Lab Manager
Harvard University · Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Job Summary:
The Hotamışlıgil Lab studies innate adaptive pathways involved in metabolic health and diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and asthma. For the past nearly 30 years, our lab has made important contributions to the burgeoning field of “immunometabolism", studying the interactions between metabolic and immune responses as critical drivers of numerous chronic diseases. In the last decade, we have approached immunometabolism in these two paths: organelle homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Using biochemical, genetic, and physiological studies, we aim to find novel pathways and preventive, therapeutic solutions to today’s greatest threats to global human health. The environment in our laboratory is collegial, supportive and diverse. One of the greatest powers of science is its ability to unite people, where representatives from every nation, culture, ethnicity, religion, and lifestyle can work together for a common purpose. This is most evident in the Hotamışlıgil Lab, where we come together to tackle challenging questions and dream to make a positive impact on human life.
The Laboratory Manager directs the day-to-day operations of an internationally recognized Molecular Metabolism Laboratory. This position calls for a responsible, diligent, conscientious and detail-oriented individual with managerial/leadership skills and relevant experience. A quick, resourceful and independent learner who enjoys interacting with people and finding creative solutions for projects and issues as they present themselves. Proven flexibility when organizing their day and managing multiple priorities at once.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Responsible for maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of flow within the laboratory and managing the requirements to comply with general laboratory safety regulations. Responsible for writing and maintaining COMS biosafety protocols and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines with respect to biosafety regulations, as well as maintaining a relationship with Harvard EH&S to prevent and resolve safety-related problems. Maintaining an orderly lab environment is the highest priority.
- Responsible for ordering of supplies and reagents on a weekly basis as well as determining the proper funding sources for purchases, maintenance of supply and sample inventories, chemical inventory and waste management, electronic lab notebook and data management, annual service contracts and repairs of equipment. Initiation and management of all orders using HCOM and other methods, track supplies on a daily/weekly/monthly basis and maintain inventory.
- Responsible for communicating with principal investigator about spending and ideas for reducing costs and effective use of resources, while ensuring that research projects can actively thrive. Communicate with vendors to attain bulk discounts and best pricing available. Working closely with grants manager on post-billing related challenges with vendors and internal AP Dept. Communicates with grants manager on spending levels, patterns and future forecasting.
- Serve as a liaison between principal investigator, school-based compliance departments and lab members.
- Responsible for fostering an operationally seamless environment for lab investigators to carry out their research. Will assist in facilitating the research goals of this hard-working group of investigators
- Handle the in-processing and out-processing of all lab members by guiding them through university onboarding processes and lab-specific requirements, by ensuring the compliance with mandated university training. Oversee, guide, evaluate, provide feedback to, and generally support lab members in their roles within the lab.
PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of one year from the date of hire with the possibility of extension.
PLEASE NOTE: The finalist for this position will be required to pass an occupational health screen.
PLEASE NOTE: This position is primarily on-campus and this position will be based in Boston, MA. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.
PLEASE NOTE: Opportunities for travel may arise. Due to the nature of the work, some evening and on-call responsibilities may occur.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience is required
- 3+ years of relevant experience is required
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) will also be considered
- Strong innovative and creative problem-solving skills
- Strong leadership skills
- Independent individual who can work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented, ever-changing environment
- Proactively assessing ways to make the lab a more efficient in regard to space, spending and workplace flow
- Demonstrated analytical, logistical and organizational acumen and problem-solving skills.
- Strong technical knowledge and experience in molecular biology, genetics and biochemical techniques
- Demonstrates high emotional intelligence, adaptability, a positive outlook, and a collaborative mindset
- Proven aptitude for organization, multitasking, and prioritization, remaining calm and dependable when navigating unexpected challenges
- Proactively seeks continuous improvement, asks thoughtful questions, and embraces new ideas and approaches
- Possesses strong people and teamwork skills, with experience collaborating effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds
- Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and communication skills, with a passion for creating and maintaining organized systems and ensuring clear messaging around safety, compliance, and lab protocols
- Appointment End Date: One year from the date of hire
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!
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- The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
- Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
- This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.
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The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certai