Laboratory Manager I - Balskus Lab

We are currently seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Manager to manage the day-to-day operations of Dr. Emily Balskus' Lab on-site at Harvard University. The overarching goal of research in the Balskus Lab is to transform our understanding of microbes and microbiomes by pioneering approaches that integrate microbiology and chemistry. By uncovering the molecular basis for microbial metabolism, their work seeks to reveal fundamental insights into microbiomes and provide innovative solutions to problems facing medicine, agriculture, and the environment. More information about the lab can be found on their website.

In this role, you will be a key contributor within the lab - serving as both the day-to-day operations 'go-to' person while also providing scientific support for lab members.You will be incredibly organized, team-oriented, have a genuine interest in science administration, and have a strong desire to support the Balskus lab's goals.

What You Will Do:

Operational: 80%

• Manage a large bacterial strain collection and chemical inventory.

• Provide resource management and ensure lab organization for equipment, tools, materials, workspaces and projects. This includes ordering and shipping of lab materials. As well as coordinating group jobs (lab member responsibilities).

• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions. This includes coordinating and scheduling lab personnel interviews.

• Work with lab members to maintain general upkeep of the lab's website and manage lab listserv.

• Assist lab members with equipment management and maintenance, including training new lab members on proper use. Contact third-party vendors/organizations for equipment purchase and repair.

• Maintain strain permits and enforce compliance with all safety policies and regulations including IACUC, biosafety levels 1, 2, and 2+ - and conduct risk assessments.

• Facilitate and manage laboratory clean-ups and inspections.

• Work with PI and lab members on developing additional ways to improve lab organization and efficiency.

• Maintain records regarding the transfer of intellectual property or materials to collaborators.

• Work with lab members and the PI to support the preparation of reports and manuscripts, as well as various other lab responsibilities.

• Organization of group events and activities together with lab members.

This position will also collaborate closely with an Administrative Lab Manager to:

• Assist with liaising to the various departments and organizations that partner with the Lab (Harvard, HHMI, The Broad, etc) on issues such as budget management, fixed asset inventories, purchasing, use of host accounts, etc.

• Assist with onboarding of new lab members and offboarding of departing lab members

• Liaise with administrative groups on financial and administrative matters.

• Manage lab meeting schedule.

• Provide resource management and ensure lab organization for equipment, tools, materials, workspaces and projects.

• Monitor, track and guide progress of research and oversee adherence to time frames and costs.

Research: 20%:

• Work efficiently and cooperatively with researchers within the lab to proactively support all aspects of the lab's research.

• Perform specific experiments or techniques in support of the lab's research and help train and advise lab members who are using similar approaches. Desired areas of expertise could include mass spectrometry /metabolomics (preferred), microbiology, organic synthesis, cell culture, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, microbial genetics or mouse models.

• Supervise and mentor junior lab members, including Research Assistants.

What You Bring:

Education and Experience

• At least 2 years' post-baccalaureate experience working in a research lab, including at least 1 year of supervisory/mentoring experience.

• Bachelor's Degree in biological chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry or related discipline, or equivalent education and experience

  • Graduate degree preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong commitment to teamwork.

• Strong organizational skills, including ability to multi-task/balance multiple responsibilities.

• Strong degree of self-motivation and strong attention to detail.

• Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism (ability to work well with a wide variety of people in a diverse laboratory environment).

• Ability to deal with challenging, time-sensitive tasks and situations.

• Knowledge of basic laboratory equipment with ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and accurately communicate equipment issues with repair technicians and engineers.

• Knowledge of standard safety regulations and appropriate laboratory practices applying to research in biology and biochemistry.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong computer skills and record-keeping skills.

• Prior expertise in mass spectrometry (or maintenance of mass spectrometers) would be a strong plus, but is not required.

• Able to function as and move fluidly between both an independent worker and member of a team.

• Able to deal with challenging, time-sensitive tasks and situations.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Compensation Range

Pay Type:

HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer