Research Laboratory Manager

JOB SUMMARY:
This position leads applied and fundamental research and industry service projects while managing undergraduate and graduate students and delivering project outcomes. It coordinates transport package testing for industry partners, including test planning, proposal development, specialized equipment operation, testing, professional reports, peer-reviewed papers, and conference presentations. The role maintains the Clemson Package Dynamics Laboratory (CPDL), develops safety procedures with Clemson University Occupational and Environmental Safety, and ensures the laboratory supports safe, efficient research, teaching, and industry service. It trains lab assistants and interns and provides technical support to graduate students and faculty. The position also trains graduate teaching assistants and oversees undergraduate laboratory instruction, with primary responsibility for a multi-section, packaging dynamics lab course. Additional duties include maintaining student and graduate teaching assistant lab manuals, organizing graduate teaching assistant training, assisting with laboratory teaching, and serving as a guest speaker in other packaging science courses.

JOB DUTIES:
20% - Undergraduate laboratory support: Train graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) to deliver undergraduate laboratory courses in the CPDL, with primary responsibility for the multi-section PKSC 4540 laboratory course. Organize and conduct a multi-day GTA boot camp for graduate student training at the start of the semester. Maintain course materials, including the student and GTA lab manuals. Assist with undergraduate laboratory instruction and serve as a guest speaker in courses such as PKSC 4400.

20% - Laboratory Operations: Partner with CU Occupational and Environmental Safety to develop laboratory-specific safety regulations and maintain a safe laboratory environment. Train lab assistants and interns in proper equipment use and safety procedures. Ensure staff compliance, mentor laboratory student staff, and address performance issues, including disciplinary action when needed. Provide training and technical support to graduate students and faculty conducting research in the Clemson Package Dynamics Laboratory (CPDL). Maintain the CPDL as a safe, clean, organized, and efficient environment for research, teaching, and industry service. Operate, maintain, and repair complex scientific equipment. Conduct laboratory tours and demonstrations.

60% - Research and service: Manage undergraduate and graduate students working on applied and fundamental research and industry service projects. Operate specialized equipment to evaluate and test products, packaged products, and packaging materials. Generate detailed professional reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and conference presentations. Serve as the primary contact for industry partners seeking to use the department’s facilities for transport package testing. Develop test plans and research proposals, coordinate and conduct testing, and deliver project outputs. Develop marketing strategies to expand the industry testing business.

JOB CODE:
ED70

EMPLOYEE TYPE:
Time-Limited (TLP) Staff

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology, microbiology, biochemistry or a closely related field and relevant experience in a clinical or research laboratory environment.

Preferred Requirements:

Master's Degree

RESPONSIBILITIES:

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervises Student workers only

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: %
Extends hands or arms in any direction: %
Move, transport, raise or lower 30lbs or less: %
Recognize or inspect visually: %
Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: %
Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl): %
Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder): %
Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.: %
Walk or move about: %
Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: %
Stand for Prolonged Period: %

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Overnight travel: %
Mechanical hazards: %
Vibration: %
Noise: %
Exposure to heat or cold: %

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours:
37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Expected Salary Range
70000 - 80000
Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:
Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives, and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:
Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
November 9, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

Military Equivalency : Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [email protected] with any questions or issues.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.