Laboratory Director

About This Role

K-State Olathe is looking for a well-qualified individual to lead the LEAPS core facility operations by managing an advanced analytical laboratory, developing client-focused testing and research solutions, and supporting education, collaboration, and future staff growth at K-State Olathe. The Laboratory for Experimental Analytics & Platform Systems (LEAPS) is a newly established core facility at Kansas State University Olathe campus designed to support applied research, industry collaboration, and workforce development through chemical analytical science. LEAPS will provide access to advanced analytical platforms and scientific expertise for academic researchers, industry partners, and other clients seeking solutions in a variety of fields.

In this role, the LEAPS Director will build the LEAPS facility and then provide scientific, operational, and instructional leadership at K-State Olathe. This staff position will promote and advance the mission, goals, and objectives of the LEAPS program by developing laboratory capabilities, supporting applied research and technical service activities, strengthening partnerships with academic and industry clients, and expanding opportunities for workforce development in analytical science. The position manages day-to-day laboratory operations; ensures compliance with safety, quality, and documentation standards; supports installation, operation, and troubleshooting of scientific instrumentation; collaborates with academic and industry clients on fee-for-service testing, method development, and applied research projects; and has the opportunity to contribute to workforce development through technical education and training in analytical chemistry.

About Us

Kansas State University Olathe, founded in 2011, is the newest campus in the K-State system and serves Johnson County and the Greater Kansas City region. As a partner in the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle, the campus supports higher education through a unique local investment. K-State Olathe focuses on industry-ready education, professional development, applied research, and regional workforce needs, with programs and partnerships in areas such as food science, animal health, advanced manufacturing, supply chain, community health, and food as medicine. Through academic programs, professional workshops, research facilities, and event space, the campus connects students, professionals, businesses, and community partners to education and innovation that create real-world impact.

Worksite Description

This position is Hybrid eligible . This position is hybrid eligible; however, we require the first 90 days to be 100% on-site to allow for training and onboarding. After that period, hybrid eligibility will be discussed with the supervisor. It is important to note that when duties require in-person attendance, this position requires a commitment to being in the office.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience.
• Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager.
• The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced theoretical knowledge, specialized methodologies and critical problem-solving skills essential for managing complex research operations and ensuring regulatory compliance. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in chemistry, clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or a closely related field from an accredited institution with 5+ years of directly relevant experience OR PhD in analytical chemistry or a related field with 3+ years of directly related experience
• Documented experience in collaborative projects in academic, industry, clinical, or laboratory settings
• Experience with electronic document management software
• Familiarity with compliance requirements related to laboratory-developed tests
• Experience teaching, training, or delivering technical content in professional education, workforce development, or academic settings
• Experience in staff development and mentoring
• Strong interpersonal communication, customer service, and conflict management skills
• Ability to write clear and understandable technical procedures
• Ability to compile and critically analyze information and then effectively communicate findings
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and solve problems in a complex laboratory environment
• Ability to effectively implement process changes in a complex environment
• Excellent work ethic and attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and reassess priorities as needs change
• Ability to manage change and conflict effectively in the workplace
• Commitment to safe laboratory practices and high-quality service
• Strong organizational skills and ability to lead under pressure

Additional Role Information and Specific Job Responsibilities:

1. Laboratory and Technical Operations (70%)

1. Manage daily operations of the LEAPS core laboratory, including workflow coordination, laboratory safety, compliance, documentation, and quality practices.
2. Manage laboratory inventory, purchasing, equipment service needs, and budget-related functions.
3. Operate, adapt, install, maintain, and troubleshoot scientific equipment used in research and analytical laboratories.
4. Develop, optimize, validate, and implement analytical methods using GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-HRMS, and related analytical lab platforms for a variety of sample inputs including (but not limited to) food, pet food, veterinary related testing, wastewater, and biological sample analysis.
5. Analyze and interpret data; prepare reports, data visualizations, technical procedures, and client-facing summaries of results.
6. Support the future growth of LEAPS staffing by assisting with the onboarding, training, and day-to-day direction of laboratory support personnel as testing volume and funded research activity expand.
7. Collaborate with academic researchers, industry partners, and other clients to assess analytical needs and provide testing or method development through testing and evaluation projects and/or research collaborations.

1. Educational Content Development and Delivery (20%)  

1. Develop, update, and refine technical course content, lab-based learning experiences, and instructional materials in analytical chemistry, with emphasis on sample preparation, chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
2. Collaborate with Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) on curriculum development for workforce development and professional education programs in lab analytical methods and quality control.
3. Deliver course content in PCE programs and/or academic credit programs.

1. Engagement Efforts (10%)  

1. Work with the Kansas State University Director of Strategic Communications for the Office of the Vice President of Research to maximize effectiveness of marketing tools, including the center’s website, social media marketing, newsletter, and email marketing for laboratory/technical operations and educational programming.  
2. Recommend appropriate analytical approaches and support continuous improvement of shared laboratory capabilities and services through interaction with the Kansas State University Director of Core Facilities and the core facility network.
3. Collaborate with industry partners to identify guest speakers for technical and professional education content delivery.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter indicating your qualifications and interest in the position
• Resume
• Three professional references with email address and telephone number

Application Window

Applications close on August 30, 2026. Applications will start being reviewed on or after the close date. 

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$115,000 - $120,000