Lab Manager – Levi Lab

Job Summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center is hiring for Lab Manager, Levi Lab

The Levi Lab in the Department of Surgery has an opening for a Laboratory Manager position. The Levi Lab is a large, energetic, dynamic, and multidisciplinary research laboratory whose mission it is to “Enhance the human experience.” The team consist of trainees, faculty and staff with expertise in bioinformatics, musculoskeletal biology, animal surgery and imaging. The candidate must meet education and experience certification and training guidelines for equipment and tests used and performed in the laboratory, as required under federal regulations. The position requires establishing a positive culture within the team, organizing laboratory meetings and collaborations within and outside UT Southwestern, support on grant preparation, ordering supplies, upholding compliance (animal, human, chemical, data storage, financial and organizational). Some supervisory experience is preferred. Additional roles include:

1.     Administrative Duties:

o   Overseeing the day-to-day administrative operations of the laboratory, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.

o   Managing inventory, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment.

o   Handling paperwork, documentation, and compliance with regulations and safety protocols.

2.     Personnel Management:

o   Recruiting, training, and supervising lab staff, including technicians, assistants, and interns.

o   Conducting performance evaluations and providing feedback to team members.

o   Promoting a positive and collaborative work environment.

3.     Project Management:

o   Coordinating research projects and experiments, ensuring that timelines and objectives are met.

o   Facilitating communication and collaboration among team members and with external collaborators.

o   Monitoring progress, troubleshooting issues, and implementing solutions as needed.

4.     Quality Control and Assurance:

o   Establishing and maintaining quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.

o   Implementing and enforcing best practices for data management, record-keeping, and laboratory protocols.

o   Conducting regular inspections and audits to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

5.     Safety and Compliance:

o   Ensuring the laboratory operates in accordance with all relevant safety regulations and guidelines.

o   Developing and implementing safety protocols and emergency procedures.

o   Providing training on safety practices and conducting regular safety audits and inspections.

6.     Equipment Maintenance and Calibration:

o   Overseeing the maintenance, repair, and calibration of laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and accuracy.

o   Developing preventive maintenance schedules and coordinating with vendors for service and repairs.

o   Evaluating new equipment and technologies for potential adoption in the laboratory.

7.     Communication and Reporting:

o   Serving as a liaison between the laboratory staff, management, and external stakeholders.

o   Communicating research findings, progress updates, and project outcomes through reports, presentations, and publications.

o   Collaborating with other departments or organizations on interdisciplinary projects and initiatives.

8.     Professional Development:

o   Staying informed about advancements in laboratory techniques, equipment, and regulations through continuous learning and professional development.

o   Encouraging and supporting the professional growth and development of lab staff through training opportunities and mentorship.

9.     Resource Management:

o   Optimizing the use of laboratory resources, including space, equipment, and personnel, to maximize efficiency and productivity.

o   Developing and implementing strategies for cost reduction and resource conservation without compromising quality or safety standards.

o   Identifying opportunities for investment in new technologies or infrastructure improvements to enhance laboratory capabilities.

10.   Regulatory Compliance:

o   Ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, such as those from government agencies, industry standards, and institutional guidelines.

o   Maintaining documentation and records necessary for regulatory inspections and audits.

o   Keeping abreast of changes in regulations and updating laboratory practices and procedures accordingly.

11.   Project Coordination and Collaboration:

o   Collaborating with researchers, principal investigators, and other stakeholders to develop project proposals, protocols, and experimental designs.

o   Facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration by coordinating resources and expertise from different research groups or departments.

o   Managing multi-institutional or international collaborations, including coordination of sample shipments, data sharing, and joint publications.

12.   Data Management and Analysis:

o   Establishing protocols for data collection, storage, and analysis to ensure accuracy, integrity, and reproducibility of research findings.

o   Implementing data management systems and tools to organize, analyze, and visualize experimental data effectively.

o   Providing support and training to lab members on data analysis software, statistical methods, and data interpretation techniques.

13.   Risk Management and Contingency Planning:

o   Identifying potential risks and hazards associated with laboratory activities and implementing measures to mitigate them.

o   Developing contingency plans for emergencies, such as equipment failures, power outages, or natural disasters, to minimize disruptions to research activities.

o   Conducting risk assessments and implementing safety measures for hazardous materials, chemicals, and biological agents used in the laboratory.

14.   Continuous Improvement and Innovation:

o   Leading initiatives to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the laboratory.

o   Encouraging staff members to propose and implement innovative ideas, technologies, or methodologies to enhance research outcomes and productivity.

o   Evaluating current processes and workflows to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for optimization or automation.

15.   Community Engagement and Outreach:

o   Representing the laboratory within the scientific community through participation in conferences, workshops, and professional organizations.

o   Engaging with industry partners, government agencies, and community stakeholders to promote collaboration, share research findings, and foster partnerships.

o   Contributing to science education and outreach initiatives by hosting lab tours, mentoring students, and participating in science advocacy activities.

Experience and Education

·       Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related scientific field, and four (4) years of relevant experience, to include at least one (1) year experience in specific area assigned.

·       Some supervisory experience preferred.

·       Must meet education and experience certification and training guidelines for equipment and tests used and performed in laboratory, as required under federal regulations.

Job Duties

·       Coordinates duties, schedules, project activities, equipment usage, operating time, research studies, billing, and space for large group of people ensuring efficient operation of lab.

·       Coordinates availability of technical assistance, appropriate chemicals, and special equipment to ensure timely preparation or completion of clinical work or research projects.

·       Supervises laboratory and office personnel, maintains personnel records, completes performance evaluations, and recruits and trains both clerical and technical support using managerial skills according to departmental and university guidelines.

·       Orders and allocates all laboratory supplies, materials, and equipment; maintains adequate inventory to ensure efficient operation of projects.

·       Maintains information on warranties, service contracts, operating manuals, licenses and permits; oversees maintenance of laboratory equipment in order to ensure compliance with all regulations and safety standards.

·       Compiles, analyzes, and presents research data using computers and subledgers for submission to investigators to be used in preparation of journal articles for publication. Prepares journal articles and writes protocols for research as required by organizing and editing data.

·       Troubleshoots problems and designs training according to government regulations.

·       Performs other duties as assigned.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information. UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community.  As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.