Capstone laboratory manager

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Position Description

The Capstone Lab Manager is responsible for the daily operational management, staff leadership, safety compliance, instructional readiness, and training delivery within the biotechnology instructional and workforce development laboratories. This role prioritizes the management and development of lab staff and interns alongside the creation and implementation of comprehensive laboratory training protocols. The Capstone Lab Manager supports faculty, students, and workforce partners by overseeing bioprocessing labs, equipment maintenance, and safety program administration while directly ensuring instructional readiness across lab spaces. Performs other job-related duties as assigned in support of the College's goals and core values.

Responsibilities and Duties (*Essential Functions)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

• * Supervises, mentors, and manages laboratory staff and interns.
• * Leads the onboarding and continuous training of personnel on laboratory operations, equipment use, and safety protocols.
• * Supports training activities and delivers content to students and industry workforce clients as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in select biotechnology topics (e.g., Upstream Processing, Downstream Processing, Micropipetting, Aseptic Processing, and Validation).
• * Oversees daily biotechnology instructional lab spaces, including fermentation, purification, cleanrooms. Coordinates lab staging, material preparation, and teardown.
• * Directs the purchasing, installation, maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and decommissioning of lab hardware (e.g., bioreactors, chromatography systems, HPLC, centrifuges, and autoclaves).
• * Serves as the primary laboratory safety and chemical hygiene administrator.
• * Manages laboratory inventory, tracks consumables, and handles procurement requests via E-Procurement software.
• * Represents the program at industry-related conferences and meetings with external stakeholders or corporate clients. Collaborates with vendors to support procurement decision-making.
• * Works closely with Wake Tech Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to develop, enforce, and coordinate laboratory safety, biosafety (BSL-1), and chemical hygiene plans.
• * Contributes to future facility expansions, upgrades, and technology integration.
• * Hosts tours of the Capstone Center and coordinates events.

Qualifications Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Generalized knowledge of biomanufacturing, microbiology, aseptic processing, or analytical laboratory techniques through education or experience.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Organized and detail-oriented with commitment to maintaining 5S laboratory standards.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across multiple campus environments.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds, bend, stretch, and stand for extended periods.
• Understanding of regulatory agencies, such as OSHA and EPA; processes for maintaining SDS and SOPs for safe handling and in compliance with the College’s chemical hygiene plan.

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Engineering, or a related life sciences discipline.
• Three (3) years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience in a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, industrial, or academic training setting. Relevant Life Sciences and Chemistry laboratory experience will be considered. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant life sciences field.
• Prior experience in teaching, formal instructional training, or mentoring lab personnel and interns.
• Proficiency with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) equipment and bioprocess software.
• OSHA 10 or 30 certification or equivalent formal safety training.
• Supervisory experience.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, Wake Tech values our workforce. Wake Tech is committed to reaching students in every part of Wake County and rallying around them to go as far as their dreams, talents and resilience will take them. As an institution of higher education, we are committed to valuing the unique experiences of the Wake Tech community. We strive to be self-reflective of the kind of student body we represent and the culture we are building, and we care deeply about supporting each employee's professional growth.