Research Laboratory Manager - Genomic Medicine

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

The position of Research Laboratory Manager supports Dr. Jennifer Wargo's research lab and working with PRIME TR management team ("ELT") in planning and implementing all activities within a research laboratory. Coordinates sample collection, collaboration projects, laboratory experiments and supervision and oversight to lab staff conducting experiments.

Key Functions

• Work to build and create processes and timelines for lab initiatives regarding sample collection, processing and storage times, and mouse experiments.
• Attend research meetings and document action items to ensure organization of data and processes used for projects.
• Prepare for and lead weekly lab meetings.
• Prepare reports on lab activities and status of staff projects, needs and assessment.
• Under the direction of PI plan and execute lab experiments and special projects of a scientific and/or administrative nature as assigned.
• Monitor, evaluate and improve the quality and efficiency of SOPs, personnel practices, and regulatory compliance issues.
• Work with PRIME TR research team, internal departments, and outside collaborators on sample / data collection, sharing and any required documentation, and development of a tracking system for samples, de-identify patient information via labeling, appropriate storage and accurate inventory.
• Assist with tracking grant aims and objectives for progress reports for each project/lab member by documenting experiments, proposed research and work plans.
• Work with Facilities as point of contact notifications on outages; notify appropriate personnel to ensure the lab functions during outages, update maintenance/repair and inventory of equipment.
• Oversee laboratory safety, inspections and inventory including conducting self-quarterly assessments and quarterly inspections in printed form, prepare for lab inspections keeping all documentation updated, timely address concerns and keep PI advised.
• Provide oversight on vendor quotes, supply ordering, and ensure adequate general lab supplies.
• Design, execute and oversee in vivo studies investigating the role of probiotics on the gut microbiome, processing fresh tissue collections and aliquot of stool samples.
• Conduct and oversee flow cytometry on cells isolated from various mouse tissues and DNA extraction on mouse and human tumor tissue.
• Maintenance of cell lines in tissue culture, as well as bacteria culture and use of anaerobic chamber.
• Effectively and proactively supervise assigned staff with research projects via evaluation, pre-planning, and progress metrics.
• Meet with staff regularly to review all projects, provide recommendations and advise PI.
• Ensure staff complete progress reports and follow through on action items from meetings.
• Oversee compliance of personnel and trainees on proper mouse and vivarium training, laboratory techniques, use of equipment, chemicals and safety procedures, and maintain the laboratory educational activities and training certifications.
• Oversee and review with staff on planning lab experiments, pre-ordering supplies, proper procedures, updating of project initiatives and adequate timelines.
• Provide supervision and oversight on complex mouse experiments, vivarium training in mouse handling, housing, maintenance and final stages to euthanize mice.
• Direct staff to ensure lab is organized/cleaned, inspected, and deliveries are processed properly.
• Assist PI with screening potential staff, conduct interviews, and provide first-day new personnel laboratory tour, basic safety orientation and completion of required forms.

Working Conditions

This position requires:

Working in Office Environment

______ No

__X__ Yes

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)

___X_ No

_____ Yes

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues

______ No

__X__ Yes

Exposure to harmful chemicals

______ No

__X__ Yes

Exposure to radiation

______ No

__X__ Yes

Exposure to animals

______ No

__X__ Yes

Physical Demands

Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:

Time Spent

Never

0%

Occasionally

1-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuously

67-100%

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Reaching

X

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs.

X

10lbs to 50 lbs.

X

More than 50 lbs.

X

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs.

X

10lbs to 50 lbs.

X

More than 50 lbs.

X

Use computer/keyboard

X

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field. Education Preferred: Master's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Experience

Required: Seven years experience in scientific, research or clinical laboratory, to include four years in a supervisory/managerial capacity. With preferred degree, five years of required experience to include four years in a supervisory/managerial capacity. Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate program may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience.

Preferred: Previous Pharmaceutical or Biotech experience

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html