Job Duties
The Center for Materials Research (CMR) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Lab and Research Manager to oversee laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, safety compliance, and technical support. This role ensures the smooth functioning of research activities by managing infrastructure, IT systems, inventory, and safety protocols while providing essential support to faculty, staff, and students.
Key Responsibilities:
A. Laboratory Operations and Personnel Management
1. Oversee daily operations of the Center for Materials Research (CMR) to ensure an efficient, safe, and high-performing research environment.
2. Supervise, train, and mentor professional, technical, and student staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
3. Develop and implement operational goals, procedures, and timelines that ensure scientific accuracy and quality of laboratory services.
4. Provide technical guidance and support to faculty, researchers, and students in laboratory methods and instrumentation use.
5. Promote a culture of safety, excellence, and continuous improvement across all laboratory activities.
B. Equipment, Infrastructure, and Administrative Coordination
6. Manage installation, maintenance, and repair of laboratory and electronic equipment, ensuring full operational readiness.
7. Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules, service contracts, and procurement processes for equipment and supplies.
8. Collaborate with vendors, campus departments, and external partners to maintain efficient laboratory operations and safety compliance.
9. Oversee laboratory inventories, budget tracking, and recordkeeping for instruments, supplies, and service contracts.
10. Support CMR workshops, seminars, and outreach activities by managing technical setups, audiovisual systems, and virtual conferencing.
11. Work with the Office of Information Technology to maintain secure, reliable computing systems and data management for research activities.
C. Safety, Compliance, and Quality Assurance
12. Ensure full compliance with institutional, state, and federal laboratory safety regulations and quality standards.
13. Oversee the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and maintain accurate Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
14. Conduct routine safety audits, risk assessments, and training to promote a safe and compliant research environment.
15. Implement quality control programs to uphold research integrity and laboratory excellence.
EEO Statement
Norfolk State University (NSU) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. NSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.
Minimum Qualifications
16. Proficiency in troubleshooting, calibrating, and repairing laboratory equipment and electronic systems.
17. Experience with computer hardware and software troubleshooting, including networking issues.
18. Strong understanding of laboratory safety protocols, including chemical handling, gas installation, and hazardous waste disposal.
19. Familiarity with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and safety compliance audits.
20. Experience maintaining inventory records and ordering laboratory supplies.
21. Ability to obtain equipment and service quotes efficiently.
22. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for training, coordination, and reporting.
23. Strong organizational skills to maintain a clean, efficient, and well-documented research facility.
24. Ability to collaborate with researchers, faculty, students, and administrative staff.
25. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address equipment and facility challenges.
Additional Considerations
26. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in laboratory management, research facility operations, or equipment maintenance.
27. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline (Master’s degree preferred).
28. Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in laboratory management, research operations, or instrumentation maintenance—preferably in an academic or research environment.
29. Demonstrated hands-on experience with advanced analytical and materials characterization equipment.
30. Strong knowledge of laboratory safety regulations, compliance standards, and best practices.
31. Certification in laboratory safety, hazardous materials handling, or related OSHA/EHS training is desirable.
32. Proven supervisory or team leadership experience with technical and student staff.
33. Familiarity with procurement, budgeting, and research compliance processes.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Application and/or résumé for this position must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Job Board/Recruitment Management System (RMS). Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of Virginia Employees Only), must attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from either the electronic application and/or resumé. RMS provides a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS account to check the status of your application for this position.
Norfolk State University conducts background checks on all candidates identified as a finalist for employment consideration. The type of background check(s) performed are dependent upon the type of position for which you have been identified as a finalist and may include: criminal history, including sexual offender registry checks, reference checks, degree validation, DMV (driving) records, license verification, and credit report reviews. The results of background checks are made available to university employing officials. As a finalist, you will be required to sign an Authorization to Release form. Norfolk State University utilizes Form I-9 and E-verify in the verification of eligibility for employment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.
Contact Information
Name: Norfolk State University
Phone: 757-823-8160
Email: Emailed material not accepted
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter.