Summary

The Eagen Lab at Baylor College of Medicine has a position available for an Assistant Laboratory Director. The Assistant Laboratory Director will work independently with indirect supervision and will assume laboratory operations leadership responsibilities to support a growing basic research program. The lab studies how oncogenic fusion proteins rewire chromatin organization and gene regulation, with a focus on nuclear organization and genome regulation mechanisms.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and experienced in research laboratory operations, with the ability to implement systems that improve efficiency, reproducibility, and compliance. This role is primarily operations-focused (e.g., purchasing, inventory, equipment coordination, onboarding, and training), with limited bench support as needed.

Job Duties

• Plans, coordinates, and optimizes the general operational and scientific support needs of a basic research laboratory. Provides professional guidance and technical support to faculty and laboratory personnel and acts as an administrator of laboratory operations.
• Plans and organizes administrative operations of the laboratory, including purchasing, inventory management, shipping/receiving, vendor relations, and tracking of expenditures across available funding sources.
• Coordinates procurement of equipment and supplies and manages all stages of the acquisition cycle (quotes, purchasing, tracking, receiving, and issue resolution).
• Establishes procedures for management of the use of laboratory equipment including routine maintenance, repair/service coordination, and inventory.
• Interprets relevant institutional rules, regulations, and policies for laboratory staff and ensures compliance with required documentation and training, including IACUC, IBC/recombinant DNA, and IRB as applicable. Supports protocol development, amendments, renewals, personnel rosters, training tracking, and audit readiness.
• Supports the Principal Investigator and laboratory personnel in the development and maintenance of IACUC/IBC/IRB protocols and related documentation, including preparation of supporting materials, coordinating approvals, and ensuring required training and documentation are current.
• Develops and maintains laboratory systems and documentation to support onboarding and training of new personnel, including lab SOPs, shared-space standards, and checklists.
• Performs personnel management functions as appropriate for the role (e.g., coordinating onboarding logistics; may provide training to students, trainees, and technical staff on lab procedures and standards).
• Performs and/or supports rodent experiments as needed, including routine procedures and coordination of surgical schedules, peri-operative documentation, and post-procedure monitoring in accordance with approved protocols and institutional policies.
• Participates in the development of grant budgets and supports oversight of expenditures of grant monies in coordination with the PI and departmental administration.
• May conduct laboratory research with the Principal Investigator as opportunities are available, primarily to support laboratory function.
• Performs other job related duties as needed.
   

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field.
• Four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a basic science or related field (MS, PhD).
• Demonstrated experience leading research laboratory operations (purchasing systems, inventory, vendor management, equipment maintenance coordination, onboarding/training systems).
• Familiarity with biosafety/BSL2 practices and IBC/recombinant DNA compliance, including lentiviral workflows in an academic research environment.
• Experience with IACUC/IBC/IRB protocol development, amendments/renewals, and compliance processes in an academic research environment (IRB as applicable).
• Experience conducting and/or supporting rodent procedures, including documentation, training, and compliance in accordance with approved protocols.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with faculty, trainees, and staff in a collaborative research environment.