Lab Manager

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer research institute in Boston is seeking a Laboratory Manager to oversee lab operations and assist in ongoing experiments. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in laboratory management, particularly in biological sciences, with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. The role involves managing team processes, ensuring compliance, and providing mentorship to lab staff. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking cancer research in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years experience in laboratory management
• Strong knowledge of HR activities and solid writing skills
• Familiarity with cancer research laboratory operations

Responsibilities

• Manage daily lab operations and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Train and oversee research staff and laboratory processes.
• Assist in grant preparation, manuscript writing, and research presentations.

Skills

People Management

Organization Skills

Analytic Skills

Problem-Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific discipline

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The role of the Laboratory Manager is to both assist with ongoing experiments of Dr. Beltran and other members of the Beltran Lab and manage the lab's daily operations. The Laboratory Manager is expected to maintain a high level of organization and accountability in this highly visible role. This position will ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements; review laboratory protocols of all research groups (internal and external); maintain laboratory spaces and equipment; and act as a liaison between staff and key stakeholders. Additionally, the Specialist will have the opportunity to learn and utilize a variety of research techniques and be able to co-author publications when appropriate.

The Beltran Lab primarily focuses on understanding mechanisms of treatment resistance in prostate cancer and lineage plasticity during cancer evolution. We work collaboratively with basic scientists, computational biologists, pathologists, and oncologists within the DF/HCC. Please refer to https://beltranlab.dana-farber.org/lab-team.html for additional lab details.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Manages team of RDSs to ensure correct sample inventories at large – blood and tissue derived.
• Manages all receiving, storage and retrieval requests, arranging sample transport, audits inventory of all samples, data entry in database systems, and placement of samples in correct temperature storage.
• Works with frequent users to maximize efficiency and batch requests when feasible.
• Responsible for receiving and tracking lab samples, managing freezer inventory, ordering necessary supplies, submitting billing charges, and assisting with ad hoc projects and reports.
• Hires and trains RDS staff for proficient sample management in all chains of custody.
• Responsible for managing, directing, and leading the RDS team.
• Collaborates with the Thub team for seamless specimen collections, inventories and transfers.
• Manages billing invoices to external and internal customers.
• Manages all equipment maintenance and schedules repairs as needed.
• Manages and updates biospecimen related SOPs.
• Participate in grant preparation, manuscript writing, progress reports, and generation of research presentations for scientific conferences.

Scientific Operations

• Assists PI in monitoring, enabling and facilitate collaborations with other programs.
• Active intellectual involvement in research projects is encouraged.
• Organize the lab space, ensure equipment and software maintenance, and order supplies.• Assist in the generation and maintenance of research tools, and have general knowledge of either molecular or computational biology techniques.

Administrative

• Responsible for managing efficient and effective administration of protocols and materials/stocks.
• Trains and manages RDSs and guides recruitment of technical staff.
• Responsible for annual reviews of technical staff performance.
• Assists PI with counseling, teaching, training, mentoring, orientation, in-service and continuing education for laboratory staff and trainees.
• Ensures all lab staff are compliant with mandatory trainings required by DFCI, NIH and sponsor(s).
• Organize and schedule lab meetings, staff onboarding, and ensure compliance with all lab safety guidelines.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific discipline required; Master’s degree preferred
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in management of research laboratory in the field of biological sciences
• Strong knowledge of HR activities and solid writing skills preferred
• Familiarity with cancer research laboratory operations including equipment maintenance, safety, compliance and record keeping.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Exceptional people management and organization skills, with demonstrated ability to multi-task to enable many concurrent projects in a complex, fast paced environment.
• Excellent quantitative, analytic, and problem-solving skills to evaluate all aspects of a problem opportunity and make or facilitate appropriate and timely decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability and willingness to work closely with other colleagues as a team; experience and comfort in working with individuals with diverse backgrounds and differing viewpoints; openness to new ideas.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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