Job Details

Director of Laboratory Operations

The Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory (AASL) at The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Director of Laboratory Operations.

Position Summary:

The Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory (AASL) is an integral component of the education, research, and extension missions of the Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences. The AASL provides testing for agricultural and environmental samples, including soil, soilless media, manure, biosolids, compost, plant tissue, and water. The AASL is accredited for environmental and drinking water testing by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. In cooperation with Penn State Extension, the laboratory provides unbiased, evidence-based interpretation of analytical results and resource management recommendations.

The Director of Laboratory Operations will provide leadership and expertise in agricultural and environmental analytical testing; research, develop, and validate new analytical methods; maintain rigorous quality control systems; develop and administer laboratory budgets; manage laboratory personnel; manage analytical instrumentation, equipment, and facilities maintenance; and maintain strong collaborative relationships with research, education, and extension programs in the College.

Responsibilities

• Participate in local, regional, and national outreach activities; serve on committees and participate in programs to standardize methods and improve the quality of analytical testing.


• Research and develop new procedures and analytical methods for analyzing agricultural and environmental samples to improve the accuracy and precision of analytical results, improve the efficiency of laboratory operations, and reduce the generation of hazardous waste.


• Develop and maintain analytical quality control systems; ensure laboratory meets requirements to maintain Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection accreditation; responsible for writing and updating the laboratory Quality Assurance Manual and Standard Operating Procedures Manual.


• Evaluate and procure laboratory instrumentation and oversee its operation, maintenance, and repair; train personnel to use advanced instrumentation; design or modify laboratory apparatus to improve efficiency.


• Develop, maintain, and upgrade the laboratory information management system as needed to improve the efficient transmission of data and quality control documentation.


• Provide staff with a well-structured framework to efficiently manage workflow to deliver the diversity of services offered by the AASL.


• Foster growth and development among staff by encouraging critical thinking and accountability.


• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and cooperative extension personnel to develop and implement new analytical services that incorporate research-based recommendations supporting the College of Agricultural Sciences research and cooperative extension programs.


• Assist graduate students, faculty, and staff in selecting appropriate analytical methods.

Experience and Education

Minimum requirements for this position include a master's degree, 10+ years of relevant experience including 3+ years of supervisory experience. Preferred fields of study include soil science, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field (or equivalent knowledge and experience), with a minimum of 24 credit hours in chemistry. Preference will be given to candidates with a Ph.D. in agricultural or environmental science or related fields and laboratory experience with soil and agricultural samples. Minimum of 5 years of experience in testing environmental or drinking water samples and proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and relational databases such as FileMaker or MS Access are required.

Application Information

Qualified applicants are invited to apply. Please submit a cover letter summarizing your training and relevant experience, a current resume, and contact information for three professional references. Inquiries about the position can be addressed to the search committee chair, John Spargo, ...@psu.edu. Review of application packets will begin on February 28, 2025, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

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