Rice University · 2 weeks ago
Lab Management Specialist II
Houston, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$63K/yr - $75K/yr
2+ years expRice University is a top-ranked institution located in Houston, Texas, seeking a Lab Management Specialist II for its Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering. The role involves managing instructional laboratories, providing technical support, and ensuring safety compliance while collaborating with faculty and students to enhance educational experiences.
EducationHigher EducationService IndustryUniversities
Responsibilities
Manage MSNE teaching laboratory spaces and shared instructional facilities, including oversight of equipment setup, operation, maintenance, and upgrades
Coordinate and oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, ensuring reliability, safety, and readiness for instructional use
Develop, maintain, and update laboratory procedures, SOPs, and safety documentation
Serve as a primary point of contact for instrument troubleshooting, coordinating in-house fixes and external service support as needed
Manage laboratory budgets, purchasing, inventory, and service contracts
Procure chemicals, consumables, parts, and equipment in compliance with university and safety regulations
Oversee and promote laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and routine lab organization and cleanliness
Support faculty and instructors in the implementation of teaching labs, including preparation, setup, takedown, and continuous improvement
Train and supervise students, teaching assistants, and research staff on proper laboratory practices, safety, and basic instrument operation
Maintain accurate records for equipment usage, maintenance, safety training, and inspections
Perform other duties as assigned in support of MSNE instructional and laboratory missions
Ensure all teaching labs remain fully functional, compliant, and inspection-ready at all times
Assist faculty in specifying, evaluating, and commissioning new laboratory and characterization equipment
Diagnose problems and facilitate repair or replacement of scientific instruments, lab infrastructure, and computer workstations used for instruction
Coordinate with EHS, Facilities, IT, and external vendors to support lab operations
Enforce safety requirements and promote a strong culture of safety among students and instructors
Provide hands-on instruction to students in teaching labs on: Safe operation of materials characterization equipment, Sample preparation techniques, Basic data collection and instrument best practices
Construct, adapt, or modify specialized laboratory setups or fixtures to support instructional experiments
Serve as the primary contact for teaching-lab-related issues, including troubleshooting, scheduling conflicts, and resolution of operational challenges
Work closely with faculty, advisors, and academic support staff to facilitate student success in laboratory-based courses
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
2+ years of related experience in lab management
Excellent organizational, time management, and verbal and written communication skills
Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Attention to detail; ability to be proactive and take initiative
Ability to work in a collaborative environment
Excellent analytical skills
Knowledge of analytical laboratory equipment
Preferred
Experience working with engineering or materials science students and faculty in instructional and research laboratory environments
Experience managing laboratory logistics, including inventory control, purchasing, vendor coordination, service contracts, and maintenance schedules
Experience with laboratory safety programs, including chemical hygiene plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), hazard assessments, and safety training
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-use labs simultaneously
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, schematics, and equipment documentation
Proficiency with computer software and hardware, including instrument control software, data acquisition systems, and standard productivity tools
Knowledge of safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, including solvents, polymers, nanomaterials, powders, and compressed gases
Strong hands-on ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and coordinate repair of scientific instruments and lab infrastructure (mechanical, electrical, vacuum, and software-related issues)
Proficiency in operating and supporting materials science laboratory equipment, such as: X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and sample preparation tools, Thermal and thermophysical characterization instruments (DSC, TGA, DMA, thermal conductivity systems), Mechanical testing systems (tensile, compression, DMA), Surface and structural characterization tools (profilometry, optical microscopy)
Familiarity with chemical laboratory infrastructure, including: Fume hoods, glove boxes (inert atmosphere systems), gas delivery systems, and vacuum systems, Chemical storage, waste handling, and environmental health & safety (EHS) compliance
Company
Rice University
Rice University is a private research university that focuses on providing undergraduate education services.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Rice University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (113)
2024 (81)
2023 (71)
2022 (65)
2021 (82)
2020 (86)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$80.9MKey Investors
National Heart, Lung and Blood InstituteAdvanced Research Projects Agency for HealthUS Department of Energy
2024-09-19Grant
2024-08-13Grant· $18M
2023-07-27Grant
Leadership Team
Ken Medlock
James A Baker III and Susan G Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics
Kyle Judah
Executive Director, Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Lilie)
Recent News
2026-01-19
2026-01-17
2026-01-16
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