Laboratory Manager II- Looger Lab

We are currently seeking an experienced, self-motivated Lab Manager to manage the day-to-day operations of Dr. Loren Looger's lab on-site at University of California, San Diego. The Looger lab uses protein engineering to create tools for studying and manipulating the brain and other biological samples. Dr. Looger's team combines computational and evolutionary methods to create new reagents for use in characterizing and manipulating the assembly and function of neural circuits. The team designs and tests these reagents and other tools in collaboration with other scientists. More information about Dr. Looger's research can be found by visiting and

In this role, you will be a key contributor - serving as a liaison between different departments and entities and keeping a small tight-knit collaborative lab running efficiently and effectively. Ideal candidates will be incredibly organized, have a genuine interest in science administration, and have a strong desire to support the Looger lab's goals. This role's focus will be more on administrative and logistical operations than research/benchwork on a day-to-day basis, but the position has elements of both areas.

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits
• A flexible schedule
• One-on-one mentorship relationship
• Training/Certifications

Operations/Administrative Management

• Working collaboratively with Looger lab group members, students, HHMI staff, and various UCSD offices to solve problems and handle a wide variety of operational tasks.
• Overseeing equipment maintenance including coordinating with vendors for repairs as needed.
• Overseeing laboratory space maintenance including placing various UCSD facilities requests and organizing a program for the day-to-day maintenance routine of the laboratory by lab members.
• Ordering supplies and managing inventory and reagent stocks.
• Assisting with shipping and receiving, including handling MTAs.
• Overseeing the lab's ongoing compliance with necessary regulations, protocols, policies, licenses, safety inspections, and certifications as required.
• Overseeing new laboratory member's onboarding and training.
• Assisting with other administrative tasks as time allows and as needed.

Research/Benchwork

• Providing for routine maintenance for laboratory equipment.
• With the help of Research Associates and other laboratory members ensure the completion of the various tasks:
  • Preparing common buffers, media, and stock solutions.
  • Preparing competent cells.
  • Maintaining cell lines and testing for contamination.
  • Expression and purification of commonly used proteins.
  • Autoclaving and helping with dishwashing and lab cleanliness.
  • Help with cloning for research projects.

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, preferably the biological sciences, is required.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience working in a laboratory environment is required.
• Previous lab management experience is strongly preferred, ideally for several years.
• Proficiency with making solutions and media, operating and calibrating a pH meter, production of competent cells, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and protein gels (SDS-PAGE).
• Experience working with fluorescent proteins is preferred.
• Familiarity with chemical safety precautions such as ensuring that reagents are stored and handled properly.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.) is required.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to plan effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to analyze, think critically, and make strategic decisions.
• Strong record keeping skills and inventory management skills.
• Positive attitude with a congenial, patient mindset.
• Ability to work well with a wide variety of people at all levels and from all backgrounds.
• Ability to train staff on lab safety, conduct, policies, standards, and practices.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and operate with tact, poise, and professionalism.

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).

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.

Compensation Range

Pay Type:

HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.