Job Summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center is hiring a lab manager for its Levi lab.

The Levi lab oratory in the Department of Surgery has an opening for a laboratory manager position. The Levi lab is a large, energetic, dynamic, and multidisciplinary research laboratory whose mission is to "enhance the human experience." The lab team consist of trainees, faculty, and staff with expertise in bioinformatics, musculoskeletal biology, animal surgery, and imaging. The candidate must meet education and experience certification and training guidelines for the equipment used and tests performed in the laboratory, as required under federal regulations. The position requires establishing a positive culture within the team, organizing laboratory meetings and collaborations within and outside UT Southwestern, support for grant preparation, ordering supplies, and upholding compliance (animal, human, chemical, data storage, financial, and organizational). Some supervisory experience is preferred. Additional roles are described below.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of six years of research laboratory experience with at least three years in a supervisory/management role for a laboratory of >6 people is required.

• Proven ability to perform highly complex experiments with high levels of reliability and accuracy within time constraints.

• Experience with mouse husbandry and genetics is required.

• Ability to set goals, review goals, analyze processes necessary to achieve those goals, and develop techniques and systems required to meet those goals.

• Excellent problem-solving skills, adaptability, and high attention to detail.

• Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.

• The lab manager will play a key role in managing the day-to-day operations involved in running the lab and serve as the primary liaison between the lab and various external partners.

The lab focuses on transcriptional, genetic, and optical approaches to explore the molecular basis for tissue injury, repair, and regeneration. More information about the lab team and its research can be found at levilaboratory.com.

1. General Duties

o The position provides excellent opportunities for performing operational management as well as technical and scientific responsibilities.

o What you will do: manage day-to-day activities within the laboratory; ensure effective operation and maintenance of equipment; obtain and ensure adequate supplies for experimental needs; maintain compliance with all policies and regulations; and ensure optimal organization of lab space, contributing to a safe and efficient working environment for all members

o Carry out research projects in collaboration with other lab members.

o Research activities may involve molecular biology, imaging of musculoskeletal structures, and performing mouse behavioral assays or surgeries.

o Maintain inventories of lab equipment and scientific materials (i.e., probes, antibodies, etc.); establish and maintain online documentation system for protocols and equipment manuals/SOPs; act as a liaison between the laboratory, staff, and host institution staff to achieve scientific goals.

o Coordinate with these groups on projects such as fixed asset inventories, etc.

o Manage animal protocols and act as a liaison between the laboratory and animal care regulatory offices to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

o Act as the lab safety officer, liaising with Harvard Environmental Health & Safety to maintain a safe working environment in the laboratory.

o Train incoming personnel in proper lab conduct; may provide instruction regarding experimental protocols.

o Develop instructional material for routine training purposes.

o Maintain lab website.

o May plan for and provide supervision of the work of research technicians or other laboratory personnel, including training and mentoring of team members.

o Oversee the day-to-day administrative operations of the laboratory, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.

o Manage inventory, order supplies, and maintain equipment.

o Handle paperwork, documentation, and compliance with regulations and safety protocols.

2. Personnel Management

o Recruit, train, and supervise lab staff, including technicians, assistants, and interns.

o Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to team members.

o Promote a positive and collaborative work environment.

3. Project Management

o Coordinate research projects and experiments, ensuring that timelines and objectives are met.

o Facilitate communication and collaboration among team members and with external collaborators.

o Monitor progress, troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions as needed.

4. Quality Control and Assurance

o Establish and maintain quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.

o Implement and enforce best practices for data management, recordkeeping, and laboratory protocols.

o Conduct regular inspections and audits to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

5. Safety and Compliance

o Ensure that the laboratory operates in accordance with all relevant safety regulations and guidelines.

o Develop and implement safety protocols and emergency procedures.

o Provide training on safety practices and conduct regular safety audits and inspections.

6. Equipment Maintenance and Calibration

o Oversee the maintenance, repair, and calibration of laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and accuracy.

o Develop preventive maintenance schedules and coordinate with vendors for service and repairs.

o Evaluate new equipment and technologies for potential adoption in the laboratory.

