Laboratory Manager - Gu Lab

We are currently seeking a dynamic, interested, well organized and curious Laboratory Manager within the lab of Dr. Chenghua Gu at Harvard Medical School. The Gu lab studies the interface of the nervous and vascular systems. Their mission is to understand the cellular and physiological mechanisms underlying the unique neurovascular interactions including the blood-brain barrier and neurovascular coupling, and to harness their discoveries for therapeutics. More information on the lab can be found on their .

This role will sit at the unique juncture of Lab Management and benchwork with a leadership role in lab organization. As such, we are looking for someone who not only has a passion for science, but an understanding of the importance of lab organization, and a deep interest in helping the lab function at its highest level.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Operational: 70%

• Maintain current knowledge of applicable health and safety regulations and liaise with host regulatory offices (Environmental Health and Safety, DEA, IACUC) to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations; participate in periodic regulatory review.

• Act as liaison between lab and HHMI and host institution administrative offices on issues such as budget management, fixed asset inventories, purchasing, use of host accounts, etc.

• Manage day-to-day activities within the research laboratory and ensure efficient operation of essential equipment; maintain all service records and contracts; arrange for repairs.

• Resolve day-to-day operational issues as they are made known by co-workers

• Serve as primary contact in all lab operations as well as in emergencies such as power outages, freezer malfunctions, etc.

• Ensure that adequate consumable and research material remain available for routine experimental procedures

• Oversee and be secondarily responsible for ordering/receiving materials via host and HHMI ordering workflow systems; train new staff on these workflows

• Participate in review of budgets, maintain updated list of fund numbers, advise staff to apply correct charging as appropriate.

• Compile and maintain critical lab databases and research material inventories to support the lab's current location and in a future location.

• Ensure labs' compliance with institutional IT requirements including computer software licenses and updates.

• Provide support for onboarding/orientation functions including bench set up for new lab members and transition/handover for departing lab members.

• May plan for and provide working supervision to the work of Research Technicians or other laboratory personnel of lower grade.

Research Support: 30%

• Maintain laboratory guide and duty rotation schedule

• Oversee the distribution of routine lab tasks among staff of the lab, which may extend to training in basic laboratory procedures (such as aseptic techniques and proper handling of research material, aliquoting, pouring plates, autoclaving, media preparation, archiving, etc.) and in routine techniques.

• Maintain and propagate cultured cell lines and oversee function of tissue culture equipment (such as periodic calibration check of incubators temperature and CO2 level etc.)

In addition to the duties specifically identified by this job description, the position will include other duties if and as assigned by the direct supervisor or others with supervisory authority over this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required, or equivalent combination of education and related work experience

  • Graduate degree a plus

• Three or more years of laboratory experience, prior lab management experience a plus.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to plan effectively.

• Strong communication and record keeping skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced, collaborative laboratory environment.

• Operational knowledge of advanced lab equipment.

• Ability to supervise others.

• Ability to initiate and compose written communications for various purposes in an appropriate style.

• In-depth understanding of organizational structure both within and outside the work unit, including the role of each position in the group and in other groups.

• Ability to develop instructional material for routine training purposes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with ordering software (Ariba, Sciquest, etc.) is preferred.

• Proficiency with Quartzy, Google Drive, and/or Google Docs is preferred.

• Proficiency with both Mac and PC operating systems and ability to troubleshoot issues as needed is preferred.

• Experience in molecular cloning, basic biochemical and cell biology techniques preferred

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 several pounds (such as incoming material shipments). 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.