What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Lab Administrative Assistant position at Mass General Brigham?
At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our mission—from doctors, nurses, business people and tech experts, to dedicated researchers and systems analysts. As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve.
At Mass General Brigham, we believe a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences makes us stronger by challenging our assumptions with new perspectives that can drive revolutionary discoveries in medical innovations in research and patient care. Therefore, we invite and welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in healthcare — people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ community, and/or gender expansive, first and second-generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds – to apply.
Job Summary
SummaryA Human Translation Center focused on advancing clinical trials for type 1 diabetes treatment using the BCG vaccine seeks a Laboratory Administrator to manage lab operations and administrative tasks. Responsibilities include ordering supplies, handling budgets, managing contracts, overseeing lab safety, supervising employee hours, assisting with grants and publications, coordinating donor relations, and supporting recruitment and onboarding. The ideal candidate has strong organizational skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and experience in lab administration, budgeting, or contracts. This full-time, on-site role requires a minimum two-year commitment and offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking medical research in a collaborative team environment.
Qualifications
We are a Human Translation Center that takes basic science discoveries and advances them through cutting-edge clinical trials. One of our premier programs in the Immunobiology Laboratories is conducting innovative Phase II clinical trials focused on the treatment of type 1 diabetes with a generic drug called the BCG vaccine. We are testing the potential of BCG vaccination to reverse type 1 diabetes in both adults and children.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Laboratory Administrator to join our diverse clinical and research teams. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in supporting the lab's operations, ensuring the smooth day-to-day functions, and assisting with administrative tasks vital for the lab's productivity and success. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while working closely with a talented team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Order daily lab and office supplies to ensure the lab is well-stocked and operations run smoothly.
- Initiate contract requests with MGH's contracts team and assist in drafting legal Statements of Work (SOWs).
- Proofread and assist with Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and other relevant legal documents.
- Process and track monthly lab budgets, ensuring accurate financial records and accounting.
- Reconcile monthly credit card expenses to maintain budget integrity.
- Assist with proofreading publications and compiling references for research articles.
- Aid in reviewing and submitting grants.
- Supervise about 20 employee hours for integrity and report to the timekeeping department.
- Assist with and direct lab safety protocols, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Manage and direct the annual donation drive for the lab, with special attention to high-profile donors.
- Set up and send blast emails via Constant Contact for lab announcements and updates.
- Set up job postings and assist with the onboarding process for new team members.
- Provide administrative support for any additional tasks as required by the PI.
- Ensure timely invoice payments to vendors.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
- Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail, and the ability to multitask.
- Experience with lab administration and research support is preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Familiarity with budgets, expense reconciliation, and contract management is preferred, or a keen interest in learning.
- Ability to work independently.
- Experience with grants, publications, and safety compliance is a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity with Constant Contact or other email marketing platforms is a plus.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with seasoned professionals and effectively prioritize projects.
Additional Information:
- This is a full-time position.
- Minimum 2-year commitment.
- This is a 100% on-site position (not remote).
- Interest in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the team to ensure smooth workflow and task management.
- Our group of about 20 on-site colleagues shares a strong camaraderie and is driven by a shared mission for healthcare change. Interest in our research that aims to make a generic drug available to the public.
Additional Job Details (if applicable)
Physical Requirements
Standing Occasionally (3-33%)
Walking Occasionally (3-33%)
Sitting Constantly (67-100%)
Lifting Occasionally (3-33%) 20lbs - 35lbs
Carrying Occasionally (3-33%) 20lbs - 35lbs
Pushing Rarely (Less than 2%)
Pulling Rarely (Less than 2%)
Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
Balancing Occasionally (3-33%)
Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
Kneeling Rarely (Less than 2%)
Crouching Rarely (Less than 2%)
Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
Reaching Occasionally (3-33%)
Gross Manipulation (Handling) Constantly (67-100%)
Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
Talking Constantly (67-100%)
Hearing Constantly (67-100%)
Remote Type
Work Location
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Employee Type
Work Shift
EEO Statement:
Mass General Brigham Competency Framework
At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.