Laboratory Research Manager

Our lab focused on understanding how animals sense, react, and adapt the ever-changing environments in order to survive and improve fitness. We are particularly interested in dissecting the roles of the nervous system that regulates these life processes, especially in fluid homeostasis and micronutrient balance. We are using a multidisciplinary approach to answer the critical questions in such life events, including genetics, biochemistry, biophysics, animal behavior, cellular functional imaging, opto- and chemogenetics, CRISPR, microinjection, etc. We are mapping the functions of the nervous system ranging from individual molecular level to single sensory cells to neural circuits and the whole brain. We welcome the one who is passionate about science and eager to make scientific discoveries to join our team.

You will be working in a newly opened lab, focused on neuroscience research using the roundworm, C. elegans, as our favorite animal model. We are searching for candidates who already have experience working in biomedical labs and have skills such as: lab management, developing lab inventory applications or software, familiarity with operating/maintaining common lab equipment, and coding for running custom built equipment. We also expect you to do some lab experiments, so a preferred candidate is someone who also has prior research experience, especially biochemistry and cryo-EM.

Duties:

• Responsible for management of a basic science research laboratory. 
• Develops and implements strategic goals to meet the department's needs which may include development and management of projects related to the department's clinical, teaching, and research mission. 
• Oversees the development and implementation of laboratory operational policies and procedures for the department's basic science researchers. 
• Ensures department has the infrastructure and resources required to perform its role effectively and efficiently.
• Establishes and maintains an inventory control system for supplies and equipment and ensures that work orders for lab maintenance are placed in a timely and efficient manner.  
• Write functional codes to control custom-built microscopes and the following data analysis.
• Prepare cryo-EM sample grids.
• Oversees the development and implementation of strategic goals for growth of the basic science research labs.
• Manages a variety of projects to ensure financial, quality, service, and operational goals are achieved.
• Develops methodologies and procedures for biomedical application, analyzes data, and may present findings to the scientific audience and general public.   
• May plan, develop, and manage projects in support of departmental clinical and research missions producing greater integration and effectiveness of activities. 
• Confers with other researchers and medical staff to plan or review projects or provide expertise to improve data acquisition and analysis.  
• Develops schedules and timelines for the project.
• Oversees the development and implementation of standardized operating procedures. 
• Serves a key role in the facilitation between operating laboratories, researchers, and principal investigators to continuously enhance and develop cross-functional research interactions and opportunities.
• May work as a senior level expert in a laboratory. Assists with planning, developing, and managing projects in support of departmental clinical and research missions producing greater integrations and effectiveness of activities.
• Responsible for build-outs including program analysis and sources of potential sponsored funding. 
• May assist with planning and construction of new laboratory facilities as well as associated project reporting.  
• Plans, develops, and maintains training programs for Lab Technicians and Researchers working in the research laboratory. 
• Ensures all employees work in a safe environment.   
• Provides to management a summary of progress, risk of all projects, results, and queries related to laboratory performance. 
• May teach classes or seminars. 
• Performs related duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Education: Master's Degree in a Biological Science, Chemistry, or Physical Science or related field. 

• 60 months experience working in a basic science research facility/laboratory, which 24 months experience as a senior-level supervisor and/or leadership role in a research laboratory.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept a Bachelor's Degree in a Biological Science, Chemistry or Physical Science and 24 months related experience in lieu of the Master's Degree for a total of 84 months experience.

Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of laboratory safety and Federal, State, and University guidelines.
• Ability to train and supervise.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Proficient with a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to analyze scientific data and publish in scientific journals.

Working Conditions:

• Physical: Sitting for prolonged periods. Reaching, bending, walking, and standing. Speaking and listening. Manual dexterity. 
• Environmental: Laboratory Environment. Exposure to chemicals, biohazardous materials, and/or blood borne pathogens.  

Departmental Preferences:

• Has patience in doing science.
• Ability to pay attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Keep a record of the tasks performed.
• Ability to handle and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Ability to build and operate custom microscope systems.

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