Laboratory Manager

99149BR

Campus: Tempe

Laboratory Manager

Job Description

The Dada Lab in the School of Life Sciences at ASU seeks to fill a Laboratory Manager position. This is a full-time fiscal year (12-months), benefits-eligible appointment for two (2) years with subsequent annual renewal based upon satisfactory performance, availability of resources, and the needs of the Lab. The anticipated start date is Spring, 2024. Research in the Dada lab broadly focuses on understanding how microbes shape mosquito biology and how this knowledge can be leveraged for mosquito and mosquito-borne disease control. We study wild mosquito populations or their progeny under laboratory settings as well as laboratory strains to better understand the complex interactions occurring in natural settings. We use classical entomological, molecular, ‘omics, and bioinformatics tools to answer our research questions. The Laboratory Manager will play an important role in ensuring the smooth, efficient, and safe operation of the Dada Lab. The incumbent will be responsible for the overall management and safety of our research space, which consists of a molecular laboratory and an ACL-2 (Arthropod Containment Level-2) facility for conventional, gnotobiotic, and/or axenic mosquito rearing. They will ensure that the lab operates according to departmental, institutional, and national safety guidelines. With active collaborations in institutions across North America, Europe, Sub Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia our research program is international, and this position may involve some travel and/or coordination with international collaborators.

This position is classified as a Staff position, due to this classification we are not able to sponsor any work visas. All applicants must be qualified to work in the U.S. without a visa sponsorship from the employer.

Required Knowledge:

• Applicable standards, regulations, guidelines, and requirements that affect operations of a research laboratory and arthropod containment facility.
• Laboratory safety practices
• Safe handling, use, and disposal of laboratory and insectary waste, instruments, specimens, and equipment.
• Principles and practices of management and supervision
• Basic principles of budgeting and accounting
• Principles, methods, and techniques of purchasing, project management, and inventory management.

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques
• Experience in using verbal and written communication skills, including preparing and presenting technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Experience in problem solving and decision making.
• Experience in planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and administering laboratory activities.
• Experience in using computerized laboratory systems (some of the systems we use include; Chemical Environmental Management System, Workday, SunRISE, LabSpend, etc.).
• Experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Experience in coordinating and prioritizing the completion of tasks and projects for oneself and team members to ensure efficient workflow and timely delivery.

Job Family

Research Operations

Department Name

Sols Administration & Faculty

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Grant Funded Position

This is not a grant funded position and is not contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

$55,250 – $62,000; DOE

Essential Duties

• Manage and supervise daily operations of the Dada Lab to ensure ongoing processes and activities occur cost effectively, efficiently, and safely, and that they comply with applicable standards and regulations.
• Develop, review, and periodically revise standard operating procedures (SOPs), and conduct tests to ensure their effectiveness and adherence to rigorous standards.
• Responsible for obtaining necessary permits and approvals for handling, working with, and/or transfer of live or dead specimens.
• Perform laboratory onboarding of new lab members including administration of requisite training.
• Purchase, manage, and properly maintain all laboratory and insectary equipment and supplies.
• Perform acceptance and protocol testing of new instruments; understand and document their proper use for efficient team-wide utilization.
• Manage the lab’s inventory and ordering system by establishing and maintaining PAR levels and restocking points for standard laboratory and research supplies.
• Manage chemical and hazardous waste streams and coordinate requests for chemical and hazardous waste removal.
• Review product specifications and recommend new/replacement equipment as needed.
• Negotiate terms, prices, and conditions with suppliers/vendors.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety requirements.
• Prepare and distribute regular status and statistical reports of laboratory activities and identify areas for operational improvements.
• Maintain current knowledge of subject matter areas through participation in educational programs, seminars, and workshops.

Depending on career level and interests, the Laboratory Manager may also conduct research-oriented tasks as long as these do not interfere with the primary duties outlined above. This includes driving specific research thrusts within the Lab’s overall focus area and/or contributing to ongoing research in the lab; communicating research outcomes; and keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical literature.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree within an area of discipline and four (4) years of related experience which includes two (2) years laboratory management experience in a research and teaching setting and (2) years of supervisory experience; OR, Bachelor’s degree within the area of the scientific discipline and six (6) years of related experience which includes two (2) years laboratory management experience in a research and teaching setting and (2) years of supervisory experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

Experience/evidence of the following would be advantageous:

• Mosquito colony maintenance or experience with handling and caring for animals especially insects and small mammals
• Insecticide resistance assays or experience of other basic biological assays.
• ‘omics techniques.
• A PhD in vector biology or other related biological science discipline and evidence of related experience including two years (2) of laboratory management experience and (2) years of supervisory experience in a research setting is preferred.

Working Environment

Activities are performed in an office, lab setting, and in the field subject to extended periods of field work, sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse, and standing for varying lengths of time. May be required to wear personal protective equipment before entering laboratories such as lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, closed toe shoes, and respirator. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds. Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions. This position receives regular review of objectives by department administrator.

Department Statement

The School of Life Sciences (SOLS) has provided a vital hub for creative excellence at Arizona State University, with more than 670 faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and staff, and research that ranges from studies on biodiesel and biohydrogen to vaccine development and the conservation of whales. As ASU’s first academic unit to fully reflect President Michael Crow’s integrated, interdisciplinary vision for the New American University, the School of Life Sciences offers active and evolving platforms for collaborative, cutting-edge research and faculty whose discovery is freed from traditional institutional boundaries.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume and Cover Letter should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.