, and maintenance schedules
Experience with laboratory safety programs, chemical hygiene plans, SOPs, hazard assessments, and safety training
Skills Preferred:
Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, service‑oriented mindset
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple teaching and shared labs
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and equipment documentation
Proficiency with instrument control software, data acquisition systems, and standard productivity tools
Knowledge of safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials
Strong problem‑solving skills for troubleshooting scientific instruments and lab infrastructure (mechanical, electrical, vacuum, software)
Proficiency in operating and supporting materials science laboratory equipment, such as X‑ray diffraction, SEM, thermal characterization instruments, mechanical testing systems, and surface characterization tools
Familiarity with chemical laboratory infrastructure, including fume hoods, glove boxes, gas delivery systems, vacuum systems, and chemical storage
Essential Functions
Manage MSNE teaching laboratory spaces and shared instructional facilities
Coordinate day‑to‑day laboratory operations, ensuring safety and readiness for instruction
Develop, maintain, and update laboratory procedures, SOPs, and safety documentation
Serve as primary contact for instrument troubleshooting and support
Manage laboratory budgets, purchasing, inventory, and service contracts
Procure chemicals, consumables, parts, and equipment in compliance with regulations
Oversee and promote laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and lab organization
Support faculty and instructors in implementing teaching labs
Train and supervise students, teaching assistants, and research staff on proper lab practices
Maintain accurate records for equipment usage, maintenance, safety training, and inspections
Perform other duties as assigned in support of MSNE instructional and laboratory missions
Additional Functions
Ensure all teaching labs remain fully functional, compliant, and inspection‑ready
Assist faculty in specifying, evaluating, and commissioning new laboratory equipment
Diagnose problems and facilitate repair or replacement of scientific instruments and lab infrastructure
Coordinate with EHS, Facilities, IT, and external vendors to support lab operations
Enforce safety requirements and promote a strong safety culture among students and instructors
Provide hands‑on instruction to students on safe operation of materials characterization equipment and sample preparation techniques
Construct, adapt, or modify specialized laboratory setups or fixtures to support instructional experiments
Serve as primary contact for teaching‑lab‑related issues, including troubleshooting and conflict resolution
Work closely with faculty, advisors, and academic support staff to facilitate student success in laboratory courses
Working Conditions
Occasional lifting of heavy objects
Limited exposure to hazardous chemicals and radiation
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
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Lab Management Specialist II
position at
Rice University .
About Rice Boasting a 300-acre tree‑lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6‑to‑1 undergraduate student‑to‑faculty ratio, and a residential college system that supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses and student government. Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success and shape Rice’s culture: Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.
About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that supports diversity and collaboration across faculty, staff and students, and seeks greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans.
Job Description The Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering seeks an experienced Lab Management Specialist II to provide specialized instructional laboratory technical services and support to faculty and students. The role involves managing operational, instructional, and administrative activities in teaching laboratories, providing technical support in the design and fabrication of experimental hardware, and offering course instruction on a wide array of machine shop tools, metrology, woodworking, metal machining, and welding. Responsibilities include administering written and practical exams, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with Rice EHS policies.
Ideal Candidate Statement Highly skilled and safety‑minded laboratory professional with hands‑on experience in instructional lab environments and advanced fabrication techniques. Proactive, detail‑oriented, collaborative, and capable of translating complex technical concepts into accessible instruction for students. The candidate excels at managing multiple teaching laboratories, maintaining equipment, and ensuring full compliance with university procedures.
Workplace Requirements This is an on‑campus position; all duties must be performed in person at Rice University.
Hiring Range $63,100–$75,000. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)
2+ years of related experience in lab management
Skills
Excellent organizational, time‑management, and verbal and written communication skills
Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Attention to detail; proactive initiative
Ability to work collaboratively
Excellent analytical skills
Knowledge of analytical laboratory equipment
Preferences
Experience Preferred:
Experience with engineering or materials science students and faculty in instructional and research laboratory environments
Experience managing laboratory logistics, including inventory control, purchasing, vendor coordination, and maintenance schedules
Experience with laboratory safety programs, chemical hygiene plans, SOPs, hazard assessments, and safety training
Skills Preferred:
Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, service‑oriented mindset
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple teaching and shared labs
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and equipment documentation
Proficiency with instrument control software, data acquisition systems, and standard productivity tools
Knowledge of safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials
Strong problem‑solving skills for troubleshooting scientific instruments and lab infrastructure (mechanical, electrical, vacuum, software)
Proficiency in operating and supporting materials science laboratory equipment, such as X‑ray diffraction, SEM, thermal characterization instruments, mechanical testing systems, and surface characterization tools
Familiarity with chemical laboratory infrastructure, including fume hoods, glove boxes, gas delivery systems, vacuum systems, and chemical storage
Essential Functions
Manage MSNE teaching laboratory spaces and shared instructional facilities
Coordinate day‑to‑day laboratory operations, ensuring safety and readiness for instruction
Develop, maintain, and update laboratory procedures, SOPs, and safety documentation
Serve as primary contact for instrument troubleshooting and support
Manage laboratory budgets, purchasing, inventory, and service contracts
Procure chemicals, consumables, parts, and equipment in compliance with regulations
Oversee and promote laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and lab organization
Support faculty and instructors in implementing teaching labs
Train and supervise students, teaching assistants, and research staff on proper lab practices
Maintain accurate records for equipment usage, maintenance, safety training, and inspections
Perform other duties as assigned in support of MSNE instructional and laboratory missions
Additional Functions
Ensure all teaching labs remain fully functional, compliant, and inspection‑ready
Assist faculty in specifying, evaluating, and commissioning new laboratory equipment
Diagnose problems and facilitate repair or replacement of scientific instruments and lab infrastructure
Coordinate with EHS, Facilities, IT, and external vendors to support lab operations
Enforce safety requirements and promote a strong safety culture among students and instructors
Provide hands‑on instruction to students on safe operation of materials characterization equipment and sample preparation techniques
Construct, adapt, or modify specialized laboratory setups or fixtures to support instructional experiments
Serve as primary contact for teaching‑lab‑related issues, including troubleshooting and conflict resolution
Work closely with faculty, advisors, and academic support staff to facilitate student success in laboratory courses
Working Conditions
Occasional lifting of heavy objects
Limited exposure to hazardous chemicals and radiation
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
#J-18808-Ljbffr