Laboratory Coordinator, Forensic Science

JOB SUMMARY

The Laboratory Coordinator of Forensic Science manages the forensic science lab(s) and provides essential support to instructors to ensure excellent educational opportunities for undergraduate forensic science majors and other students taking forensic science to fulfill a science requirement. This position maintains lab compliance and specified course requirements for an FEPAC-accredited degree program, supports courses required for Arts and Sciences students, and mentors and advises undergraduate students in the forensic science program. The Laboratory Coordinator coordinates with instructors and oversees daily operations for forensic science laboratory courses, including curriculum development, teaching, lab preparation, and grading undergraduate and graduate assistants, as well as enrolled students. This position ensures a safe chemical environment by adhering to forensic science and University safety protocols, maintaining an organized and well-stocked chemical stockroom, frequently inventorying supplies, preparing accurate stock solutions, ensuring proper chemical storage, processing waste, and assisting instructors with administrative work. The position also supports the Program Director/Department Chair by assisting with administrative duties, representing the University professionally, handling technical matters under limited supervision, and collaborating with administrative staff to manage day-to-day office and lab activities, department events, and the needs of faculty and students.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the forensic science labs and instrumentation including inventory/ordering of supplies, troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment, coordinating and assisting in research projects, preparation of labs for instructors, providing support for instructors during lab, and other lab related tasks as needed
• Mentors and advises undergraduate forensic science major and minors including processing new students, assisting with scheduling of classes, and other student related issues
• Coordinates the activities of projects and programs within the program and between programs; engages with the general public by participating in recruitment efforts, giving presentations, and participating in events on and off campus
• Prepares purchase requisitions; serves as liaison/facilitator between departments, faculty and staff, and other SLU divisions; assists with hiring and employment processing of new department personnel; manages student workers and student lab assistants
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of forensic science laboratory equipment, instrumentation, terminology, and techniques
• Knowledge of quality assurance standards and safety standards for laboratories
• Knowledge of administrative procedures and systems such as word processing and excel, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology
• Knowledge of operation of a computer and assigned software
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to provide support and technical assistance to internal and external constituents
• Ability to maintain accurate and confidential files and records
• Ability to meet scheduled deadlines
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Ability to work independently with little direction
• Ability to conduct research and compile reports
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in forensic science or a related field
• Experience working in a forensic science laboratory or field work setting