Instructional Lab Manager - College of Architecture and Design

Summary The lab manager position is responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of the multidisciplinary fabrication and research lab, ensuring a safe, efficient, and collaborative working environment. Working under the guidance of the Director, the manager develops and implements strategies, protocols, and guidelines that shape how the lab engages with research faculty, students, staff, and industry partners. The lab manager serves as a central point of coordination between the strategic planning, development, and agenda of the facility, and the daily implementation of those strategies and goals within the lab. The lab manager helps to identify evolving facility needs that support the pedagogical goals of the facility, while ensuring alignment with institutional and industry safety standards. Through effective leadership, communication, and operational stewardship, the lab manager strengthens the lab’s capabilities and impact. Job Responsibilities Oversee the day-to-day operations of the lab, ensuring a safe, orderly, and well-functioning laboratory environment that supports high-quality research, teaching, and industry collaboration. Oversee the use of the facility and highly technical equipment—3‑axis CNC milling, laser cutting, 3D printing, vacuum forming, etc.—in addition to more conventional wood and metal fabrication equipment. Coordinate lab services and interfaces with research faculty, students, and external partners to support instructional and research activities. Develop and implement the procedures and guidelines for lab use, including tutorials and training programs for faculty, students and staff. Inspect, repair, and manage the repair or replacement of equipment; coordinate work requests with Facility Services, outside contractors and other vendors; and develop routine and preventative maintenance plans. Assess, evaluate, and mitigate the risks of the facility and its operation to ensure compliance with university, local, and state standards and regulations; maintain records, incident and accident reports, and follow‑ups. Lead coordination and response to emergencies within the lab in coordination with the university’s Police Department, Fire Marshall, and the Environmental Health and Safety Department; execute and update safety drills and continuity plans. Recruit, select, and supervise lab staff, assigning work, monitoring performance, conducting evaluations, and promoting a culture of excellence, professionalism, safety and accountability. Conduct needs assessments and recommend improvements to the lab’s Director to enhance lab capabilities and user experience. Coordinate and oversee the purchasing of lab supplies, materials, and equipment. Ensure effective communication across lab operations and support the lab’s Director in strategic initiatives, long‑term planning, and administrative processes. Perform other job‑related duties as required. Qualifications MQ: Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge is normally obtained through a formal, directly job‑related 4‑year degree from a college or university or an equivalent in‑depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed. Requires a minimum of three (3) years of directly job‑related experience. Experience will be considered in lieu of education. Education will be considered in lieu of experience. Environmental Conditions Work involves moderate exposure (several times a month for up to approximately 2 hours at a time) to unpleasant elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, chemicals, etc. May involve routine exposure to soiled materials and light chemical substances such as cleaning solutions. Physical Effort: Position requires moderate physical activity. Requires handling average‑weight objects up to 25 pounds, standing and/or walking for long periods of time (more than 4 hours per day). Physical Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to physical risks that require following basic safety precautions. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. All positions at the University of Houston‑System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr