Lab Manager: Molecular Biology Lab

Department

PSD James Franck Institute: Murugan Group

About the Department

The James Franck Institute (JFI) hosts a broad range of research including quantitative biology and biological physics. Groups use a range of experimental and computational techniques to understand complex biological systems.

Job Summary

The Lab Manager will oversee all day-to-day operations of the molecular biology laboratory, ensuring it runs both efficiently and safely. The successful candidate will support lab operations, order and maintain supplies and equipment, and will participate in and support scientific research, including their own independent research project. This person will be working closely with both undergraduate and graduate students within the lab and aid postdocs in succeeding in their research. This position is for a molecular biology laboratory within the PSD and James Franck Institute.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research projects, including executing experiments, collecting and analyzing the resultant data and preparing data in a presentable format.
• Maintains user logs, instrument logs, system logs, and computer system backups. Ensures users on best laboratory practices e.g., logs keeping, online reservation, housekeeping, proper waste disposals, etc. Assures quality control measures meet, adheres to as established in the laboratory policy and procedure.
• Performs instrument troubleshooting, repairs and services. Assists the service contracts and/or service calls.
• Provide hands on assistance for lab members as they conduct their own research projects.
• Train staff and students in current lab protocols as well as developing new protocols as research dictates. 
• Review and assist undergraduate lab assistants with their experiments.
• Overseeing day-to-day lab operations to ensure efficiency and safety.
• Coordinating lab group, including scheduling and personnel support.
• Manages laboratory safety protocols to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Manages liquid and solid waste and hazard waste pickups, proper storage and disposal of chemical and hazard waste. Retains regular cleaning to ensure a clean and safe laboratory environment.
• Resolves issues occurred in the operations in a timely and professional manner, including but not limited to contacting users, university safety and service centers, building managers, building engineers, etc.
• Work independently in an organized, detailed manner within a collaborative team environment.
• Support the goals of the lab by ordering, maintaining stocks of supplies, maintaining instruments, lab organization and assist with training of new lab members.
• Optimize and document experimental protocols.
• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:      

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, or related field.

Experience:    

• Experience in molecular techniques such as nucleic acid preps, PCR, gel electrophoresis and blotting.
• Experience in sterile technique and culturing.
• Experience with yeast a plus.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Understanding of molecular genetics and molecular evolution.
• Ability to work independently.
• Critical thinking and troubleshooting.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. 

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$75,000.00 - $85,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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