Laboratory Operations Manager

Laboratory Operations Manager

Job no: 510238

Position type: Full-Time 12-Month

Department: 038400 - Physics & Astronomy

Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS

Categories: Professional

Position Open Date: Feb 27 2026


Position Function:

Supervise Physics' shop, utilize shop for building and repairing laboratory equipment, order undergraduate laboratory supplies and equipment, keep departmental inventory up to date and coordinate equipment purchasing, building contact person to include key inventory and access maintenance, and building safety oversight.

Salary Grade : 14

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.


Department Profile:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers BS, MS, and PhD Degrees. The Department has a high service load for other majors both within the College of Arts and Sciences and from other Colleges.

Area of Specialization:

Physics, Engineering, Tool & Die, Shop Supervision/Coordination

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Oversee use of the Physics Shop which includes:
a. Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
b. Perform preventative and general maintenance on tools and equipment. This entails set up, operation, repair, and calibration of machining tools such as drill presses, saws, milling machines, etc
c. Enforce physics and university safety policies on all users of the machine shop. Limit and control access to the machine shop as necessary.
2. Assist with the research and advanced undergraduate laboratories:
a. Participate in discussions with researchers and students to propose designs of various experimental apparatus, amending the designs as needed, and fabricating parts.
b. Supervised undergraduate and graduate students working on their projects in the physics shop.
3. Assist with the introductory undergraduate teaching laboratories:
a. Maintenance of equipment and software.
b. Utilize shop for building and repairing laboratory equipment.
c. Purchase new equipment, computers, and software as needed.
d. Maintain a laboratory safety manual.
4. Maintain the departmental property inventory records:
a. Ensure that inventory stickers are placed on new equipment
b. Conduct yearly inventory audits.
c. Keep detailed records on all inventory hand receipts.
5. Attend university workshops that are pertinent to job duties. Examples: internal audit, property control, procurement card, etc.
6. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in a relevant field or an associate degree and a minimum of five years of relevant experience or a minimum of 10 years of relevant shop and supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

A pertinent bachelor's degree and relevant shop experience.
-OR-
An associate degree in machine shop operations, tool and die technology, and/or related program with five years' experience.
-OR-
Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by MSU's department of human resources management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to multitask and/or prioritize tasks assigned
Knowledge of machine shop operations

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

- Work is typically performed in a standard indoor office environment.
- Duties may occasionally involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, including extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
- The position frequently requires standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
- The position occasionally requires sitting, climbing or balancing, and lifting more than 50 lbs.
- Workload may be affected by externally imposed deadlines and requirements beyond one's control. Interruptions may influence priorities, and the nature or volume of work can be difficult to predict with certainty beyond a few days.
- Responsibilities may involve conflict resolution or similar interactions that include emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
- Vision Requirements: Ability to view and interpret information in print and/or electronic formats.

Instructions for Applying:

The candidate must apply at and attach a current cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and the complete contact information for at least three personal references.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, View phone number on click.appcast.io.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Advertised: Feb 27 2026 Central Standard Time

Applications close:


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