Research Lab Manager 1

Department: MED-Psych & Behavioral Science
Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Job Summary:

This position manages the daily operations of the Health Equity for Advancing Research and Technology using Genomic Neuroscience (HEART-GeN) laboratory, with a primary focus on wet lab activities (75%) complemented by dry lab responsibilities (25%). The role encompasses a wide range of duties to ensure smooth lab operations and support cutting-edge research. A hybrid work option is available, allowing for 1 to 2 days of remote work each week, and there is potential for the position to be converted from part-time to full-time based on performance and lab needs.

At HEART-GeN, our goal is to leverage human genomic variation to understand and address health disparities in brain disorders. While 99.99% of our genome is shared across global ancestral populations, we focus on the small fraction unique to specific ancestral groups that can affect gene regulation. This research aims to identify genes that may play a role in explaining health disparities for various brain disorders.

In the wet lab, the manager will oversee and participate in genomic and neuroscience-related experiments, including next-generation sequencing, microscopy, and cell culture work. They will monitor lab performance, analyze results, and supervise the development and implementation of new protocols specific to genomic neuroscience research. Ensuring quality control of all wet lab processes, protocols, and procedures is essential, as is assigning work and supervising lab personnel in these activities. Additionally, the manager will be responsible for managing lab inventory and coordinating the purchase of supplies and equipment necessary for genomic and neuroscience studies.

On the dry lab side, the manager will moderate regular lab meetings to facilitate communication and collaboration among team members, focusing on integrating wet lab findings with bioinformatics and data analysis. They will also organize interview itineraries for potential new team members and onboard new lab members to ensure a smooth integration into the team. Monitoring and managing the lab budget, including developing and implementing financial procedures for genomic research projects, is another critical responsibility. The manager will prepare and maintain biosafety compliance documents, co-author scientific papers on genomic neuroscience and health disparities for presentation and publication, and coordinate the writing, submission, and administration of grants related to the lab's research focus.

This position plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient lab operations, fostering a collaborative research environment, and ensuring compliance with safety and administrative requirements in the context of genomic neuroscience research. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in wet lab techniques related to genomics and neuroscience, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities effectively. Knowledge of or experience with health disparities research and genomic data analysis would be highly beneficial. Experience working with under-represented communities as defined by the NIH is particularly valuable for this position (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html). The flexibility of a hybrid work schedule enhances work-life balance while supporting the dynamic needs of the HEART-GeN laboratory.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Manages technical operations of a wet lab involved in scientific research activities.
• In consultation with Principal Investigator (PI) organizes, and plans experiments ensuring those project objectives are attained.
• Oversees and guides lab staff in review of results and recommendation of changes to protocols to improve validity and accuracy.
• Conducts more complex experiments and analysis.
• Using an advanced level of skill, completes the following activities

Molecular Biology:

• DNA, RNA, Protein isolation, purification and expression
• Western blotting
• PCR, RT-PCR
• Plasmid preparation
• Cloning, mapping and sequencing of DNA

Cellular Biology:

• Cell culture, cell isolation
• Functional studies

Histology:

• Immunohistochemistry
• Microscopy

Administration

• Oversees and manages collection, maintenance, analysis and evaluation of data that will be used in grant submissions, presentations and publications.
• Ensures that information is entered correctly into databases.
• Assists PI in reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, summarizing, formatting, editing, and preparing tables, charts, graphs, progress and final reports, etc.
• Coordinates between sponsoring agencies, collaboration organizations and/or other research and/or educational institutions.
• Ensures research regulations are adhered to, IRB and ACUC approvals in place, material transfer agreements properly executed, and that radiation and lab safety requirements are up to date and implemented.

Finance

• Manages lab budget and inventory including purchasing of supplies and services ensuring that they are necessary, reasonable and project related.
• Orders and maintains inventory of lab supplies, chemicals, equipment and instrumentation, and may distribute intra-departmental charges.
• Negotiates with vendors, obtain quotes, and arranges for demos of large equipment.

Supervision

• Trains, directs, assigns duties to & supervises lab EEs, students, residents &/or fellows.
• Provides instruction to lab users on technically complex procedures, equipment & instruments.
• Typically manages a lab budget of $1,000,000-$3,000,000; 1,000 - 3,000 sqft of space & supervises 5-15 lab members.
• Other duties as assigned. (Dry lab related)

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in biology, chemistry, genomics, neuroscience, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 6 years' lab/bench or other relevant experience required; OR
• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in biology, chemistry, genomics, neuroscience, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 4 years' lab/bench or other relevant experience.
• Strong background in molecular and cellular techniques
• Proficiency in wet lab operations
• Knowledge of lab safety protocols and compliance requirements
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
• Supervisory or project management experience required.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Experience in mentoring and training lab personnel
• Experience with inventory management and purchasing for lab supplies
• Ability to develop and implement new protocols
• Skills in data analysis and interpretation
• Adaptability and problem-solving abilities

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Master's or higher degree in a relevant field
• 5-10 years of experience in a laboratory setting
• Experience working with under-represented communities as defined by the NIH
• Familiarity with genomic data analysis
• Experience in grant writing and administration
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Leadership and team management skills
• Ability to balance multiple responsibilities effectively
• Proficiency in budget management and financial procedures
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and techniques

Target hiring range for this position will be between $56,782 - 79,850 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

#LI-JP1