Summary
The Laboratory Manager plays a vital role in supporting a dynamic cardiovascular research program by overseeing daily laboratory operations, maintaining research equipment, coordinating regulatory compliance, and ensuring the efficient execution of scientific studies. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the Laboratory Manager manages laboratory resources, supervises technical operations, maintains animal colonies, and provides training and guidance to research personnel while fostering a safe, organized, and collaborative research environment. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to cutting-edge biomedical research through a combination of laboratory management, technical expertise, and hands-on experimental support. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and adaptable, with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to maintaining excellence in laboratory operations and scientific research.
Job Duties
- Laboratory Operations
- Coordinate daily laboratory operations and workflow.
- Consult with the PI to establish equipment purchasing priorities.
- Evaluate new equipment and laboratory technologies with the PI.
- Maintain an organized laboratory environment and proper sample storage.
- Participate in laboratory meetings and operational planning.
- Perform other duties in support of the laboratory's research mission.
- Equipment Management
- Purchase, install, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment.
- Prepare and configure equipment for routine research use.
- Perform preventative maintenance and basic equipment repairs.
- Coordinate vendor service and maintain maintenance records.
- Ensure equipment is operational, calibrated, and compliant.
- Laboratory Inventory & Purchasing
- Manage inventories of equipment, chemicals, reagents, and supplies.
- Coordinate purchasing, receiving, and inventory tracking.
- Monitor laboratory expenditures and ordering records.
- Track reagent and supply expiration dates.
- Research Support
- Assist with primary cell isolation, tissue collection, and laboratory assays.
- Maintain laboratory databases, equipment logs, and research records.
- Support implementation of new research methodologies and technologies.
- Animal Research
- Manage laboratory animal colonies and breeding programs.
- Coordinate genotyping, animal records, and experimental cohorts.
- Perform or assist with small animal surgical procedures.
- Monitor post-operative animal care in accordance with approved protocols.
- Compliance & Safety
- Maintain compliance with biosafety, chemical hygiene, and laboratory safety regulations.
- Assist with IACUC, IBC, DEA, and other regulatory submissions and renewals.
- Maintain chemical inventories, SOPs, controlled substance records, and safety documentation.
- Coordinate laboratory inspections and safety equipment certifications.
- Ensure proper hazardous waste handling and regulatory compliance.
- Training & Supervision
- Train laboratory personnel in equipment operation and laboratory procedures.
- Instruct personnel on laboratory safety and best practices.
- Supervise and mentor technicians, students, and trainees.
- Promote accurate record keeping and regulatory compliance.
- Laboratory Coordination
- Communicate with facilities, EH&S, IT, and equipment vendors.
- Coordinate repairs, certifications, and laboratory support services.
- Resolve operational issues to minimize research disruptions.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
- Five years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in basic science or in a related field.
- Five or more years of experience working in an academic, biomedical, or translational research laboratory.
- Experience supporting cardiovascular, molecular biology, cell biology, or animal research is preferred.
- Experience with laboratory management, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, ordering, regulatory compliance, and day-to-day laboratory operations.
- Experience working with laboratory animal models, including animal colony management, breeding, genotyping, and small animal surgical procedures, or a willingness to learn these techniques.
- Familiarity with institutional and federal research regulations, including IACUC, IBC, biosafety, chemical hygiene, hazardous waste management, and laboratory safety procedures.
- Experience maintaining laboratory records, databases, electronic lab notebooks, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment and coordinate equipment maintenance and vendor service.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and supervise research personnel, students, or laboratory staff.
- Comfortable working with laboratory animals and committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical research.