Laboratory Manager- Das Lab

Primary Work Address: Beckman Center, Stanford, CA, 94305-5323

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The Das laboratory at Stanford University School of Medicine and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute seeks a full-time Laboratory Manager I to accelerate the experimental discovery of biomedically relevant RNA structures. You will work with the principal investigator to manage a small to medium size laboratory. Your research will contribute to several on-going, high-impact projects that connect to RNA biology, crowdsourcing and citizen science, and cryoelectron microscopy methods pioneered in a highly collaborative environment. More information about the Das lab can be found at https://daslab.stanford.edu/

Prepare and probe nucleic acid and protein molecules for research projects collaboratively with other Das lab members as well as collaborators on the Eterna citizen science platform and SLAC national laboratory. Supervise and perform technical and administrative tasks in a small to medium size laboratory that shares equipment and space with other labs in the highly collaborative Stanford Department of Biochemistry. Oversee equipment maintenance.  Ensure adequate supplies for experimental needs. Assist Investigator in personnel management. Manage lab safety programs to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Assist in laboratory space and facilities planning; make recommendations for changes; maintain inventory of laboratory furniture and equipment. Serve as liaison to HHMI and host institution administrative offices.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Carry out well-defined research projects involving RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, and Illumina sequencing as well as evaluation of novel methods (e.g., RNA structure probing with third-generation long-read sequencing).

• Develop laboratory guidelines; maintain procedures manuals; and /or evaluate new materials and equipment.

• Train incoming personnel in proper lab conduct.  May train others in technical areas and complex processes. 

• May plan for and provide working supervision to the work of Research Technicians or other laboratory personnel.

• Manage day-to-day activities within the research laboratory, including such activities as ensuring operation of essential equipment, making sure adequate supplies are available for routine experimental procedures, reviewing budgets, etc. 

• Act as liaison between lab and HHMI and host institution administrative offices on issues such as budget management, fixed asset inventories, purchasing, use of host accounts, ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, etc.

In addition to the duties specifically identified by this job description, the position will include other duties if and as assigned by the direct supervisor or others with supervisory authority over this position.

Scope:

• Shares responsibility for results of a work unit or project team.

• Establishes short to intermediate term goals and schedules work to meet all goals. 

Required Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in health or physical sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.

Experience

• Three or more years of lab experience including at least one year of supervisory experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to supervise others and gain proficiency in advance lab equipment.

• Facilitate and compose communications for various purposes in an appropriate style.

• In-depth understanding of organizational structure both within and outside the work unit, including the role of each position in the group and in other groups.

• Potential to develop instructional material for routine training purposes. 

• Capacity to review goals, analyze processes necessary to achieve those goals, and develop techniques and systems required to meet those goals. Often explores new areas and seeks opportunities to apply new knowledge to work.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer