Working as a laboratory coordinator usually entails working in a facility like a university or a government department. These people are in charge of supervising a laboratory and ensuring that everything runs smoothly and safely. While the specific types of workplace settings may vary, a laboratory coordinator’s basic job responsibilities are essentially the same. These responsibilities include hiring, training, and supervising employees, as well as ensuring laboratory safety, maintaining equipment, and ordering supplies.
One of the most important responsibilities of this position is to ensure that staff members are properly trained. Because laboratory activities can be complex and often involve expensive equipment, it’s critical for a laboratory coordinator to provide in-depth training to his subordinates. Individuals may need to be educated on safety regulations, equipment use, equipment care, and cleaning procedures. As a result, a laboratory coordinator must be an expert in his field and be able to communicate effectively with others.
He must supervise staff members and provide assistance when necessary, in addition to training. Because he is usually the one in charge of his laboratory’s performance, he must keep a close eye on all of his employees. This includes making sure that employees use equipment properly, adhere to laboratory guidelines, and stay on task. In addition, if a problem arises, he may assist a subordinate with a project.
It’s also critical to maintain laboratory safety at all times. Because a laboratory coordinator frequently works with hazardous materials such as combustibles, chemicals, and biological wastes, he or she must always follow safety regulations. It is his responsibility to ensure that waste is properly disposed of and that employees wearing appropriate safety equipment, such as goggles, when working on specific projects. As a result, this job requires someone who is well-organized and has a keen eye for detail.
A laboratory coordinator’s other responsibilities include equipment maintenance. When not in use, microscopes, storage containers, and Bunsen burners must all be cleaned and properly stored. To accomplish this, he may delegate cleaning checklists to subordinates to ensure that all equipment is in good working order. A laboratory coordinator must also ensure that his or her laboratory is cleaned and sanitized on a daily basis.
Ordering supplies on a regular basis is another aspect of this job. Because most laboratories are constantly using materials for experiments, a laboratory coordinator must keep track of inventory and place orders before supplies run out. Glassware, chemicals, glass slides, and petri dishes are examples of such items.