Deputy Director of Laboratory Operations (Biology & El Centro) and Science Safety

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary:

Serves as the Deputy Director for safety programs within the College of Arts and Sciences, providing executive-level leadership, direction, and oversight for laboratory environments, and for laboratory operations across a broad range of scientific disciplines within the Biology Department and STEM programs at the El Centro campus.

Functions as the senior authority responsible for the strategic direction, administration, and performance of laboratory operations across these multiple sites. Ensures the integration of safety, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and resource stewardship in support of the College’s instructional and research mission.

Establishes, implements, and creates systems to enforce comprehensive policies, systems, and operational frameworks governing laboratory safety compliance and research support infrastructure. Ensures alignment with institutional priorities and adherence to all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Provides high-level expertise and authoritative guidance in laboratory operations, safety compliance, and technical infrastructure. Applies advanced knowledge of experimental design, laboratory technologies, regulatory frameworks, and data systems to guide decision-making, resolve complex issues, and enhance operational effectiveness. Provides oversight of inventory systems, equipment lifecycle management, and resource utilization to ensure operational effectiveness and accountability.

Ensures and executes the effective coordination, preparation, and technical support of laboratory activities across instructional and research programs in the Department of Biology and for STEM courses at El Centro. Includes strategic oversight and implementation of laboratory preparation, including equipment readiness, materials preparation, and technical infrastructure necessary to support a broad range of laboratory disciplines.

Job Description:

LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION:

• Provides executive leadership and administrative direction for laboratory operations and safety programs across the College of Arts and Sciences, encompassing instructional and research  laboratories in multiple departments and locations.

• Establishes a structure for providing guidance and enforcing safety protocols for operational standards that ensure consistency, effectiveness, and full regulatory compliance across all  laboratory environments.

• Sets strategic priorities, defines performance expectations, and ensures accountability for outcomes related to laboratory operations, safety compliance, and support services.

• Develops and executes the laboratory preparation and technical support, including standardized systems and processes for gathering course and research preparation requirements.  Coordinates weekly preparation workflows while ensuring readiness of materials, equipment, and specialized environments across multiple laboratory locations.

• Oversees the development and administration of comprehensive laboratory safety programs, including standard operating procedures, compliance frameworks, training systems, hazard assessments, and incident response protocols.

• Ensures institutional compliance with all applicable safety and environmental regulations, including oversight of hazardous and infectious waste management and the annual review and  implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP).

• Exercises independent judgment in addressing complex operational, technical, and regulatory  challenges, and drives continuous improvement in laboratory practices, infrastructure, and  service delivery.

TRAINING AND SUPERVISION:

• Provides leadership and oversight for all personnel functions within assigned laboratory operations, including supervision of the Natural Sciences Technical Assistant in the Biology  Department and student employees.

• Exercises authority in staffing decisions, including recruitment, selection, training, performance management, and professional development, ensuring effective utilization of human resources.

• Establishes and enforces training standards and requirements for laboratory operations and safety compliance, ensuring the development and delivery of comprehensive training programs  and technical instruction.

• Maintains technical standards for laboratory preparation activities, including best practices for experimental setup, equipment operation and calibration, reagent preparation, aseptic technique, tissues and cultures, preserved specimens, hazardous materials handling, and quality assurance procedures.

• Directs workflow planning, staff assignments, and operational coordination to meet programmatic demands and institutional priorities.

• Fosters a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement through effective leadership, communication, and performance oversight.

• Leads and administers laboratory operations meetings and Science Safety Committee activities, ensuring alignment, coordination, and effective decision-making.

FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:

• Directs and oversees financial and resource management activities for laboratory operations, including budget development, expenditure control, and strategic allocation of resources.

• Oversees procurement and lifecycle management of specialized laboratory equipment, supplies, materials, and technical resources required for instructional and research laboratory  preparation across a broad range of wet lab and fieldwork needs.

• Establishes budget priorities, monitors financial performance, and authorizes expenditures to ensure alignment with programmatic objectives and institutional guidelines.

• Directs procurement strategy, vendor engagement, and service contract management to ensure efficient, cost-effective acquisition and maintenance of laboratory resources.

• Provides oversight of inventory systems, equipment lifecycle management, and resource utilization to ensure operational effectiveness and accountability.

• Exercises authority over the allocation and management of student aide and work-study funding in support of laboratory operations.

• Ensures compliance with institutional and State of Illinois inventory control requirements.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND REPRESENTATION:

• Serves as the principal representative for laboratory operations and safety programs within the College of Arts and Sciences, engaging with university leadership and personnel, administrative  units, and external regulatory and oversight agencies.

• Provides expert interpretation of laboratory policies, regulatory requirements, and operational priorities, advising institutional stakeholders and supporting informed decision-making.

• Leads coordination of laboratory-related infrastructure planning, renovation, and space utilization initiatives in collaboration with university partners.

• Serves as the authoritative resource on laboratory safety, compliance standards, and  operational best practices.

• Represents the College in institutional committees and regulatory interactions, including active engagement with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

• Collaborates with programs supporting student research, including the Student Center for Science Engagement, to facilitate laboratory access, technical preparation, and infrastructure.

• Ensures the integrity and accessibility of compliance documentation, safety records, and  operational reporting systems.

OTHER DUTIES:

Performs other related duties as assigned by the Chair or Dean, including participation in strategic initiatives, interdepartmental collaborations, community engagement or other events, student-focused activities, and, in exceptional circumstances, instructional support.

Minimal Qualifications:

1. Eleven (11) years of progressively responsible management work experience in a private or governmental organization:

A. Eight (8) years in the area of designated specialization required by the position

AND

B. Three (3) years supervising the work of a professional staff or process within the designated specialization

• Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for the above three (3) years non-specialized experience requirement

• Master’s degree may be substituted for one (1) year specialized work experience

Hours: Full-Time (37.5 hours per week). The weekly schedule will vary and may include occasional evenings or weekend times needed.

Location: NEIU Main Campus (Requires travel to all NEIU campuses).

Setting: In Office (No permanent or full-time work from home is available).

This position requires a background check.

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Salary Range

$85,000 - $94,000‎

Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.