Laboratory Manager

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Department of Biology

Part-time posiiton: 20.25 hours/week (3 days/week)

1 year assignment with a possibility of an extension

Position Summary:Under the direction of the Director, the manager will be responsible for managing the daily operations of a laboratory and ongoing projects, with a focus on research activities on biodiversity conservation.  The Lab Manager will be responsible to oversee the daily activities of a lab which includes the budget oversight, hiring of personnel, physical resources such as field vehicles, lab spaces both in Stewart Biology building and at Gault, training students on lab and safety protocols, providing support to travel logistics and media relations.enter position summary here
Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for managing the daily activities of a lab relating to operations, administration, and finance.

• Supports the Director with the administration of research budgets and monitors accounts.   

• Validates and review expenditures for compliance against applicable sponsor terms and conditions and University policies.

• Prepares and administers research budget and monitors funds and takes corrective action to ensure budget stays on target.  Monitors all other financial issue(s) which may arise. 

• Resolve problems, recommends solutions, and continuously looks for ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the lab. Works closely with the Director to implement change.

• Oversees and processes payments to students and collaborators.

• Processes orders for research equipment and materials through either MMP, PCard or expense reports.  Processes the PCard reconciliation for the lab

• Overseeing lab spaces (in Biology and at LEAP/Gault) and ensues good lab practices are followed.

• Liaises with Health and Safety at McGill for lab safety inspections.

• Produces and maintains health and safety, chemical and microbiological safety documents, and records as well as training records of all staff including his own.

• Organizes travel arrangements for students and PI related to research (booking flights, accommodations, renting vehicles, etc.).

• Liaises with the French Media relations and other contracts beyond McGill related to Director’s research

• Plans meeting requests and manages Director’s calendar. Responds and follows up on email correspondence on behalf of the Director.

• Assists the Director with the preparation of PowerPoint presentations for the Lab’s activities.

• Provides support with funding applications and assisting with writing grant proposals (i.e., requesting quotes, filling in forms, liaise with agencies and collaborators, reconciling financial data, writing scientific justification, etc.).

• Optimizes experimental methodologies and design novel protocols and procedures. Provide input to the Director as to how large-scale experiments should be carried out. Perform optimization of experimental methodologies and designs such as manuals, safety protocols, etc.

• Maintains and updates databases. Compiles statistics for budget reports.

• Identifies and participates in continuous improvement initiatives to maximize effectiveness.

• Supervise staff such as casuals, Research assistants and other users of the lab. Participate in the hiring processes for these employee groups.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of a research environment and procedures relating to a laboratory in the field of biology, ecology, biodiversity.  Strong leadership, communications and motivational skills. Experience in Lab management and leading teams. Experience in financial and budget management. Highly organized, detail oriented and professional; excellent judgment; discretion; ability to take on a breadth of tasks and to make difficult decisions. Ability to take initiative, think creatively, work independently, self-starter and prioritize tasks. Proven flexibility in order to adapt to tight deadlines, frequent changes and demands. Experience in streamlining and improving processes. Ability to effectively communicate and interact with various levels of staff and academics. Excellent attention to detail. Budget management experience. Demonstrated ability to work in a computerized environment using a variety of software including Office suite, Workday, Banner, FIS and Minerva. Good communication skills in French and English verbally and in writing. McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. Communication in French is essential for dealing with research collaborators (government agencies for permits; Gault reserve and other collaborators.). Background in biology/ecology is an asset.  

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 05) $65,500.00 - $81,870.00 - $98,240.00

Hours per Week:

20.25 (Part time)

Supervisor:

Professor

Position End Date (If applicable):

2024-01-08

Deadline to Apply:

2023-01-20

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected] .