Lab Manager

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Will serve as Laboratory Manager and Research Assistant for the Principal Investigator (PI). They will: Independently perform a wide range of highly technical and complex research and laboratory tests and procedures; Devise highly specialized research procedures by applying knowledge of advanced research techniques and equipment; Provide input and recommend alternative approaches to research protocols; Analyze and interpret the results of studies; Train research staff in specialized procedures and theoretical concepts for unique tests; Assist in grant and other funding application preparation; Review literature for related research developments and techniques; Prepare written materials, charts and graphs on specialized techniques and research results for publication or presentation; Monitor the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances.

Reports to the Neurology Chair – Dr. Thyagarajan Subramanian who is also the PI

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Works closely with the PI.   Essential functions include the following:

• Electrophysiology, sleep studies, fiber photometry and stereotactic surgery and/or tissue preparation in rodent and non-human primate models of Parkinson’s disease.
• Perform complex cell transplantation, gene therapy and experimental therapeutics experiments that include chemogenetics, optogenetics, microdialysis, gas NMR and other cutting-edge techniques to study the brain in animal models of disease.
• Confer with PI in developing plans for research projects and to discuss the interpretation of results and the preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication.
• Assist as needed in human subject research studies such as preparing IRB applications, in needed assist with consenting subjects, scheduling visits, tests such as MRI, entering data into secure portals, arrange monitoring visits, assist with blood sample drawing, sample processing, storage and shipment while following all applicable regulations
• Calibrate, perform preventive maintenance, and troubleshoot equipment and instrument malfunctions. 
• Collect information and data through observation, experimentation and various other methods, to include operating highly technical laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Prepare tissue and specimens for complex procedures and devise experimental techniques for tests and analyses.
• Develop methods for and collect, organize, and record experimental data in a form suitable for publication and future reference by others.
• Maintain complete detailed records of all experiments performed in a lab notebook or other journal form.
• Maintain routine and specialized biological resources that are available and suitable for experiments.
• Organize orders and maintain inventories laboratory supplies; take care of routine laboratory problems independently.
• Data analysis, preparation of scientific reports, research analysis, manuscripts, grant applications and submission of manuscripts, their revision as needed.
• Participate in outreach efforts to transmit reach findings to community members such as helping organize seminars, patient symposia, fund raisers and newsletters.
• Maintaining and caring for experimental animals
• Assist with translational research involving human subjects.
• Completing IRB, IACUC and IBC applications under the direction of the PI and maintaining them for the entire duration of the study
• Maintaining the research standards and regulatory compliance for the research under the direct supervision of the PI and their team members

CORE COMPETENCIES:   

• Experience in performing experiments independently with evidence of first authored abstracts

and scientific presentations is required.

• 5 years technical/administrative experience in laboratory operations.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with evidence of proficiency in scientific

writing, ability to multi-task, superior time management skills, required.

• Experience in the use of various calendar management, document management, survey/polling platforms and its use in science management and online meeting tools, required

• Fluent in the use of software in research such as Matlab, EndNote, the Microsoft Office

Suite, etc. required. Basic bookkeeping and accounting along with typing and record keeping

skills required.

• Administrative experience in an academic medical college or similar institution is highly desirable.

• Experience in the design, execution and analysis of research experiments involving

animal models of Parkinson’s disease, required.

• Must have the ability to, as well as meet the requirements to complete and maintain mandatory

training per applicable regulatory policies
 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's Degree in Neuroscience or Biomedical Engineering or related fields
• Minimum five (5) years of research experience conducting data analysis and using computers
• Five years research and supervisory experience in a Parkinson’s disease translational research laboratory and hands on experience with both animal experiments and human subject research is required.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $75,000 to $80,000