Job Description
Req Id:  39069
Job Title:  Laboratory Operations Specialist
City:  West Lafayette
Job Description: 

Job Summary

Administer and manage teaching and research laboratory operations in the materials area of the School of Civil Engineering. Serve as Safety Officer for the materials laboratories. Assist in the development and implementation of research projects involving laboratory and field experimental work.

 

This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Collaborate with faculty and teaching assistants to prepare laboratories for instruction, and assume responsibility for maintenance of equipment and facilities.
  • Assist in the development of new laboratory assignments in partnership with faculty.
  • Coordinate laboratory use among different groups to ensure efficient scheduling and access.
  • Provide training on specialized equipment as needed to support both teaching and research activities.
  • Ensure that all equipment and resources are fully operational and available for use.
  • Conduct laboratory sessions and provide instruction as needed.
  • Serve as a laboratory representative to external constituencies when required.
  • Collaborate with faculty to maintain research laboratory equipment and facilities.
  • Manage inventories of research equipment and supplies.
  • Work with faculty members and students on the development, planning, and execution of research projects involving experimental studies in both laboratory and field settings.
  • Supervise data collection and develop or modify software for data control and acquisition.
  • Serve as Safety Officer and monitor safety practices for the materials area in the School of Civil Engineering.
  • Supervise laboratory responses regarding compliance with safety regulations and preparation for safety audits.
  • Assess and correct safety problems and violations.
  • Responsible for obtaining and maintaining laboratory certification and training in safe and appropriate use of equipment.
  • Manage the laboratory budget, including procurement of equipment and supplies.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of teaching and research laboratories.
  • Provide support to student organizations on special projects (e.g., ASCE, Chi Epsilon, etc.) as needed.

About Us:

The Lyles School of Construction and Civil Engineering at Purdue University strives to advance civil engineering learning, discovery, and engagement in fulfillment of the Land Grant promise and the evolving responsibility of a global university.

 

For the past several years, we have been consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 10 civil engineering undergraduate and graduate programs in the country. We are justifiably proud of our past accomplishments; prouder still of the hard work, dedication, and academic rigor it took to get us to this point.  But we are striving to improve further.  While our accomplishments, not to mention our graduates, have been exemplary, we will not merely reflect on the past but continue to make civil engineering history.  We are committed to leading the civil engineering profession and to be the most sought-after civil engineering program in the country.

 

For more information about our department, please visit: https://engineering.purdue.edu/CE

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related science field
  • Two (2) years of related work experience
  • Equivilant combinations of education and experience will be considered

 

Skills needed:

  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Proficient with computers and capable of making informed decisions regarding equipment purchases and activity scheduling
  • Able to learn independently and manage time effectively
  • Possess basic technical competence in troubleshooting one or more of the following systems commonly encountered in a laboratory setting: mechanical, electrical, electronic, or data acquisition systems
  • LIGHT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Lift and carry 10 to 25 lbs. frequently, and up to 40 lbs. occasionally
  • Exposure to fumes/vapors, odors, dust and gases
  • Exposure to heavy machinery, biologicals and/or chemicals, noise, grease and oils, and lasers

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Additional Information:

  • Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period
  • Purdue University is an EO/EA University

Career Stream

Compensation Information:
Professional 2
Pay Band S065
Job Code#20003177
 
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

FLSA Status

Exempt
Posting Start Date:  10/1/25