Research Lab Ops Manager Microscopy Core

Partner's Healthcare; Belmont (MA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham's McLean Hospital is seeking a Research Lab Operations Manager specialized in the Microscopy Core to oversee the Core Facility's operations, budgeting, and compliance, serving as a front-line resource for researchers.

The role involves managing TEM, laser-scanning confocal, and two-photon microscopy, training users, scheduling instrument time, supervising contracted services, and guiding study design, data collection, and analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in related field required or preferred.
• 3-5 years of research experience in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee lab equipment and supplies, budgeting, and compliance.
• Train staff in specialized microscopy techniques.
• Coordinate instrument maintenance and scheduling.
• Support researchers with study design, data collection, and analysis.
• Manage external vendors and contracted services.

Skills

Decision making

Scientific imagination

Technical problem solving

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in related field

Tools

TEM

LSCM

Two‑photon microscopy

Confocal microscopy

Job description

Site

The McLean Hospital CorporationMass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

Performs a variety of research and research administration activities in direct support of the Department's research faculty and programs. Responsible for managing the overall functioning of the research operation. Serves as a front-line resource for researchers in the Department, acting as liaison to internal administrative units and external sponsors on matters relating to research programs. Does this position require Patient Care? No.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for oversight of all lab supply and equipment, purchasing and maintenance.
• Coordinates all regulatory and compliance activities.
• Trains staff in specialized lab techniques.
• Assists with subject scheduling.
• Provides input on strategy, based on knowledge of industry and trends.
• Applies project management techniques to ensure development initiatives stay on track.
• Contributes to scientific literature and may present the data at meetings.
• Carries out independent research projects which involve the execution of highly sophisticated techniques.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree Related Field of Study required or Master’s Degree Related Field of Study preferred.

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? Yes.

Licenses and Credentials

Experience: 3-5 years in Research experience (in a lab setting).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to make independent, effective decisions in appropriate situations.
• Must possess a scientific imagination commensurate with the independent execution of research projects.
• Must have an aptitude for technical problem solving.
• Excellent organizational skills to ensure smooth functioning of lab.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to logically sequence experiments to maximize research.
• Must possess an aptitude for budget management.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

The Research Lab Operations Manager specialized in Microscopy Core; Researcher in the Translational Neuroscience Lab (TNL). Performs a variety of research projects as part of the TNL and research administration activities in direct support of the Department's research faculty and programs. As a researcher in the TNL, projects will include investigations on the molecular and cellular biology of psychiatric disorders and psychiatric symptoms in neurodegenerative disorders. Assays used include a range of microscopy techniques, multiplex protein and RNA measurements and cell culture assays from human postmortem brain tissue. As the Manager of the Microscopy core, responsibilities include managing the overall functioning of the research operation. Serves as a front-line resource for researchers in the Department, acting as liaison to internal administrative units and external sponsors on matters relating to research programs. This role involves specialized expertise in advanced microscopy techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), and two-photon microscopy. The position requires in-depth knowledge to guide study design, data collection, and analysis, as well as budgeting for research projects.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include training and supporting researchers in these techniques, overseeing instrument maintenance and usage scheduling, and managing the financial and operational aspects of the Core Facility. The microscopist will also supervise on-site contracted services to ensure equipment remains in optimal working condition.

Addendum to Job Description - Specialized Duties

1. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM):
   • Maintain the Reichert-Jung ultramicrotome and ancillary TEM instrumentation.
   • Oversee and maintain the JEOL JEM1200EX TEM and cooling systems.
   • Conduct TEM for MRC and external investigators, including:
     • Resin sample preparation, ultramicrotomy, staining, data collection, and image processing.
     • Immuno-electron microscopy techniques.
     • Cryo-preservation and freeze substitution of samples.
     • Electron tomography on ultrathin sections and tomogram reconstruction.
     • Negative staining for specific biological samples.
     • Prepare sample supports (Formvar and carbon-coated grids, glow discharge, addition of gold fiducials).
     • Supervise on-site contracted TEM services.
2. Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM):
   • Train users on independent operation and image processing tools for the confocal microscope.
   • Provide technical assistance and advice for confocal microscopy as needed.
   • Perform confocal microscopy for MRC and external investigators.
   • Maintain the Leica SP8-TCS LSCM in optimal condition.
   • Supervise on-site contracted services for LSCM.
3. Two-Photon Laser-Scanning Microscopy (Olympus FV-MPE-RS; Spectra-Physics InSight DeepSee Duo):
   • Train users on the two-photon microscope and associated image processing tools.
   • Provide technical guidance and assistance for two-photon microscopy.
   • Maintain the two-photon microscope in optimal condition.
   • Supervise on-site contracted services related to two-photon microscopy.
4. Laboratory Management:
   • Implement and manage a structured user sign-up system for all instruments.
   • Ensure compliance with all lab safety, security, and hazardous waste disposal regulations.
   • Maintain an adequate inventory of lab consumables and essential supplies.
5. Fiscal Management:
   • Generate and issue monthly usage invoices for all Core instruments and services.
   • Prepare and manage the annual budget for Core expenses.
   • Keep detailed and accurate records of all financial transactions associated with the Core facility.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Hands‑on experience in biological (structural and immune‑) TEM, including resin embedding, ultrathin sectioning, staining, image acquisition and processing.
• Hands‑on experience with standard light microscopy, wide‑field fluorescence microscopy, and confocal microscopy.
• Experience in, or ability to learn, flow cytometry and fluorescence‑activated cell sorting.
• Familiarity with basic image processing tools and methods.
• Ability to effectively communicate and professionally interact with a diverse population of scientific researchers, administrative and facilities staff, service engineers, and sales reps.
• Ability to understand electron and optical microscope design and perform hands‑on troubleshooting as needed.
• Patient, responsible, and service‑oriented demeanor.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Competent computer skills in order to use a variety of electronic systems.

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

115 Mill Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$63,252.80 - $102,596.00/Annual

EEO Statement

The McLean Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People‑Focused, half Performance‑Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.