Research Lab Manager

Supervises operation of projects performed by the laboratory, including general research study management and monitoring staff activities to meet deadlines of multiple long-term studies and/or specific projects. Works closely with Principal Investigators to design study objectives and set realistic expectations for laboratory components of grant proposals. Reports on work in progress at weekly unit meeting with Principal Investigators.

Manages all lab personnel, including hiring, firing, performance evaluation, disciplinary action, approvals for time off, and training. Assigns projects to lab personnel with specified deadlines. Establishes laboratory timelines and goals to be met by all staff members. Oversees training of new staff members.

Manages independent research projects, each involving the execution of highly sophisticated techniques. Supervises lab personnel in the processing of biological samples for the isolation and long-term storage of DNA, RNA, miRNA, plasma, serum, white blood cells, and red blood cells. Leads the development of new scientific protocols as required. Ensures quality control of sample processing and organization of samples.

Tests, troubleshoots, and participates in the design of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software. Communicates with computer programmers and attends regular meetings with informatics team to discuss software needs and potential concerns. Maintains the continued accuracy of the database.

Responsible for the financial management of grant-funded projects completed in the laboratory. Develops budget estimates for all laboratory aspects of grant proposals and advises Principal Investigators on study design as it pertains to use of the laboratory. Provides recommendations regarding appropriate equipment and supplies to be purchased for different projects.

Regularly attends meetings, both internally and externally. Represents the laboratory at meetings and communicates experimental results, protocol developments, and project progress as applicable.

Reviews and maintains laboratory supply inventory and purchases supplies as necessary. Works collaboratively with grant administrators to ensure purchases are charged appropriately.

Oversees the maintenance of low temperature freezers and liquid nitrogen tanks. Creates an on-call schedule for freezer alarm response, serves on the on-call team, and ensures alarm notifications are received. In the event of a freezer failure, determines temporary sample storage and works with vendor to repair freezer as quickly as possible.

Responsible for the coordination of all safety, regulatory, and compliance activities for the lab. Attends quarterly lab safety meetings to learn of new safety policies and procedures.

All other duties as assigned.

Must be able to make independent and effective decisions in appropriate situations.

Excellent technical problem-solving skills.

Ability to effectively supervise others.

Excellent organizational and time management skills to ensure smooth functioning of the laboratory.

Must possess aptitude for budget management. High level of computer and database literacy.

Responsible for supervising staff including hiring, firing, evaluating and disciplining. Will orient and train new staff members.

Develop budgets, analyze trends, and produce reports for all financial aspects of the biorepository. Track all laboratory expenses charged to NIH and other grants.