Laboratory Manager - Balskus Lab

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and curious Laboratory Manager to manage the day-to-day operations of Dr. Emily Balskus' Lab on-site at Harvard University. The overarching goal of research in the Balskus Lab is to transform our understanding of microbes and microbiomes by pioneering approaches that integrate microbiology and chemistry. By uncovering the molecular basis for microbial metabolism, their work seeks to reveal fundamental insights into microbiomes and provide innovative solutions to problems facing medicine, agriculture, and the environment. More information about the lab can be found on their .

In this role, you will be a key contributor within the lab - serving as both the day-to-day operations 'go-to' person while also providing scientific support for lab members.You will be incredibly organized, team-oriented, have a genuine interest in science administration, and have a strong desire to support the Balskus lab's goals.

What You Will Do:

Operational: 80%

• Manage a large bacterial strain collection and chemical inventory.

• Provide resource management and ensure lab organization for equipment, tools, materials, workspaces and projects.

• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

• Work with lab members to maintain general upkeep of the lab's website and manage lab listserv.

• Assist lab members with equipment management and maintenance, including training new lab members on proper use. Contact third-party vendors/organizations for equipment purchase and repair.

• Maintain and enforce compliance with all safety policies and regulations including IACUC, biosafety levels 1, 2, and 2+ - and conduct risk assessments.

• Facilitate and manage laboratory clean-ups and inspections.

• Work with PI and lab members on developing additional ways to improve lab organization and efficiency.

• Maintain records regarding the transfer of intellectual property or materials to collaborators.

• Work with lab members and the PI to support the preparation of reports and manuscripts, as well as various other lab responsibilities.

• Organization of group events and activities together with lab members.

This position will also collaborate closely with an Administrative Lab Manager to:

• Assist with liaising to the various departments and organizations that partner with the Lab (Harvard, HHMI, The Broad, etc) on issues such as budget management, fixed asset inventories, purchasing, use of host accounts, etc.

• Manage sourcing, procuring, negotiating, and ordering lab reagents and equipment.

• Assist with onboarding of new lab members and offboarding of departing lab members

• Liaise with administrative groups on financial and administrative matters.

• Manage lab meeting schedule.

• Provide resource management and ensure lab organization for equipment, tools, materials, work spaces and projects.

• Monitor, track and guide progress of research and oversee adherence to time frames and costs.

Research: 20%:

• Work efficiently and cooperatively with researchers within the lab to proactively support all aspects of the lab's research.

• Perform specific experiments or techniques in support of the lab's research and help train and advise lab members who are using similar approaches.

• Supervise and mentor junior lab members, including Research Assistants.

What You Bring:

Education and Experience

• At least 2 years' post-baccalaureate experience working in a research lab, including at least 1 year of supervisory/mentoring experience

• Bachelor's Degree in biological chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry or related discipline, or equivalent education and experience

  • Graduate degree preferred but not required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong commitment to teamwork

• Strong organizational skills, including ability to multi-task/balance multiple responsibilities

• Strong degree of self-motivation and strong attention to detail.

• Strong interpersonal skills (ability to work well with a wide variety of people in a diverse laboratory environment).

• Ability to deal with challenging, time-sensitive tasks and situations.

• Knowledge of basic laboratory equipment with ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and accurately communicate equipment issues with repair technicians and engineers.

• Knowledge of standard safety regulations and appropriate laboratory practices applying to research in biology and biochemistry.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong computer skills and record-keeping skills.

• Prior expertise in mass spectrometry (or maintenance of mass spectrometers) would be a strong plus, but is not required.

• Able to function as and move fluidly between both an independent worker and member of a team

• Able to deal with challenging, time-sensitive tasks and situations

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our site to learn more.