7. Communication and Reporting

o Serve as a liaison between the laboratory staff, laboratory and departmental management, and external collaborators.

o Communicate research findings, progress updates, and project outcomes through reports, presentations, and publications.

o Collaborate with other departments or organizations on interdisciplinary projects and initiatives.

8. Professional Development

o Stay informed about advancements in laboratory techniques, equipment, and regulations through continuous learning and professional development.

o Encourage and support the professional growth and development of lab staff through training opportunities and mentorship.

9. Resource Management

o Optimize the use of laboratory resources, including space, equipment, and personnel, to maximize efficiency and productivity.

o Develop and implement strategies for cost reduction and resource conservation without compromising quality or safety standards.

o Identify opportunities for investment in new technologies or infrastructure improvements to enhance laboratory capabilities.

10. Regulatory Compliance

o Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, such as those from government agencies, industry standards, and institutional guidelines.

o Maintain documentation and records necessary for regulatory inspections and audits.

o Keep abreast of changes in regulations and update laboratory practices and procedures accordingly.

11. Project Coordination and Collaboration

o Collaborate with researchers, principal investigators, and other stakeholders to develop project proposals, protocols, and experimental designs.

o Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration by coordinating resources and expertise from different research groups or departments.

o Manage multi-institutional or international collaborations, including coordination of sample shipments, data sharing, and joint publications.

12. Data Management and Analysis

o Establish protocols for data collection, storage, and analysis to ensure accuracy, integrity, and reproducibility of research findings.

o Implement data management systems and tools to organize, analyze, and visualize experimental data effectively.

o Provide support and training to lab members on data analysis software, statistical methods, and data interpretation techniques.

13. Risk Management and Contingency Planning

o Identify potential risks and hazards associated with laboratory activities and implement measures to mitigate them.

o Develop contingency plans for emergencies, such as equipment failures, power outages, or natural disasters, to minimize disruptions to research activities.

o Conduct risk assessments and implement safety measures for hazardous materials, chemicals, and biological agents used in the laboratory.

14. Continuous Improvement and Innovation

o Lead initiatives to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the laboratory.

o Encourage staff members to propose and implement innovative ideas, technologies, or methodologies to enhance research outcomes and productivity.

o Evaluate current processes and workflows to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for optimization or automation.

15. Community Engagement and Outreach

o Represent the laboratory within the scientific community through participation in conferences, workshops, and professional organizations.

o Engage with industry partners, government agencies, and community stakeholders to promote collaboration, share research findings, and foster partnerships.

o Contribute to science education and outreach initiatives by hosting lab tours, mentoring students, and participating in science advocacy activities.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related scientific field, and four (4) years of relevant experience, to include at least one (1) year experience in specific area assigned.

• Some supervisory experience preferred.

• Must meet education and experience certification and training guidelines for equipment and tests used and performed in laboratory, as required under federal regulations.

Job Duties

• Coordinates duties, schedules, project activities, equipment usage, operating time, research studies, billing, and space for large group of people ensuring efficient operation of lab.

• Coordinates availability of technical assistance, appropriate chemicals, and special equipment to ensure timely preparation or completion of clinical work or research projects.

• Supervises laboratory and office personnel, maintains personnel records, completes performance evaluations, and recruits and trains both clerical and technical support using managerial skills according to departmental and university guidelines.

• Orders and allocates all laboratory supplies, materials, and equipment; maintains adequate inventory to ensure efficient operation of projects.

• Maintains information on warranties, service contracts, operating manuals, licenses and permits; oversees maintenance of laboratory equipment in order to ensure compliance with all regulations and safety standards.

• Compiles, analyzes, and presents research data using computers and subledgers for submission to investigators to be used in preparation of journal articles for publication. Prepares journal articles and writes protocols for research as required by organizing and editing data.

• Troubleshoots problems and designs training according to government regulations.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.