Senior Manager, Laboratory

The Macara laboratory consists of a diverse group of about 8 students and postdoctoral fellows, who are pursuing cutting-edge research projects in stem cell biology, high-end microscopy, cancer biology and epithelial biology.  The laboratory is situated in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, MRB3, which provides a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment for cutting-edge research. CDB is an interactive and highly collaborative department, with a strong graduate student association, outstanding core facilities, a top-ranked developmental biology program, and exceptionally strong faculty. 

  

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

Daily management and organization of the laboratory.

• Ordering supplies, keeping the laboratory inventory up to date, making solutions and other reagents.  Working with sales representatives, obtaining quotes, ordering equipment 
• Maintains equipment and obtains service when required to include both science lab equipment and computers 
• Works with purchasing agents and vendors to locate and requisition supplies and 
• Helps manage budgets, with funding of over $1 million/year. 
• Provides oversight of research group activities, ensuring proper record keeping and updates to the laboratory database.

• Trains graduate and undergraduate students and supervises their work. Supports fellow researchers and post-doctoral fellows

   

• Sets up equipment for use in labs; ensures proper operation of equipment, and reports operating deficiencies to supervisor; provides training to incoming students and postdoctoral fellows in equipment operation.
• Maintains high-end confocal fluorescence microscope, trains users on using the instrument and associated software, for multichannel timelapse video imaging.  Interacts with Nikon technicians to ensure functionality of the instrument and works with the technicians to repair or order new parts.  
• Works with VUIT and SOMBS IT personnel to maintain/upgrade our 100 TB server and two high-end workstations used for image analysis.
• Maintains mouse colony and oversees breeding, genotyping, and purchase of specific strains.      Performs survival surgery, tissue collection and processing, and experiments using live primary cells from specific mouse strains.  Trains new personnel in handling mice. 
• Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.

Performs laboratory research projects.

• Works either alone (with minimal oversight from the PI) or with other laboratory personnel on research projects.  Designs, sets up and performs appropriate experiments in cell and molecular biology. Supervises graduate and undergraduate student research projects. 
• Synthesizes, analyzes and interprets data with minimal help, with the goal of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

 

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has supervisory responsibility for undergraduate and graduate students; this position reports administratively and functionally to the principal investigator

 

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.

• A Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is strongly preferred.

 Experience and Skills: 

• At least 6 years of experience working in a research laboratory is necessary.
• Technical skills including high-end confocal timelapse microscopy, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), lentiviral production, and a range of cell culture and cell transfection/transduction methods in bacteria and mammalian cells are necessary.
• Experience in mouse handling, breeding, colony maintenance and survival surgery is necessary.
• A broad and detailed knowledge of modern molecular biology is necessary.
• Experience with ordering, maintaining laboratory stock, dealing with vendors, and maintaining schedules is necessary.
• Ability to analyze and interpret scientific data and use statistical analysis is necessary.
• Ability to interact with students, faculty and/or staff in a team environment is necessary.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.