Lab Operations Coordinator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Lab Coordinator I/II oversees and coordinates the daily operations, maintenance, and technical support of bioengineering laboratory facilities, equipment, instrumentation, and technologies. The position ensures safe, efficient, and effective laboratory support for instructional and research activities by coordinating resources, supplies, safety procedures, and technical operations. This position supports laboratory system design, development, operation, and maintenance while providing technical guidance to faculty, staff, and students in accordance with institutional policies and applicable safety guidelines.
FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Coordinates day-to-day operations of assigned laboratories. Provides technical leadership to Laboratory Assistants, Laboratory Technicians, and/or student employees.
• Collaborates with faculty members to design and develop lab instruction and teaching materials. Assists faculty in the classroom setting as assigned.
• Prepares and maintains laboratory facilities for teaching instruction. Provides guidance in learning and functional operation of procedures and equipment.
• Conducts audits of safety protocols and emergency response plans. Ensures chemicals are stored in the correct manner according to safety codes, regulations, and best practices. Ensures equipment is operating in a safe manner according to manufacturer specifications.
• Provides training and ensures compliance with the proper usage of laboratory equipment and safe laboratory practices including safe handling and disposal of biohazardous materials, and standard policies and protocols for reporting unusual events.
• Maintains and inspects equipment to ensure optimum calibration and condition.
• Maintains supplies for laboratory courses and replenish stocks of solvents, reagents, solutions, and other necessary items.
• Monitors department budgets including expenditures from supplies and equipment accounts. Researches purchase options, prepares purchase requisitions, and reconciles invoices.
• Assists in the development of the annual operating budget. Makes recommendations for the purchase of new equipment and modifications to or replacement of current equipment.
• Assists in the development of laboratory standard operating procedures, evaluates work processes, contributes to continuous improvement models, and creating short and long term plans.

Other Duties:

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications for Lab Coordinator I:

• This position requires either four years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, or another closely related field appropriate to the position.
• Relevant experience related to the job functions.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Required Qualifications for Lab Coordinator II:

• The position requires either six years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, or another closely related field appropriate to the position, along with two years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Relevant experience related to the job functions.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.
• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory and experimental protocols and procedures.
• Knowledge of inventory control principles and methods.
• Knowledge of applicable safety standards, guidelines, and protocols.
• Knowledge of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Methods, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects within deadlines.
• Ability to maintain records and perform advanced mathematical calculations.
• Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to collaborate with classroom instructors to ensure delivery of a quality laboratory experience to students in a laboratory/classroom setting.
• Ability to deliver effective presentations to large and small audiences.
• Ability to prepare and set-up appropriate laboratory materials and equipment for various laboratory activities.
• Ability to utilize, calibrate, configure and/or troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Able to work an irregular schedule as needed, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate class scheduling.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Lab Coordinator I: Pay Grade 15

Lab Coordinator II: Pay Grade 16

Applicants will be evaluated for roles as either Lab Coordinator I or Lab Coordinator II based on their qualifications.

Applications received by August 10, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.