Research Lab Ops Manager Microscopy Core

Mass General Brigham; Kentucky; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham seeks a Research Lab Operations Manager for the Microscopy Core to support translational neuroscience research. You will oversee complex instrumentation including TEM, laser-scanning confocal, and two-photon systems, manage budgets, and guide study design and data interpretation.

The role requires 3–5 years of lab experience, strong organizational and analytical skills, and the ability to coordinate regulatory activities and liaise with internal teams and external sponsors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field.
• 3–5 years of research experience in a lab setting.
• Ability to oversee lab operations, budgeting, and strategy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee lab supply, equipment purchasing, and maintenance.
• Coordinate regulatory and compliance activities.
• Train staff in specialized lab techniques and subject scheduling.
• Provide input on strategy based on industry trends.
• Lead project management for development initiatives.
• Contribute to scientific literature and present data at meetings.
• Conduct independent research projects using advanced techniques.
• Manage TEM/LSCM/TEM-related budgets and schedules.

Skills

Independent decision making

Scientific imagination

Technical problem solving

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field (preferred)

Tools

TEM

Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy

Two-Photon Microscopy

Electron tomography

Immuno-electron microscopy

Job description

Site: The McLean Hospital Corporation

Mass 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.

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

Research experience (in a lab setting) 3-5 years required

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 project 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 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.

Essential Functions (Key Roles & Responsibilities) 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 Addendum to Job Description - Specialized Duties: 1. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): 2. Maintain the Reichert-Jung ultramicrotome and ancillary TEM instrumentation. 3. Oversee and maintain the JEOL JEM1200EX TEM and cooling systems. 4. Conduct TEM for MRC and external investigators, including: 5. Resin sample preparation, ultramicrotomy, staining, data collection, and image processing. 6. Immuno-electron microscopy techniques. 7. Cryo-preservation and freeze substitution of samples. 8. Electron tomography on ultrathin sections and tomogram reconstruction. 9. Negative staining for specific biological samples. 10. Prepare sample supports (Formvar and carbon-coated grids, glow discharge, addition of gold fiducials). 11. Supervise on-site contracted TEM services. 12. Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM): 13. Train users on independent operation and image processing tools for the confocal microscope. 14. Provide technical assistance and advice for confocal microscopy as needed. 15. Perform confocal microscopy for MRC and external investigators. 16. Maintain the Leica SP8-TCS LSCM in optimal condition. 17. Supervise on-sitecontracted services for LSCM. 18. Two-Photon Laser-Scanning Microscopy (Olympus FV-MPE-RS; Spectra-Physics InSight DeepSee Duo): 19. Train users on the two-photon microscope and associated image processing tools. 20. Provide technical guidance and assistance for two-photon microscopy. 21. Maintain the two-photon microscope in optimal condition. 22. Supervise on-site contracted services related to two-photon microscopy. 23. Laboratory Management: 24. Implement and manage a structured user sign-up system for all instruments. 25. Ensure compliance with all lab safety, security, and hazardous waste disposal regulations. 26. Maintain an adequate inventory of lab consumables and essential supplies. 27. Fiscal Management: 28. Generate and issue monthly usage invoices for all Core instruments and services. 29. Prepare and manage the annual budget for