Research Lab Supervisor, Maternal-Fetal Medicine - 141767

The UCSD Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences is composed of 67 faculty 15 clinical fellows. The department is composed of 7 divisions: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Gynecologic Oncology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hospitalist, Complex Family Planning and Urogynecologic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The employee hired for this position will serve as a Research Lab Supervisor under the direction of Dr. Louise Laurent, to manage complex laboratory operations, including those involving collaborations with other research groups.

Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), the incumbent will serve as a critical member of the research team by contributing to the development of plans for the research designs and methods that include making important original contributions pertaining to intervention development and implementation. They will contribute original ideas of major methodological significance on research direction and data interpretation. The incumbent will work independently on the development, execution and overall management of projects focusing on experiments in support of microbiological research studies, and participate in the preparation of manuscripts and scientific articles suitable for publication in scientific journals, including editing technical sections of manuscripts as requested.

Program Management of large collaborative studies, including:

Development and review of budget, contract, milestone, standard operating procedure, regulatory/compliance, and other documents.

Preparation of meeting materials, presentations, and reports.

Communicating with and coordination of activities among research groups, sponsors, consultants, advisory board members, and other partners.

Interacting with vendors.

Tracking project finances and working with fund managers to prepare invoices.

Participating in experimental design, performing laboratory tasks, and analyzing results as needed.

Management of Perinatal Recharge Core, including:

Contribute to periodic updates to recharge cost schedule.

Communication/negotiation with clients.

Coordination/supervision of personnel performing Core tasks.

Performance of Core tasks.

Supervision of the UCSD EXCITE Laboratory, which is a California Licensed, CLIA and CAP approved Clinical Laboratory. The EXCITE Lab is an independent reference laboratory that performs clinical and research testing for multiple pathogens. Under general supervision, the incumbent is assigned supervisory and technical responsibility for technologists performing a variety of standard and/or complex clinical assays performed using semi-automated workflows, including:

Write, review, and update policies and procedures (SOP's) in accordance with State of California, CLIA and CAP guidelines. Determine that work is properly completed and reported. Maintain and monitor the quality control of procedures in compliance with departmental policies and CLIA/CAP regulatory requirements. Maintain quality improvement data and statistics. Orient new employees, prepare work schedules and work assignments, conduct interviews and counseling, provide performance evaluations of direct reports. Keep superiors regularly informed of personnel performance or problems, scheduling problems, difficulties with procedures, equipment, supplies or other daily activities. Develop and maintain appropriate inventory of supplies to ensure smooth operation. This includes obtaining quotes from vendors and tracking expenses all charges. Train direct reports on procedural changes, policy changes and general information. Ensure that instrument preventive maintenance, calibration, and trouble-shooting are properly performed, including maintaining freezer temperature logs, and monitoring. Provide input to the Lab Director and the Director of Medical Services on laboratory operation. Introduce new procedures or methodologies in-house. Participate in method updates and validation. Perform trouble-shooting and minor equipment maintenance. Prepare and process specimens for lab testing. Perform and evaluate laboratory tests based on nucleic and protein detection, quantification, and sequencing.

This position may occasionally require local travel between UC San Diego research laboratories, clinical research sites, and community-based research locations to support research operations. As needed, the incumbent serves as a backup for operational staff and may transport non-hazardous research supplies, equipment, and specimens in accordance with established protocols, maintain and stock research equipment, and perform other field-based support activities.

Use, maintain and upgrade laboratory information systems as needed. Generate worksheets and reports.

Work closely with EH&S during audits and ensure that all laboratory spaces are in compliance.

Cultivate a good team environment within the lab, and ensure effective communication between team members and leadership.

Maintain good relationships with collaborators and vendors, serving as the main points of contact for external communications.

Throughout these tasks, the incumbent will follow guidelines to ensure continued State and CLIA Licensure for the lab. Supervises employees in highly technical sub-specialty area. Directly oversees all the technical operations of the laboratory, enforcing standard operating procedures and research methods. Responsible for laboratory meeting quality assurance standards.

Under minimal supervision, oversees the activities and staff of a laboratory including the supervision of entry / intermediate level research and / or instructional associates and laboratory support staff. Typically works in small to medium or single facility laboratories. Supervises the development and execution of major or multi-disciplinary research projects or instructional and experiment design.

• Seven (7) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in a related area.

• Focus of knowledge and skills dependent on area of specialty (laboratory research or instructional / experimental design). Advanced and highly specific knowledge and expertise associated with conducting and reporting on scientific research experiments and findings.

• Advanced knowledge of a limited variety of specialized laboratory equipment. Experience with purchasing and maintaining equipment service contracts, repairs, troubleshooting, and record keeping.

• Leadership skills associated with planning work assignments, establishing priorities and scheduling instructional space. Experience with delegating tasks and following up on delegations.

• Solid interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty and staff. Ability to curate a positive working environment within the varied teams, including clinical and laboratory research.

• Advanced knowledge of research discipline or instructional design to collaborate effectively with faculty and function as a resource to research and instructional associates.

• Solid interpersonal communication skills to effectively supervise staff.

• Ability to conduct and report on scientific experiments and findings.

• Knowledge of necessary lab safety procedures and requirements, as well as chemical disposal guidelines. Experience with Environmental Health & Safety related audits is a plus.

• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills in order to troubleshoot and optimize pipelines and equipment.

• Working knowledge of taking inventory of laboratory items and use of ordering supplies.

• Experience with updating vendor warranties, service agreements, and equipment maintenance. Experience with handling repairs in a timely manner.

• Extensive experience with standard lab equipment: fume & biosafety hoods, balances, pipettes, centrifuges with experience in aseptic technique.

• Advanced knowledge of laboratory budget and pricing of services. Ability to conduct short and long range budget planning.

• Knowledge of data acquisition and analysis techniques.

• Knowledge of Clinical Laboratory, medical center, HR and UC policies and processes. Thorough knowledge of all relevant sub-specialty area industry, health and safety, federal, and state regulations.

• Interpersonal skills to independently convey information with authority, handle highly sensitive matters and interact with high level contacts from other organizations.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Occasional overtime, evenings and weekends may be required.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

• Must utilize safe and reliable transportation methods for all work-related travel, and must be willing to travel to UC San Diego research laboratories, clinical research sites, and community-based research locations to support research operations.