The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

We are seeking a Laboratory Manager to join the team of Dr. Mikhail Shapiro on-site at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, CA. The lab develops technologies to image and control the function of cells deep inside the body to enable biological research and the development of advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. The Shapiro group has approximately 35 members, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and research staff. More information about the lab can be found at shapirolab.caltech.edu.

About the Lab Manager role:

The Lab Manager will hold an integral role within the lab – directing the day-to-day operations involved in running the lab and serving as the liaison between the lab and various external partners. The successful candidate for this position is a highly organized professional with impeccable follow-through, outstanding communication skills, and a passion for process improvement who is looking for a robust long-term career experience. This is an opportunity to have a tremendous impact on science by working alongside Dr. Shapiro to maintain a positive and encouraging work environment that fosters a thriving, cohesive lab team.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits. Salary will be commensurate with a candidate’s experience, education, and skills.
• Joining the vibrant and close-knit Caltech research community.
• Joining a passionate, mission-driven, collaborative and friendly lab team that hosts great parties!
• Access to HHMI’s on-demand training courses and interactive skill-building seminars taught by members of our learning and organization development team.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career growth.
• Opportunities to attend meetings and conferences.

What you’ll do:

• Collaborate with Dr. Shapiro to maintain a happy, safe, collaborative and productive laboratory culture.
• Develop laboratory guidelines, maintain procedures manuals, and evaluate new materials.
• Act as the lab safety officer and ensure compliance by lab members with safety policies including serving as liaison between lab and host safety and regulatory offices.
• Onboard new lab team members and ensure their familiarity with laboratory procedures.
• Plan for and provide working supervision to Research Technicians contributing to laboratory management.
• Maintain lab equipment including liaising with vendors, keeping track of service contracts, and repairs of equipment.
• Initiate and manage inventory orders to ensure adequate lab stock of supplies.
• Monitor the lab’s budget and communicate regularly with Dr. Shapiro about expenditures.
• Serve as liaison between lab and HHMI and Caltech administrative offices on issues such as budget management, fixed asset inventories, purchasing, use of host accounts, and so forth.
• Maintain web-based information repository for lab team members.

What you bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in health or life sciences, engineering or related disciplines is required.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience working in a research laboratory with at least 1 year of laboratory experience working in a supervisory or management capacity. Applications from candidates with substantially more experience are welcome.
• Previous experience training other people on lab practices and various protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to engage others effectively in learning and applying appropriate lab practices.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise others and provide constructive feedback, support, and guidance.
• Strong sense of self-motivation, responsibility, integrity, adaptability, trustworthiness, and leadership.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Passion for efficiency, operational excellence, and process improvement.
• Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, time management, and teamwork skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Knowledge of standard safety regulations and appropriate laboratory practices applying to research in biology and advanced lab equipment.
• Knowledge of computers and MS Office software.

Compensation Range:

Laboratory Manager I – $75,350 (minimum) – $94,200 (midpoint) – $122,430 (maximum)

Laboratory Manager II – $89,650 (minimum) – $112,000 (midpoint) – $145,640 (maximum)

Pay Type: Annual

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.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer