Edtech.com's Summary

Harvard University is hiring a Senior Chemical and Biological Engineer for Active Learning to support hands-on instructional laboratories at its School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). The role supports course-based labs and student design projects in chemical, environmental, and biological engineering, and keeps the teaching laboratories safe and operating. It is a full-time, fully on-site position in Allston, Massachusetts.

Highlights

Support hands-on lab instruction in environmental engineering, biological engineering, and engineering science courses, including electrochemistry, bacterial and mammalian cell biology, and microfluidics modules.
Work with faculty to design and implement lab exercises, develop new laboratory platforms, and support capstone and interdisciplinary student design projects.
Maintain and troubleshoot wet lab equipment, coordinate procurement of supplies and reagents, manage inventory, and support hazardous materials handling and waste disposal.
Lead laboratory safety trainings and orientations, monitor compliance, and maintain standard operating procedures and training materials.
Mentor students and take part in orientations, lab tours, summer programs, and Active Learning Lab events.
Requires a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. in chemical, environmental, biological, or biomedical engineering, biology, chemistry, or a closely related field.
At least three years of experience supporting wet lab engineering, instructional, or research laboratories.
Hands-on experience with analytical instruments such as ICP-OES, GC, IC, HPLC, XRF, or SEM, plus experience with bacterial systems and/or mammalian cell culture.
Strong background in analytical chemistry and/or electrochemistry, and proficiency in presenting live instruction to groups of students.
Standard schedule is 35 hours per week, with some student activities occurring outside typical hours or on weekends. Harvard is unable to provide visa sponsorship, and applicants should submit a cover letter and resume.

Senior Chemical and Biological Engineer for Active Learning Full Description

Full-time, fully on-site. Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). Salary grade 057, FLSA exempt, Union: 65 - Harvard Academic Workers. 35 standard hours per week.

Job Summary

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Senior Chemical and Biological Lab Engineer to support active learning and laboratory-based engineering education. This position plays a central role in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of hands-on instructional laboratories in chemical, environmental, and biological engineering, and related interdisciplinary fields. The Lab Engineer will support a range of course-based laboratories and student design projects, ensuring safe, effective, and engaging experimental learning experiences. This role requires strong technical expertise, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to student-centered, experiential learning in a collaborative academic environment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Instructional Support

Support hands-on laboratory instruction across environmental engineering, biological engineering, and engineering science courses.
Assist in laboratory modules including electrochemistry, bacterial and mammalian cell biology, fluid dynamics and Microfluidics, and related experimental systems.
Collaborate with faculty and instructional staff in the design, development, and implementation of laboratory exercises and new course materials.
Provide technical instruction, supervision, and guidance to students during laboratory sessions and project work.
Support student-led design projects, including capstone and interdisciplinary applied science and engineering projects.

Program Development & Collaboration

Collaborate with faculty and engineering staff across disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, computational, environmental, and biological engineering.
Contribute to the development of new laboratory platforms and instructional technologies that support active learning pedagogy.
Support documentation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement of laboratory systems and teaching practices.
Participate in efforts to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of experiential learning environments.

Laboratory Operations & Maintenance

Maintain safe, efficient operation of biological and environmental engineering teaching laboratories.
Perform routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and documentation of wet laboratory equipment.
Coordinate procurement of supplies, reagents, and equipment, including vendor communication and order management.
Maintain accurate inventory systems and ensure availability of laboratory materials and consumables.
Support hazardous materials handling, including storage, labeling, waste disposal, and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
Ensure cleanliness, organization, and readiness of laboratory spaces.

Safety & Compliance

Promote a strong culture of safety, responsibility, and best practices in all laboratory environments.
Lead laboratory safety trainings and orientations for students, teaching staff, and other users of wet laboratory spaces. Ensure researchers, faculty, and students are trained and oriented to the protocols and best practices related to space, equipment, and instruments/systems.
Monitor and ensure laboratory safety compliance, and compliance with university policies, procedures, and applicable legal rules and regulations. Escalate violations to internal leadership.
Develop, maintain, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety documentation, and training materials.
Participate in safety trainings based on your work and as advised by your advisor/manager, EHS, and Science Operations.

Student Engagement & Community Support

Provide mentorship and technical advising to students engaged in laboratory and design-based work.
Support summer programs, extracurricular activities, and outreach initiatives as needed.
Participate in student orientations, lab tours, and Active Learning Lab (ALL) events and open houses.
Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive learning environment for students across disciplines.

Working Conditions

Regular work will occur in laboratory environments that contain hazardous chemicals.
May be exposed to infrared light emitting, toxic, magnets, materials/equipment including compressed gases, acids, solvents, vacuum pump oils, and other chemicals.
Protective equipment is provided.
May be required to serve as emergency contact for space or equipment.
The capacity to adjust to a flexible work schedule is critical. Some student activities organized and managed by this position may occur outside of a typical Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm work schedule, or during weekends. Must be willing and able to be on site to supervise these activities.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to participate in moving and setup of equipment and supplies (up to 50lbs).

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
Minimum of three years of experience supporting wet laboratory engineering, instructional laboratories, research laboratories, or other technical laboratory environments.
Demonstrated experience contributing to multidisciplinary engineering projects involving wet lab methodologies, experimental techniques, and laboratory processes.
Hands-on experience with one or more of the following analytical instruments: ICP-OES, GC, IC, HPLC, XRF, or SEM.
Experience working with bacterial systems and/or mammalian cell culture techniques.
Strong background in analytical chemistry and/or electrochemistry, including solution preparation, instrumentation, experimental method development, and laboratory best practices.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Must be proficient at public speaking and able to present live instruction to groups of students.
Prior experience in an academic laboratory, teaching laboratory, or active learning environment.
Experience with microfluidic systems and device fabrication/operation.
Experience in interdisciplinary engineering environments involving collaboration across multiple engineering domains.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced instructional setting.
Initiative in improving laboratory workflows, systems, and instructional materials.
High level of energy, adaptability, and enthusiasm for hands-on engineering education.
Commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 standard hours per week. See Working Conditions for more information about the schedule.
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

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Senior Chemical and Biological Engineer for Active Learning

Edtech.com's Summary

Senior Chemical and Biological Engineer for Active Learning Full Description

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