Lab Manager

Department
 

PME Mendoza Lab

About the Department
 

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME; https://pme.uchicago.edu) was established in May 2018 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary
 

The Mendoza Lab is seeking a Lab Manager to manage and oversee the day-to-day technical operations of the laboratory. The Lab Manager will work closely with the Principal Investigator and will be responsible for all aspects of research projects, including planning and conducting clinical and non-clinical research; facilitates and monitors daily activities of clinical trials or research projects. The Lab Manager will also ensure that lab members follow research safety requirements and maintain the lab manual.

Responsibilities

• Directs day-to-day technical operations of the facility, including supervision of users and instrumentation.

• Trains and mentors students, postdocs, researchers, and other users on measurement techniques, operation of instrumentation, and sample preparation.

• Develops, investigates, and applies new procedures, instrumentation, and techniques.

• Contributes to the preparation of research proposals, scientific papers, and conference presentations.

• Performs equipment maintenance and repairs to maximize equipment performance and availability. Troubleshoot hardware and software. Coordinate repairs with vendors.

• Develops, implements, and updates user training, instrument operation, and equipment maintenance procedures, including educational and outreach programs for facility resources. Participates in acquisition efforts for capital equipment and instrumentation, including preparation of instrument acquisition proposals.

• Participates in long-term strategic planning so that equipment resources and research infrastructure continue to address scientific needs and further Mendoza and PME research goals.

• Stays apprised of developments in experimental instrumentation and techniques that may enhance the scientific and educational mission of the facility. Including attending conferences, working with vendors, and reading scientific literature and trade publications.

• Ensures that the facility complies with University standards for integrated safety management, Environmental Health and Safety regulations, recharge operation policies, and general University operations.

• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the project's needs, and making significant contributions to methodology.

• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: reviewing laboratory protocols, recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject. Responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and cataloging long-term storage of DNA, data, and other relevant resources for past and present lab members.

• Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.

• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.

• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Doctoral degree in Biology or a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of five years of significant work experience; postdoc experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in wet or dry lab work in a research laboratory, preferably in an independent project.
• Experience working within academic and laboratory environments.
• Familiarity with report writing/submission and manuscript drafting, editing and review.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of research techniques or methods in molecular biology and sterile techniques (cell biology, translation, transcription, primary cultures, microscopy, cell assays, biochemical assays, and molecular biology assays).
• Strong computer skills including calendaring, document management (e.g., Dropbox, Box, etc.), word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills.
• Knowledge and experience of related research techniques or methods.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with local and Federal regulations, guidelines, and procedures.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated administrative, problem-solving, organization, and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to prioritize urgent tasks while ensuring established deadlines are met.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.
• Ability to handle stressful, sensitive, and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Three Professional References (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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