Genomics Lab Manager

Nature of Work:

The manager will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing this laboratory that will provide genomics services as a core facility for the WCVM, the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, and the broader campus community. The manager will provide training, educational support, and project planning advice to researchers and trainees employing genomics techniques in their research, meeting the needs of both experienced and inexperienced users. The manager will also process and run samples, as needed, until the customer base has grown sufficiently to warrant hiring a lab technician that the Lab Manager will supervise. Research support will involve implementation of existing protocols, scaling up protocols to incorporate automation, guiding budget development for new research proposals, and development of new workflows.

The Manager will be a creative, organized, energetic and highly motivated individual who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that they create for themselves.

This position reports to the WCVM Associate Dean Research & Graduate Studies.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Work with multiple stakeholders from the IntegrOmes research team that represent a diverse set of stakeholders from WCVM, the College of Agriculture & Bioresources, Prairie Diagnostics, the Livestock & Forage Research Centre of Excellence among others to design and operate a high throughput genomics research and training service;
• Provide education via in-lab instruction for researchers and their personnel in genomics techniques
• Coordinate the day-to-day functions of the genomics lab, including various research projects, deadlines, budgeting for the lab itself and advising on budgets for project development;
• Exercise decision making and problem solving to ensure priorities and deadlines are met and take initiative to move beyond completion of assigned tasks to plan for future changes or requirements;
• Ensure appropriate use and responsible organization of space, and procuring maintenance and operation of equipment located in WCVM and the College of Agriculture and Bioresources;
• Liaise with financial managers (WCVM, AgBio and RASI) to ensure accurate budgeting, payment of costs, reconciliation and fee collection with the goal of cost recovery of the service through growth of the customer base;
• Maintain the integrity of financial information by ensuring that financial data is complete and accurate and complies with legislation, general accounting principles, best practices, agreements with external parties, and U of S policies and procedures;
• Gain thorough understanding of and stay current on the policies and procedures of the University of Saskatchewan, tri-agency, and other relevant external funding agencies;
• Develop correspondence, reports, and written materials as required; maintain documentation for researchers and audit compliance;
• Build and nurture positive and collaborative relationships with people at all levels throughout the campus community and with relevant external organizations; play an active role in continuous improvement to processes.

Education: Graduate Degree (PhD preferred) in a relevant area with specific expertise and direct hands on experience using genomics, high throughput sequencing and automation techniques. Additional credentials or experience related to laboratory management or business would be an asset. A combination of education and experience in these areas may be considered. Biosafety Level 2 certification.

Licenses: None required

Experience: Minimum of three years of relevant experience would be an asset. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Knowledge of and experience with the development of research budgets, managing expenses and adapting to changing financial circumstances is essential.

Essential skills:

•  Advanced skills in molecular biology, laboratory automation., next generation sequencing workflows.  
• Ability to supervise, coach, mentor and teach in use of genomics techniques, associated equipment and their laboratory procedures
• Laboratory standard operating procedure development
• Advanced listening skills
• Advanced interpersonal skills
• Advanced communication skills
• Experience with literature analysis and synthesis.
• Effective interpersonal communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-directed and readily able to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to work both effectively in person and in remote office settings.

Asset skills:

• Knowledge of and experience with University of Saskatchewan financial and administrative systems.
• Business plan development and financial management skills
• 3D printing; e.g. adapters for automation to support different labware