Instructional Lab Manager at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

Position Summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking an experienced Instructional Lab Manager to provide specialized instructional laboratory technical services and support to faculty and students. The Instructional Lab Manager will be responsible for managing the operational, instructional, and administrative activities in teaching laboratories as well as providing technical support in the design and fabrication of experimental hardware.

The Instructional Lab Manager will also provide course instruction on the operation of a wide variety of manual and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools, manual and power hand tools, metrology, wood shop tools and machinery, metal machining (including manual and CNC milling and turning), and welding. The Instructional Lab Manager will administer written and practical exams to evaluate student proficiency and knowledge of safety protocols.

This position requires extensive experience with a variety of machine shop tools and equipment, experience in reading schematics /blueprints and the ability to interpret an end product from an idea. The ideal candidate will have the ability to collaborate with faculty to support and enhance the education of mechanical engineering students.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
  
  
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted.
  
  
• 2+ years of related experience in lab management

• Excellent organizational, time management, and verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Attention to detail; ability to be proactive, take initiative.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent analytical skills
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment operation and maintenance

• Proficiency in operating a variety of machine shop tools and equipment including waterjet cutter, laser cutter, CNC, and similar equipment.
• Proficiency in operating modern additive manufacturing equipment, such as 3-D printers, etc.
• Operate basic and advanced inspection equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and dial indicators.
• Ability to operate diagnostic equipment and interpret results.
• Proficiency in operating computer software applications and familiarity with computer hardware, and electrical monitors
• Knowledge of welding techniques
• Ability to diagnose malfunctions and determine corrective actions.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting schematics, blueprints, and manuals
• Knowledge of internal combustion engines, drive trains, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, and electrical systems
• Experience with engineering materials including ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, plastics, wood, thermosetting resins, and occasionally ceramic materials.
• Strong visualization skills to interpret an end product from an idea.
• Knowledge of safe handling and disposal methods for hazardous materials

• Manages laboratory spaces and oversees laboratory equipment set-up, operation, and maintenance
• Coordinates the long term and oversees the day-to-day technical laboratory operations
• Manages and updates procedures and processes
• Manages laboratory budget
• Procures materials and supplies for the laboratory
• Oversees and promotes lab safety and routine laboratory hygiene
• Maintains laboratory apparatus and equipment
• Oversight of research staff and students in the lab
• Performs all other duties as assigned

• Manage the operational, instructional, and administrative activities in departmental laboratory teaching programs
• Organize and maintain all instructional lab facilities, ensuring they are in orderly, operable condition at all times, and in compliance with health and safety standards
• Program, operate, and maintain CNC and manual machining equipment, including developing programs for controlling various machines using \"G code\" and CAD/CAM software
• Construct or adapt specialized lab equipment to meet specific instruction or experimental needs
• Aid in specifying experimental equipment, computer parts, measurement systems, etc.
• Diagnose problems, and facilitate repair or replacement of all equipment in the instructional labs including fabrication equipment, computer workstations, and other specialized devices and apparatus used for instruction
• Enforce safety requirements and safe use of equipment, materials and supplies
• Provide instruction in undergraduate laboratory courses on basic-level operational techniques for machining tools and fabrication equipment, including selection of proper tooling, speeds, and feeds for material removal on complex, tight tolerance components
• Instruct students on the use of Solidworks or similar software packages, emphasizing design for manufacturing (DFM)
• Work closely with faculty, staff, and students to fabricate unique parts and equipment by providing design support related to design for manufacturing (materials, tolerances, and features), reviewing CAD models, and recommending design changes, as needed
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all teaching-lab-related issues, including mediation and resolution of problems, as needed
• Work closely with faculty members, advisors, and other student service offices to address the individual needs of all students and facilitate student success

The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 of undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff and students in an inclusive environment

We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Rice University HR | Benefits

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.