McLean Hospital is a comprehensive psychiatric hospital committed to providing easy access to superior quality, cost-effective mental health services in the Boston area, Massachusetts and beyond. Since 1811, McLean Hospital has been a world leader in the treatment of mental illness and chemical dependency, research into the cause of mental illness and the training of generations of mental health care providers. McLean's multidisciplinary programs treat a broad range of psychiatric illnesses across the full continuum of care.
This is a position in the Laboratory for Translational Research on Neurodegeneration in the Program for Neuropsychiatric Research at McLean Hospital.
General Summary
The Research Lab Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of a research laboratory. This role ensures that the lab runs efficiently and complies with all safety and regulatory standards. The Research Lab Operations Manager works under the direction of the PI or Research Lab Manager and does not have personnel management responsibilities.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversees day-to-day laboratory operations to ensure smooth and efficient functioning.
- Coordinates the use of lab space and resources among various research projects.
- Ensures all laboratory activities comply with hospital regulatory requirements and institutional, local, state, and federal safety standards.
- Conducts regular safety audits and inspections.
- Maintains proper documentation for safety protocols, chemical inventories, and equipment maintenance.
- Assists the PI and research staff with the design and implementation of research projects.
- Provide technical support and troubleshooting for experimental protocols and laboratory techniques.
- Collaborate with the research team to optimize experimental setups and improve lab workflows.
- Ensure accurate and organized record-keeping of experimental data, including proper documentation of procedures and results.
- Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and repair of all laboratory equipment to ensure it is in good working condition.
- Manages inventory of lab supplies and reagents, ensuring timely procurement and restocking to avoid interruptions in research activities.
- Coordinates with vendors for the purchase of equipment and supplies, negotiating best terms and ensuring timely delivery.
- Facilitates effective communication within the lab and with external collaborators to ensure alignment on project goals and timelines.
- Participates in lab meetings and contribute to discussions on lab operations and research progress.
- Represents the lab in institutional meetings and external conferences as needed.
- Uses Mass General Brigham McLean values to govern decisions, actions and behaviors.
Efficient utilization of Mass General Brigham McLean resources, especially lab budgets.
Other duties as assigned
No direct reports; may indirectly provide leadership and guidance to less seasoned and new staff
Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics) required. A Master’s or Ph.D. is preferred.
At least 5 years of research experience in a laboratory setting.
Diverse knowledge of biological sciences including stem cell biology (tissue culture of hESC/ hiEPS, differentiation), cell biology
(tissue culture and tissue culture assays: flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy), microbiology and immunology (Immunohistochemistry
and Immunostaining)
- Plays a major role in training and lab supervision of junior staff
- Independently performs, determines suitability, and participates in the design of research methodology and proposes new directions and approaches on multiple projects.
- Recommends protocol changes and writes protocols and contributes to manuscripts.
- Maintains records and databases and organizes and interprets data
- Monitors and evaluates lab and procedure data.
- Maintains, updates, and revises the laboratory SOPs.
- Evaluates study procedures and contributes to recommendations for improvements.
- Assists PI in preparing complete study reports & presentations
- Assists in projects planning.
- Manages inventory, organizes ordering and purchases of equipment, instruments, and chemicals.
- Organizes and prepares sample shipments to collaborators.
Collaborates with research scientists for projects requiring accurate and consistent data collecting, analysis and reporting of scientific data.
Significant technical abilities and experience is self-motivated, well-organized, and communicates and collaborates well as a team member.
Oversees laboratory safety and serves on the Laboratory Safety Committee
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
- Possess strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with cross functional teams including staff at all levels of the organization
- Ability to successfully negotiate and collaborate with others of different skill sets, backgrounds an levels within and external to the organization
- Strong problem solving and negotiation skills
- Ability to effectively conduct meetings, both formal and informal
- Requires minimal direction from leadership and possesses the ability to learn quickly
EEO Statement
McLean is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.