Laboratory Manager- King Lab

Primary Work Address: 2033 Valley Life Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3140

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

We are currently seeking an organized, collaborative, and passionate Lab Manager to join the laboratory of Dr. Nicole King at the University of California, Berkeley.  The King lab is a collaborative, project-driven environment composed of talented scientists whose research focuses on choanoflagellates, the closest living relative of animals. More information about the lab can be found on their website .

The primary role of the lab manager is to ensure that the lab functions smoothly to allow the highest level of science. We are looking for someone who will take pride and show initiative in finding ways to support the research efforts of the laboratory, in particular by increasing its organization, efficiency, and productivity. In addition, we seek a candidate who will foster the King lab’s collegial and collaborative working environment.

In this role, you will assist in day-to-day lab operations, including lab facilities planning, overseeing equipment maintenance, ensuring adequate supplies for experimental needs, recommending improvements for lab processes, budget management, assisting with personnel management, and managing lab safety programs to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

If desired, the Lab Manager may also work at the bench, collaborating with current lab members and exploring new research topics.  While this is an option, it is not a requirement of the role – so we encourage candidates of all experiences in the scientific community to apply.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide a high level of lab support for research staff.

• Manage day-to-day lab activities including the maintenance of essential equipment and software, ordering and maintaining adequate supply levels for routine experimental procedures and laboratory safety compliance.

• Develop supplier relations and serve as point of contact for equipment purchasing and maintenance.

• Maintain university and laboratory databases for chemicals, biological reagents and organisms, and equipment inventories and other lab organization tools to maintain a highly organized, functioning lab.

• Oversee management of laboratory protocols, lab organisms, and reagents, including media preparation.

• Manage shipment of laboratory organisms and reagents

• Manage disposal of laboratory chemical and biological waste

• Serve as a liaison between the lab, HHMI, and UC Berkeley administrative offices on budget management, fixed asset inventories, purchasing, etc.

• Enforce laboratory compliance with safety regulations and act as the main contact between campus safety and regulatory offices.

• Collaborate with lab members on research projects in the lab.

• If desired: Opportunities to perform experiments using cell culture, microscopy, genetics, and molecular biology techniques.

Skills You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience

• Self-motivation, energy, ability's to solve problems and excited to work in a diverse laboratory environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to initiate and compose communications for various purposes in an appropriate style.

• Initiative in exploring emerging technical and laboratory science and tools, and seeking opportunities to apply new knowledge.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team, build trust and lead teams as necessary.

• In-depth knowledge in the biological sciences and general knowledge in the sciences.

• Knowledge of safety and laboratory procedures.

• Excellent organizational, time management, and decision-making skills. Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy. Excellent computer and record-keeping skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks or projects with competing deadlines.

• Understanding of the unique mission of academic research, which includes education.

Preferred but not Required Experience:

• One or more years of research or lab management experience.

• Prior experience with choanoflagellates, molecular biology or cell culture (using sterile technique)

To apply:

Please submit a single .pdf file that includes the following:

• A cover letter that addresses the following: (1) how a position in the King lab will contribute to your career goals and (2) your prior relevant experience, either in lab management or research (or both)

• CV

• Contact information for three or more work references, preferably supervisors.

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