Laboratory Manager

University of Chicago

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL, USA
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2023

Department

BSD ACC - Research


About the Department

The Groman Lab (www.gromanlab.com) is part of the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care at the University of Chicago. We are interested in understanding why some individuals are more susceptible to developing addiction and other diseases compared to others. Current projects include understanding how neural activity in specific circuits is related to behavior across key developmental periods, the molecular mechanisms that regulate genetic and environmental behavioral mechanisms of addiction risk, and investigating the computational mechanisms of select decision-making functions in normal and abnormal states. Our work integrates complex behavioral assessments with state-of-the-art neuroscience techniques in rats to develop links between biology and behavior.


Job Summary

We are seeking to hire a full-time Laboratory Manager who will be responsible for managing a team of staff responsible for scientific research projects and facilities. This individual will guide data collection, evaluation, and analyses, ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, and directives. The Laboratory Manager will develop goals, operating procedures, practices, and guidelines for research activity based on the Lab strategy and also solve problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, developing equipment use schedules, and adapting procedures to the needs of the project.

Responsibilities

  • Manage a team of staff and trainees responsible for conducting research projects in the lab (scheduling personnel and equipment usage, training new staff, etc.).

  • Maintain and order lab supplies, solutions, and reagents.

  • Ensure that staff and trainees are using best practices for data collection and documentation.

  • Assist with data analyses, interpretation, and planning for subsequent experiments.

  • Maintain animal and biosafety protocols.

  • Ensure that research activities are approved and consistent with institutional, state, and federal policies.

  • Generate and maintain protocols and operating procedures, practices, and guidelines for research conducted in the lab.

  • Solve problems related to scheduling, planning, and adapting procedures to achieve research goals.

  • Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.

  • Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.

  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Advanced degree in neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, or related field.

Experience:

  • Relevant research experience.

  • Previous lab management experience.

Preferred Competencies

  • Ability to supervise and lead a small team of researchers.

  • Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.

  • Strong organizational skills.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to working as a team.

  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal).

  • Strong data management skills.

  • Strong analytical skills.

  • Absorb large amounts of data quickly.

  • Ability to adapt to changing work situations and assignments.

Application Documents

  • Resume (required)

  • Cover Letter (required)


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


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Frequency

Monthly


Scheduled Weekly Hours

40


Benefits Eligible

Yes


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

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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