Research Lab manager in the Pourquie lab focused on the development of the musculo-skeletal system in vivo and in vitro
Posted by Olivier Pourquie, on 15 May 2019
Closing Date: 15 March 2021
Job Location:
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Development of the Musculo-Skeletal system / Pourquie Lab, Boston, MA, USA
Job Summary
The Research Lab Manager will assume a key role in the Pourquie lab (Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Pathology/Harvard Medical School/Genetics Departments) (15 to 18-person lab). The Lab manager works under the very general direction of Principal Investigator and participates in research involving up-to-date biological techniques in developmental biology and cell culture to investigate the mechanisms controlling the formation of the vertebrae and muscles during embryonic development. Under general direction, performs non-routine and highly specialized experimental procedures that involve substantial “hands on” work and the ability to multi-task across various projects within the lab. Has day-today supervisory responsibility of laboratory operations and personnel. Coordinates lab activities, composes and may present research reports, participates in design and modification of lab protocols and assist in grant data generation and writing.
Principal duties and responsibilities:
- Works independently with general guidance from the Principal Investigator.
- Independently performs routine biological experiments. Experimental techniques may include: protein biochemistry; cell fixation and basic immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence; gene expression analysis such as quantitative real-time PCR, in-situ hybridization, molecular biology, standard mammalian cell culture techniques as well as isolation of primary stem cell cultures from animal tissues.
- Independently performs non-routine, highly specialized experimental procedures including in vitro direct differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, maintenance of pluripotent cell lines, microsurgery and gene transfer technologies in chicken and mouse embryo model systems, advanced molecular cloning, in vivo cell transplantation in mouse models.
- Performs confocal microscopy techniques and flow cytometry experiments, time-lapse imaging and live cell microscopy and analysis of resulting data using instrument software
- Performs advanced data analysis using advanced statistical techniques.
- Trains Lab staff in routine and specialized lab techniques
- Oversees and coordinates scheduling of lab procedures
- Oversees mouse colonies and coordinates the use of mice by other laboratory members
- Oversees and coordinates cell culture room operations (reagent supply and reagents testing, personnel training, maintains stocks, cell archives, organizes room cleaning)
- Oversees all lab supply and equipment, organization, purchasing and maintenance
- Oversees activities related to laboratory compliance with institutional health and safety regulations, such as proper inventory, storage, use, and disposal of radioactive and toxic substances and serves as the designated laboratory Safety Officer.
- Manages and supervises the day-to-day activities of the lab’s Technical Research Assistants (grades I or II)
- Coordinates lab resources utilization and material requests with other labs
Qualifications:
- Master of Science in a biological science required, PhD preferred
- Minimum 3 years’ hands-on experience in cell culture
- Previous experience as a supervisor or manager
- Experience with laboratory mouse colony maintenance preferred
- Experience with embryonic stem cell or iPS cell culture preferred
Skills / Abilities / Competencies required
- Strong organizational and scientific skills
- Sound interpersonal skills, ability to constructively interact with the research team members
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- High degree of computer literacy
Working conditions
- Standard biosciences laboratory environment
- Exposure to laboratory reagents, chemicals, and animal /human tissues under controlled conditions. Minimal risk when following established protocols and federal, state, local, and hospital guidelines
To apply to this position please send your resume and cover letter to Olivier Pourquie (pourquie@genetics.med.harvard.edu)