The Idris Lab is seeking a highly motivated and organized individual to serve as Lab Manager who will help establish and support the daily operations as well as coordinate and manage in vivo malaria challenge studies. The overarching goal of the lab is to gain insights into malaria parasite biology with the intent to develop interventions, such as antibodies and vaccines, for malaria prevention. Current projects span functional genetics, antibody discovery, animal models and structural biology.
The successful candidate will be working collaboratively with multiple team members as well as independently to perform a broad range of assays for characterizing and evaluating antibodies as well as immune responses to immunogens. In addition, the candidate will be working with mosquitoes, malaria parasites and mice, which are used in preclinical efficacy assessment of antibodies and vaccines.
The position offers an exceptional opportunity for scientific growth, with access to cutting-edge equipment and facilities. The Ragon Institute also fosters a highly collaborative and supportive work environment. The selected candidate will work closely with the PIs, administrative support at the Ragon, as well as other lab members, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, to ensure seamless research operations.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of Dr. Idris, and in collaboration with lab members the successful candidate will coordinate and establish lab operations. The scope of this position is wide and spans technical expertise, administrative as well as supervisory responsibilities to ensure success of operations, and will include: 1) lab organization and maintenance, 2) regulatory and compliance, 3) inventory and ordering reagents and supplies, and 4) conducting quality research.
Supervises malaria related projects and operations
Coordinates sending reagents to collaborators
Responsible for onboarding and training staff
Oversees maintenance and operations of BL-1, BL-2 and Tissue Culture procedures
Coordinates regulatory and compliance activities
Carries out independent research projects
Manages lab operations including all administrative responsibilities related to lab safety, regulatory compliance, inventory, ordering, and lab organization
Lab Safety: Serves as lab safety officer, makes sure all lab members are up to date with safety training requirements; keeps chemicals as well as plasmid, parasite and antibody inventory up to date; serves as primary contact for equipment procurement and maintenance
Lab Organization: Establishes and coordinates division of duties among lab members; maintains lab organization; performs ordering and inventory of laboratory supplies, maintains tissue culture facility; participates in on-going quality control/assurance programs for equipment, common reagents, and cellular components
Oversees regulatory compliance and prepares laboratory for annual safety inspections
Assists in preparation of documents for annual and triennial protocol renewals (Institutional Biosafety Committee, IACUC, IRB, etc.)
Maintains detailed documentation of any experimental work and technical protocols
Ensures regular maintenance, cataloging and back-up of experimental data files
Contributes to scientific publications and presentations
Performs other duties as requested
Qualifications
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and documentation
Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to interact with lab members, facilities, and administrative personnel
A high degree of motivation, proactiveness, and initiative
Experience with general lab operations including basic and advanced molecular biology techniques
Technical experience in management and maintenance of mosquito colonies, mosquito salivary gland dissection, malaria parasite maintenance and infected RBC culture of parasites (helpful but not required)
Experience in general Tissue Culture operations, and particular experience with hepatocyte culture and in vitro malaria infection assays
Experience working with mice is preferred but not required
Ability to work independently and within a team setting
Must communicate regularly and effectively with team members and supervisors
Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and reliability
Must have a positive attitude and willingness to learn and grow
Proficiency and/or demonstrated ability to use Windows and Macintosh computers as well as common software platforms
Occasional weekend or evening flexibility may be required
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree required. Masters preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
At least 5+ years of lab experience; prior lab management/mentoring experience is a plus
EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.
