Manager of Laboratory Operations

Department
 

BSD PAT - Oakes Lab

About the Department
 

The Banani Lab is a newly established laboratory at UChicago that broadly investigates the disruption of cellular structure and physiology in various diseases to understand normal cellular functions and to enable new therapeutic strategies. We specialize in studying biomolecular condensation—a fundamental process cells use to organizing biochemical reactions into compartments through phase separation. These compartments, known as condensates, are disrupted in numerous diseases, ranging from cancers to rare genetic disorders. We leverage approaches from cell biology, genetics, biophysics, and pathology to glean fundamental principles of how condensates function by studying how they are disrupted in diseases.
Situated at the crossroads of the Department of Pathology and the Center for the Physics of Evolving Systems, our lab benefits from an interdisciplinary approach to science, integrating insights from biology, physics, engineering, and medicine. This unique setting enriches our research but also offers rich grounds for collaboration and innovation, contributing to the dynamic intellectual environment at UChicago. As part of our growth, we seek individuals passionate about contributing to a pioneering research environment, shaping our direction, and advancing our understanding of fundamental cell biology and pathology.

Job Summary
 

The Manager of Laboratory Operations will play a vital role in supporting the growth and success of our research program. This role focuses on providing operational and administrative support for an interdisciplinary team of scientists, physicians, students, and research support staff in the lab, which is dedicated to exploring the biology of cellular structures and pathways in health and disease. The individual in this role will oversee the operations of the lab, facilitate administrative endeavors, ensure efficient management of lab resources, and uphold compliance with safety and ethical regulations, all while supporting a collaborative team engaged in understanding biomolecular condensation and its role in disease. As the Laboratory Manager for our new lab, the individual will be instrumental in laying the groundwork for the lab's infrastructure, policies, and procedures, in setting the tone for a productive and innovative research environment, and in fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. In addition, the individual will contribute to scientific discussions and research planning, leveraging their expertise to support the lab’s mission and to directly influence its contributions to understanding fundamental cell biology and its role in human diseases.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and develop systems for streamlining lab operations, including procurement, maintenance, inventory, and for organizing the lab’s reagents, supplies, equipment, and other resources.

• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulatory requirements.

• Coordinate lab-wide activities and manage lab schedules.

• Maintain an organized system for documenting and implementing the lab’s standards, policies, procedures, and protocols, and train new lab members in these areas.

• Supervise and mentor research support staff, promoting a culture of excellence, efficiency, and collaboration.

• Coordinate administrative tasks, including scheduling and budgeting, and support grant application processes.

• Facilitate communication within the lab and with external partners.

• Be directly involved in research projects, including experimental design and data analysis, as needed.

• Coordinate and be an active participant in lab meetings and seminars to foster a collaborative research environment.

• Lead the setup of the lab, including organizing the lab space and resources, and play a role in the lab's growth by contributing ideas for efficiency and new research approaches.

• Engage in continuous learning to remain well-informed on emerging concepts and technologies, and remain flexible and adaptable with the dynamic environment of the lab as our research efforts expand.

• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.

• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

• Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.

• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a life science field, with preference for advanced degrees or relevant certifications.

Experience:

• Prior experience in lab management or coordination, ideally within a life science research environment.

• Familiarity or preferably prior experience with laboratory techniques, in particular molecular biology and cell culture.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and experience with maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

• Analytical skills and proficiency in the analysis of scientific data.

• Experience with budget/financial management, grant administration, and research support software.

​Preferred Competencies

• Strong organizational, leadership, interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team.

Working Conditions

• Lab Environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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