Lab Manager, USask Health Sciences

Lab Manager, USask Health Sciences

PRIMARY PURPOSE: The lab managers with Usask Health Sciences provide administrative and operational support to the research cluster laboratories.

NATURE OF WORK: This position reports to the Associate Director of Operations in USask Health Sciences. While not directly involved in any one research program or doing daily bench work, the lab manager will provide support to the research cluster leader(s) and other researchers in the groups using their research experience and expertise to assist in the cluster lab management. The work involves interaction with a diverse group of researchers including principal investigators, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and others employed in the research laboratory. The lab manager will work in the research laboratories with members of the research cluster(s) and will also work in an office environment. Familiarity with common computer programs is required. Advanced/specialized technical skills are required to support the development of research protocols and techniques applicable to the lab(s) they are assigned to.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• provides experience and expertise in managing research labs, assisting in developing and teaching new techniques, maintaining the lab(s) at a high research standard to facilitate effective use of space, equipment and other resources
• assists the Research Cluster Leader(s) and Associate Director in ensuring laboratory space is used efficiently and effectively
• develops standard operating protocols (SOP’s) for the use of common equipment, specific procedures within the laboratory, safety protocols etc.
• develops standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for various laboratory procedures and equipment
• monitors the adherence to SOP’s and all other lab practices and takes corrective action as appropriate
• trains users on research equipment and assists in interpreting/analyzing results as required within their area of expertise.
• liaises with other lab managers to develop common SOP’s, building maintenance and support strategies
• interacts/consults with Facilities and others on building maintenance issues
• ensures strict adherence to local, national and international safety practices including monitoring and enforcing health and safety policies and procedures for the lab(s)
• consults with Safety Resources as required on safety related issues
• maintains common equipment and schedules usage of common equipment and support areas
• liaises with academic departments and college offices on pertinent financial, physical or human resource issues related to research clusters
• provides expertise to the Associate Director of Operations as required for the planning, set-up, and operations of the research cluster labs and facilities to ensure researcher needs are addressed
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Minimum of a BSc degree in a Health Sciences related program or related discipline. Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience: Three to five years’ of direct experience working in a biomedical research environment with management/administrative and technical responsibilities is required, including experience using a variety of research equipment and processes. Experience in other similar environments may be considered.

Skills: Demonstrates highly effective interpersonal, analytical, written and verbal communication skills; demonstrates ability to function in a high volume setting with numerous and conflicting deadlines; attention to detail is required for all aspects of the position; demonstrates public relation skills, including the ability to interact effectively with the public, faculty, staff and students; works effectively independently and as part of a team and recognizes boundaries of scope of responsibility; handles all interactions with tact, discretion, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity; recognize problems and determine best course of action to arrive at a solution and if beyond scope of position brings the problems to the Associate Director with possible solutions to outcomes; highly developed organizational skills with an in-depth knowledge of the operations of a research laboratory which includes excellent health and safety knowledge, development of SOP’s, ordering and inventory procedures, quality control processes, evidence of skills with a diverse inventory of scientific equipment is required; tissue culture, and microscopy experience is preferred; recognize and implement approved changes in policies/procedures in a timely and effective manner; be self-motivated; have the ability to follow direction and at the same time exercise initiative in all aspects of required duties; demonstrates high proficiency with Microsoft Office software, especially Excel, Word, and Access as well as SharePoint, PowerPoint and other database programs; experience with financial software such as the university system Unifi and a strong understanding of accounting practices and procedures to be able to competently process journal vouchers, purchase requisitions, reconciliations, etc.; files electronic and hard copy paperwork appropriately, with accuracy and in a timely manner while exercising discretion and confidentiality; displays ability to set prudent priorities while achieving goals and objectives in an appropriate time frame; resourcefully addresses issues that arise; provides relevant information and assistance professionally in person, via email and over the phone; communicates in an open and professional manner; must possess the ability to address calmly and efficiently technical, interpersonal, and space related difficulties in the labs, with demonstrated leadership, team building, problem solving, and decision-making skills.