Laboratory Manager- Knight Lab

We are seeking a Laboratory Manager to support the lab of Dr. Zachary Knight at the University of California, San Francisco. The Knight lab studies how eating and drinking are regulated by the brain and by signals from the gastrointestinal tract. We perform experiments using an array of state-of-the-art techniques from systems neuroscience, genetics, and physiology. More information about this lab can be found on his website

About the role:
We are looking to hire a full-time lab manager who has experience working with rodents. A core responsibility of the position (~50%) will be to help us to maintain our large and complex colony of transgenic mice, including breeding and weaning animals and performing genotyping. The remaining time (~50%) will be devoted to helping the PI manage a lab of 15-20 graduate students, postdocs and technicians. Responsibilities will include interfacing with the university on compliance matters (e.g. IACUC and EH&S) and helping with the administrative, organizational and interpersonal tasks necessary to keep the lab running smoothly. We are ideally targeting candidates who can commit to the lab for at least 2-3 years before moving on to their next opportunity.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, curious and passionate about their work and would be excited to work in a cutting-edge scientific lab. Key benefits of the position include the opportunity to learn new skills in a welcoming and supportive environment; to interact with friendly, diverse, and intellectually stimulating colleagues; and, if desired, to contribute as an author to high-impact scientific publications.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• Opportunities for mentorship and professional development.

• The opportunity to learn new skills and attend professional conferences.

• A fun, positive, and inclusive research environment.

• The opportunity, if desired, to contribute to and be a co-author on scientific publications.

What you’ll do:

Mouse husbandry (50%)

• Genotype the lab’s colony of transgenic mice by collecting tissue and performing qPCR.

• Set up breeding’s and wean animals based on the lab’s changing needs for animals of specific genotypes.

• Provide treatment in response to health checks performed by university vets.

• Arrange shipments of animals to other labs and universities.

Administrative responsibilities (50%) could involve any of the following:

• Coordinate the efforts of junior technicians.

• Ensure that lab equipment is properly serviced, and lab supplies are always in stock.

• Assist with matters of university compliance (IACUC protocols, EH&S, chemical inventories, etc…) and serve as the lab’s main point of contact for compliance issues.

• Orient and onboard new lab members.

• Coordinate lab events, such as lab outings and visiting speakers.

• Pro-actively devise and implement new ways to make the lab run more efficiently.

What you bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in biological science or a related field is required. Academic experience in physiology or neuroscience is a plus.

• At least one year of hands-on experience working in a research lab is required.

• At least one year of experience working with rodents is required.

• Experience maintaining a colony of transgenic mice, including genotyping, weaning, and breeding, is highly desirable.

• Experience with basic techniques in molecular biology (e.g. PCR, cloning) would be a plus.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Strong multitasking and prioritization skills.

• Ability to be flexible and effectively adapt to a varied and shifting workload.

• Ability to communicate with a variety of people at all levels.

• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with lab staff, vendors, and others.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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