Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Groves lab in the Department of Developmental Biology has an opening for a Research Lab Manager. The Lab Manager will be responsible for overseeing the entire laboratory to promote smooth operation, regulatory compliance, and interaction with other laboratories. The position will also entail departmental responsibilities, including overseeing shared resources, training, and assisting with the relocation of new faculty laboratories.

The Groves lab studies the development, regeneration, and evolution of the inner ear. We use different genetically modified mouse lines to understand how the different cell types of the inner ear develop and form the complex 3-dimensional architecture of the inner ear. We also study inner ear hair cells, exquisitely sensitive mechanosensory cells that allow the ear to detect sound and motion of the head. Once lost, these cells cannot normally be replaced, and so hearing loss is progressive and permanent. Our lab is exploring therapeutic approaches to regenerate hair cells to treat individuals with hearing and balance disorders.

Dr. Andy Groves is relocating to the Washington University School of Medicine in April to become head of the Department of Developmental Biology. Washington University School of Medicine provides a vibrant, highly collaborative environment for the study of developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary diseases. It has a demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are seeking someone with demonstrated project and/or people management skills to oversee the day-to-day management of our lab and the Developmental Biology department and to interact with the Center of Regenerative Medicine. The Research Lab Manager will work directly with Dr. Groves and other staff to manage lab ordering and purchasing, maintain equipment and contracts, train personnel, run experiments, and analyze data as needed. They will also collaborate with the Business Manager of the Department of Developmental Biology to oversee departmental lab management duties.

Job Description

Groves Lab Responsibilities

• Oversee Daily Operations
  • Ensure smooth day-to-day functioning of the lab, including managing workflows, schedules, and ensuring the proper use of lab resources.
  • Coordinate the maintenance and organization of lab equipment, supplies, and inventory.

• Manage Safety and Compliance
  • Implement and monitor safety protocols, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and provide training to lab staff on safety procedures.
  • Oversee proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials according to university guidelines.

• Team Management and Supervision
  • Supervise lab technicians, research assistants, and students, ensuring the effective use of time and resources for ongoing research projects.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior lab members, promoting a collaborative, productive, and inclusive environment.

• Support Research Projects
  • Assist in the design and execution of research experiments, data collection, and analysis where needed.
  • Ensure that all experimental protocols and data are documented and stored properly.

• Financial Management
  • Manage lab budgets, including purchasing equipment, consumables, and supplies, while adhering to financial constraints.

• Technology and Equipment Management
  • Oversee the maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment and troubleshoot issues as necessary.
  • Keep up to date with new laboratory technologies and recommend upgrades or replacements when necessary.

• Reporting and Documentation
  • Maintain accurate records of lab activities, equipment logs, and inventory.

Developmental Biology Department Responsibilities

• Coordination of Departmental Resources
  • Serve as the main point of contact for other labs, ensuring the effective scheduling and sharing of shared resources and facilities, including emergency back-up equipment.
  • Coordinate equipment sharing, and collaborative projects across different research teams within the department.

• Lab Policy Development and Oversight
  • Help develop and implement departmental guidelines, policies, and standard operating procedures for lab safety, research practices, and equipment use.
  • Monitor adherence to these policies, ensuring that labs are compliant with university standards.

• Training and Support
  • Organize training programs for new lab members on equipment usage, safety protocols, and departmental procedures.
  • Provide troubleshooting support for other labs within the department, addressing any technical issues with lab equipment.

• Project Coordination and Collaboration
  • Assist in coordinating multi-lab and cross-departmental projects, ensuring that projects run smoothly, stay on track, and resources are appropriately distributed.
  • Act as a liaison between different teams, fostering collaboration on shared research goals.

• Assist with Departmental Research Lab Onboarding
  • Work with university facilities managers and departmental administrators to assist new faculty labs to set up lab space, equipment, lab animal resources and provide help with purchasing and use of core facilities.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.

• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Research Laboratory Operations (5 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, neuroscience or other biomedical sciences.
• Experience in at least some of the following areas is highly desirable: molecular biology, cell biology, tissue culture, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, histology, mouse husbandry and genotyping.
• Experience in animal research, and familiarity with IACUC protocol procedures.
• Experience with biosafety protocol procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Analytical Problem Solving, Biosafety, Cell Biology, Communication, Confocal, Fluorescence, Genotyping, Histology, Interpersonal Communication, Molecular Biology, Mouse Husbandry, Prioritization, Teamwork, Time Management, Tissue Cultures, Working Independently, Workplace Organization

Grade

R12

Salary Range

$63,400.00 - $115,000.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.