Senior Chemical and Biological Engineer for Active Learning

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Senior Chemical and Biological Lab Engineer to support active learning and laboratory-based engineering education. This position plays a central role in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of hands-on instructional laboratories in chemical, environmental, and biological engineering, and related interdisciplinary fields. The Lab Engineer will support a range of course-based laboratories and student design projects, ensuring safe, effective, and engaging experimental learning experiences. This role requires strong technical expertise, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to student-centered, experiential learning in a collaborative academic environment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Instructional Support

• Support hands-on laboratory instruction across environmental engineering, biological engineering, and engineering science courses.
• Assist in laboratory modules including electrochemistry, bacterial and mammalian cell biology, fluid dynamics and Microfluidics, and related experimental systems.
• Collaborate with faculty and instructional staff in the design, development, and implementation of laboratory exercises and new course materials.
• Provide technical instruction, supervision, and guidance to students during laboratory sessions and project work.
• Support student-led design projects, including capstone and interdisciplinary applied science and engineering projects.

Program Development & Collaboration

• Collaborate with faculty and engineering staff across disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, computational, environmental, and biological engineering.
• Contribute to the development of new laboratory platforms and instructional technologies that support active learning pedagogy.
• Support documentation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement of laboratory systems and teaching practices.
• Participate in efforts to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of experiential learning environments.

Laboratory Operations & Maintenance

• Maintain safe, efficient operation of biological and environmental engineering teaching laboratories.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and documentation of wet laboratory equipment.
• Coordinate procurement of supplies, reagents, and equipment, including vendor communication and order management.
• Maintain accurate inventory systems and ensure availability of laboratory materials and consumables.
• Support hazardous materials handling, including storage, labeling, waste disposal, and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and readiness of laboratory spaces.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong culture of safety, responsibility, and best practices in all laboratory environments.
• Lead laboratory safety trainings and orientations for students, teaching staff, and other users of wet laboratory spaces. Ensure researchers, faculty, and students are trained and oriented to the protocols and best practices related to space, equipment, and instruments/systems.
• Monitor and ensure laboratory safety compliance, and compliance with university policies, procedures, and applicable legal rules and regulations. Escalate violations t