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 sta