Laboratory Manager- Sternson Lab

3 weeks ago


La Jolla, California, United States Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Full time

We have an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Laboratory Manager to join the Sternson lab at UCSD in La Jolla, CA. Led by Dr. Scott Sternson, the lab is interested in how the brain controls appetite. They study multiple circuits throughout the brain as well as the interactions between physiological and neural systems that mediate hunger, thirst, stress, and addiction. The lab uses a wide range of molecular, chemical, behavioral, electrophysiological, and imaging methods. Their goal is to use detailed molecular and cellular models of appetite to develop mechanism-based treatment strategies for obesity and other neurological disorders. More information can be found on their website

About the Laboratory Manager role:
This is a critical role where you will serve as a trusted leader of day-to-day lab operations, a mentor to junior team members, the primary liaison between the lab and external parties, and a collaborative partner to Dr. Sternson. This role is an ideal fit for an experienced research operations professional who is seeking a long-term, stable career experience with an innovative lab that has a proven dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please include a cover letter detailing your interest in this position as part of your application.

What we provide:

  • A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.
  • Joining the vibrant UCSD research community.
  • Mentoring the next generation of scientists in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

What you'll do:

  • Manage day-to-day activities within the laboratory to keep everything running efficiently including operation of essential equipment, maintaining adequate stock of supplies, monitoring the lab's budget, and other operational tasks.
  • Serve as the primary liaison and "go-to person" between the lab, HHMI, UCSD administrative offices, health, safety, and regulatory bodies, and other external parties on various operational issues and initiatives.
  • Maintain and update laboratory guidelines, procedures, and documentation through a lens of continuous process improvement.
  • Directly supervise and mentor research technicians.
  • Assist with onboarding, training, and mentoring new lab team members.
  • Provide general support with managing the mouse colony, tracking and documenting the supply of molecular reagents, acting as liaison with equipment suppliers, service contracts, and machine shop.

What you bring:

  • A bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, chemistry, engineering, or a closely related area is required. Applicants with advanced degrees are welcome and encouraged to apply.
  • A minimum of 5 years of prior work experience in a research laboratory setting is required.
  • Previous supervisory experience is required.
  • Strong computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.
  • Experience with mouse colonies.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and a willingness to tackle new challenges.
  • Excellent leadership, mentorship, and training skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills, time management skills, and high attention to detail.
  • High level of compassion, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence with the ability to motivate 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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