Laboratory Operations Manager

10-Jun-2022

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

58605BR

Job Summary

The Hotamışlıgil Lab at the Sabri Ülker Center studies innate adaptive pathways involved in metabolic health and diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and asthma. For the past 25 years, our lab has made important contributions to the burgeoning field of “immunometabolism", studying the interactions between metabolic and immune responses as critical drivers of numerous chronic diseases. In the last decade, we have approached immunometabolism in these two paths: organelle homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Using biochemical, genetic, and physiological studies, we aim to find novel pathways and preventive, therapeutic solutions to today’s greatest threats to global human health. The environment in our laboratory is collegial, supportive and diverse. One of the greatest powers of science is its ability to unite people, where representatives from every nation, culture, ethnicity, religion, and lifestyle  can work together for a common purpose. This is most evident in the Sabri Ülker Center, where we come together to tackle challenging questions and dream to make a positive impact on human life.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with experience in molecular biology and lab management to join our dynamic research team. The Lab Operations Manager is responsible for all lab operations and compliance, including ensuring that University and Federal policies are properly managed and effectively communicated. They report to the Senior Advisor of the Sabri Ülker Center, and work collaboratively with the Center’s Director of Animal Operations as well as the department's Research Operations Manager. The Lab Operations Manager is a member of the Department of Molecular Metabolism and Research Assistant Team, and represents the Sabri Ülker Center at School-wide compliance and regulatory meetings.

Position Description

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintains accurate inventories of all laboratory resources including samples stored in temperature controlled environments
• Handles all requests for the purchase of supplies and equipment using an electronic laboratory notebook and monitoring system and using the University's purchasing software application
• Tracks and oversees all laboratory inspections and licensure
• Responsible for our adherence to all environmental health and safety protocols and systems [biohazards, chemicals, radiation, fire safety] including the training, oversight and attention to these by all laboratory members
• Track and oversee all equipment maintenance and service contracts
• Work closely with the Senior Advisor to maintain an upbeat, positive and supportive laboratory environment while ensuring safe and efficient practices
• Provide direct support to all laboratory members as needed which may include consulting on equipment purchase/usage, identifying alternative supplies when shortages occur and providing an adequate backup supply of appropriate materials and supplies
• Coordinate closely with the Department Research Operations Manager and the Center's Director of Animal Operations
• Maintain an accountable system of shared laboratory duties
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience is required
• 3+ years of related experience, including a minimum of two years of working within a laboratory; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Familiarity with standard molecular biology experimental protocols
• Demonstrated analytical, logistical and organizational acumen and problem-solving skills
• Strong technical knowledge and experience in molecular biology, genetics and biochemical techniques
• High emotional intelligence
• A quick learner that asks targeted questions, expresses a positive outlook, and has a sense of humor
• Experience seeking improvement in work processes and will manage multiple priorities
• Excellent organizational skills and experience prioritizing and managing several issues simultaneously, and provide stability and reassurance in the face of unexpected events
• Exceptional people management skills, including the willingness to work closely with colleagues as a team
• Experience working with individuals with diverse backgrounds, and an openness to consider new ideas are important to success
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills are key to ensuring consistent and clear messaging regarding safety, compliance, and lab protocols
• Strong attention to detail
• Experience creating organized systems and maintaining them

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds

Working Conditions

• Mandatory compliance with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Additional Information

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3-4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12+ paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: Excellent and affordable medical, dental & vision plans, with coverage beginning as of an employee's start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance & Reimbursement Programs: $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School, discounted options through participating Harvard graduate schools, and reimbursement options for accredited schools outside of Harvard.
• Transportation: 50% discount on MBTA passes, as well as additional options (rideshare, biking, etc.) to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness & Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, hard & soft skills development, career planning, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. Additionally, access to Harvard athletic facilities, libraries, campus events -- and many discounts for various cultural and leisure activities throughout metro Boston.

• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage .

Job Function

General Administration, Research

Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

405012 Admin Professional (N)

Department

Molecular Metabolism

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.