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Northeastern University

Lab Manager

Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298


This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.JOB SUMMARY:This position is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of laboratory equipment including RF equipment, servers, 3D printers and laser cutters, general machine shop equipment such as screwdrivers, clamps, soldering machinery, and oversight of shared experimental robots and computers. Experience in placing laboratory supply orders and supervising technical repairs and maintenance of equipment is expected. Must oversee supply and service issues, and manage the shared laboratory space and procedures, ensuring the equipment remains functional to multiple users and are organized and stored properly. Serves as primary point of contact for lab users (PIs, research faculty, staff, graduate, and undergraduate students), and provides thorough problem resolution for lab equipment issues. Accountable for training researchers and research staff on lab equipment, including student training. Assures regulatory compliance of laboratory with units such as OSHA, DEA, DOT, and DLAM and act as the institute safety officer. Specific duties include:(1) Materials Procurement and Equipment Maintenance:

Supervise maintenance of laboratories, including planning, ordering equipment and supplies. Place and receive orders and maintain purchase records. Review and evaluate contracts with suppliers and serve as a liaison with sales representatives to ensure best pricing. Oversee equipment maintenance, arrange for necessary minor repairs and work with the Director and Associate Directors on more extensive repairs and/or space issues.(2) Problem Resolution:

Provide problem resolution to faculty, research staff, and students related to the operation of the laboratories. Serve as a liaison between vendors, internal departments, faculty, and lab staff, ensuring problems are resolved in a timely manner. Take ownership of issues and bring them to resolution.(3) Equipment Maintenance and Installation:

May include assembling or installing equipment or parts requiring soldering, wiring, or connecting and configuring, operating, and adjusting electromechanical test equipment in the RF lab. Testing and troubleshooting RF and computing equipment, devices, and manufacturing machines. Follow specific instructions regarding the repair or service of equipment, including maintaining lab safety.(4) Regulatory Compliance:

Assure that shipments meet DOT and other regulations and supervise hazardous waste handling and removal (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, etc.). Respond to accidents and spills and to requests from the institutional safety committees. Ensure that the lab is prepared for inspections by fire departments and other safety inspectors. Ensure safe storage of research materials.(5) Supporting ongoing projects:

This includes: (i) providing safety oversight for electric, robotic, and mechanical projects, (ii) managing data acquisition and storage systems, (iii) troubleshooting issues, (iv) assistance with demonstrations, lab visits, and events, which may include occasional weekend or after-hours assistance.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:A minimum of 3 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Vocational training/technical certification in systems, electrical, mechanical, or similar areas is preferred.This WIoT Lab Technician must demonstrate:(1) Knowledge of testing equipment.(2) Knowledge of RF and computing systems.(3) Knowledge of engineering lab safety best practices.(4) Ability to troubleshoot complex systems.(5) Ability to work with and coordinate with needed offices including environmental health and safety (EHS), facilities, and risk management.(6) Proficiency with MS Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive).KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES:1.) Supporting lab safety by performing tasks that may include: (i) solving technical problems, (ii) maintaining and inspecting lab equipment, (iii) preparing for and supporting inspections by external agencies (e.g., BFD); (iv) coordinating new equipment acquisition and installation; (v) ordering supplies, and (vi) ensuring safe laboratory environments and practices. (60%)2.) Work with the WIoT faculty, researchers, and students, to ensure safe and effective operations in a shared laboratory. Provide project oversight in systems integration, electromechanical systems, software engineering, design, and prototyping. (40%)Position Type:

ResearchAbout the Opportunity:This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

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