Laboratory Operations Specialist, Associate

Job Summary

The Lab Operations Specialist for the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering is responsible for the daily operation, safety, and effectiveness of instructional and prototyping laboratories within the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering’s Indianapolis location. The role oversees lab functionality, maintains specialized equipment, enforces safety and compliance standards, and supports hands-on, design-based (examples include prototyping and 3-D printing) coursework such as Capstone projects. It ensures reliable, high-quality lab environments that enhance student experiential learning and support timely project completion.

This position also sustains operational readiness for research and instructional collaboration by maintaining shared lab infrastructure and adapting to evolving technical needs.

This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Laboratory Operations, Safety, and Compliance Management – oversee daily functionality of instructional and prototyping labs, ensuring readiness, organization, and reliable access for students and faculty. Maintain, troubleshoot, and manage specialized equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime. Maintain and enforce laboratory safety protocols, conduct inspections and ensure compliance with institutional, state, federal, and other regulatory standards
• Instructional Course and Research Support Collaboration – Support hands-on, design-based courses (e.g., Capstone) by preparing lab spaces, assisting with prototyping, 3-D printing, and enabling experiential learning. Maintain shared lab readiness and facilitate coordination between instructional and research activities.
• Lab Upgrades, Infrastructure Development, and Administration/Resource Management – Coordinate lab improvements, equipment upgrades, and space enhancements to meet the evolving instructional and research needs. Track equipment usage, manage inventory, support budgeting needs and ensure efficient use of lab resources.

About Us:

At the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University, we are changing the biomedical engineering field through education and research. Biomedical engineers innovate medical devices, advanced therapeutics and better healthcare diagnostics and delivery systems. We apply technical skills in engineering design and biological science to challenges in healthcare. At Purdue, we create exciting new spaces for experiential learning, clinical collaborations and discovery with global impact.

For more information about our department, please visit: Biomedical Engineering - Purdue University

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree (in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Biomedical Engineering, or closely related technical field) required
• Advanced certifications in laboratory safety, machining, fabrication, or equipment operation preferred
• Minimum of 0-1 years of professional experience in a laboratory, prototyping, manufacturing, or engineering support environment
• Demonstrated experience maintaining and troubleshooting specialized laboratory or fabrication equipment
• Experience supporting hands-on, design-based learning environments or academic lab settings preferred
• Familiarity with safety standards, compliance requirements, and risk mitigation in technical lab environments
• Experience coordinating projects, equipment upgrades, or shared facility operations is a plus
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Skills needed:

• Strong technical aptitude with mechanical, electrical, or fabrication systems (e.g., CNC, 3D printing, electronics tools, or similar)
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, OSHA standards, and compliance procedures
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues and implement effective solutions independently Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to support students, faculty, and staff Ability to work collaboratively across instructional and research functions
• Proficiency in inventory tracking, equipment management systems, and basic computer applications
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, accessible, and high-quality learning environment

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Additional Information:

• Purdue’s benefits summary
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Compensation Information:

Compensation Information:
Professional 1
Pay Band S060
Job Code#20003176

Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines:

EOE

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university