Laboratory Manager (Senior Molecular Biology Technologist)

Job DescriptionJob Description
Summary

The CDU Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research (IABR) is recruiting a skilled individual to manage the daily operations of the CDU research laboratory and Core Labs. The Senior Molecular Biology Technician provides advanced technical expertise and leadership in molecular biology laboratory operations. This role supports ongoing research projects by performing complex experimental procedures, training staff, and ensuring compliance with institutional, safety, and regulatory requirements. The incumbent will serve as a subject matter expert in molecular biology techniques and contribute significantly to advancing the laboratory's research objectives. Candidates with a Master's degree or PhD are welcome to apply, with responsibilities tailored to experience and expertise.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Experimental Design & Execution

• Independently plan and conduct advanced molecular biology experiments, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, cloning, sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation.
• Optimize protocols, troubleshoot technical challenges, and implement new methodologies to enhance efficiency and data quality.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and data records.

Laboratory Operations & Management

• Oversee daily laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and procurement of molecular biology reagents and consumables.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, chemical safety, and institutional regulations.
• Contribute to developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Training & Mentorship

• Train and mentor junior technicians, research assistants, and student interns in advanced molecular biology techniques and laboratory best practices.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and collaborators.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive research environment.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Perform data collection and preliminary analysis; contribute to interpretation of results.
• Assist in preparation of technical reports, manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications.
• Ensure reproducibility and accuracy of results through rigorous quality control.
• Provide Monthly and Annual Progress reports for Director's and PI's

Continuous Improvement

• Stay current with advances in technologies and applications.
• Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of new methods and instrumentation.
• Maintain lab safety standards and safety training, including videos, for CDU investigators and trainees
• Establishes and ensures efficient arrangement and use of laboratory space.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a business model for Laboratory Research Operation
• Develop external user contacts for the core Services.
• Availability to work on weekends and evenings to complete time-sensitive projects.
• Oversee Laboratory staff, including research assistants and technicians.
• Work with CDU Facility management, security, and departments.

Major Equipment will include:

1. Next Generation Sequencing Core
   1. Illumina Nextseq 550
   2. Ion Torrent S5
   3. 10x Genomics Chromium IX
   4. BioRad digital PCR Instrument
2. Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core
   1. Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC
   2. Agilent LCMS 6495B
   3. OpenSPR and benchtop NMR
3. Exosome and MicroRNA Core
   1. Nanosight NS300
   2. Thermofisher WX90 Ultracentrifuge
4. Flow Cytometry and Microscopy Core
   1. Attune NXT Flow Cytometry
   2. BD Melody Cell Sorter
   3. Muse Cell Analyzer
   4. Confocal Microscope Systems with Lasers-TCS SPEII
   5. Cytation 1 Live Imager
   6. Zeiss PALM Microbeam Lase Microdissection

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field with 7+ years of experience, OR
• Master's degree with 5+ years of experience, OR
• PhD in a relevant discipline with 2+ years of post-degree laboratory experience (academic or industry).

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS (IF APPLICABLE):

N/A

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with high throughput molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with proteomics, metabolomics, or small molecule analysis workflows.
• 2-5 years of hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS in a research or core facility setting.
• Experience with next-generation short read sequencing is preferred but not required
• Experience in performing DNA and RNA extractions on various sample types is preferred.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Spectronaut, DIA-NN, Skyline.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques, including PCR/qPCR, cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9, and NGS library preparation.
• Familiarity with cell culture, protein expression, or bioinformatics tools is desirable.
• Strong troubleshooting and protocol optimization skills.
• Ability to analyze Next Generation Sequencing data is desired using open source or Licensed CLC genomic software (Qiagen) is preferred.
• Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometers (e.g, orbitrap, timsTOF).
• Knowledge of sample preparation techniques for complex biological matrices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Experience working in a core facility or service-oriented lab environment.
• Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.

Compensation:

• $107,200 - 137,000 Annual

Position Status:

• Full Time, Exempt

COMPLEXITY:

• The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.
• Laboratory-based position requiring handling of biological samples and hazardous materials under established safety protocols.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet research timelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Occasional stooping. Frequent standing. Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The position is on-site unless there is specific authorization from the PI/Director.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Occasionally required to work in a confined space.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• The mental demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Frequent variety of unrelated tasks. Constant calculating, interrupted work, a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse community.
• As a health professions institution of higher education, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science seeks to protect the health and safety of the University community. As a condition of enrollment and employment, students, faculty, and staff must comply with the current CDU COVID-19 requirements as described on the CDU COVID-19 webpage. Please visit the CDU Return to Campus website or email the Campus Nursing Office at [email protected].

Conditional Employment:

The employment status of this position is classified as "Conditional." Conditional employment means that the job exists contingent upon continued funding and limitations of restricted funds or, the duration of a specific program, project, grant, or contract. Since your salary is funded by (Axis Research Cap. and 2/28/2025), your position is contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds. Continuation of your position is dependent, in part, upon funding availability. Furthermore, no work may be performed after the grant end date(s) unless you have received an extension in writing from a Dean, Division VP, or Human Resources.

EEO Statement: Charles R. Drew University is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status.

Fair Chance Statement: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.