Advertised Job Summary

The laboratory director is professionally responsible for the overall management and operation of the Biobehavioral Research Center (experimental laboratory and clinical research innovation suites), ensuring its smooth functioning and compliance with the College, University, local, state and federal regulations. The lab director will oversee staff (e.g., lab technicians), manage resources, and maintain quality and safety standards. Key responsibilities include leadership/management (e.g., hiring, training), technical oversight of the Center (e.g., developing and implementing policies), collaboration and communication, and safety and maintenance.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 5 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in relevant field, experience in a supervisory or management role, and familiarity with behavioral research.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and work independently.
• May have knowledge in equipment, data analysis, professional clinical processes, or other specific areas related to the field of research.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data using inferential techniques.
• Ability to present information effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Understanding of both theoretical and technical aspects of a diverse set of laboratory procedures to include the operation and maintenance of basic protein measurement (ELISA, Western Blot), DNA extraction, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and PCR Quant studio real-time and digital PCR.
• Must have the ability to provide consultation on study design, costs of sample collection, storage and analyses (where applicable) for grant applications.

Job Duties

Leadership and Management (20%)

Hires, supervises, and mentors laboratory staff. Oversees day-to-day operations including developing testing systems, policies and procedures, and managing the laboratory budget.

Technical Oversight (60%)

Collection, storage, and inventory of biological specimens. Analyses of samples. Quality control, equipment maintenance, research protocols, data interpretation.

Communication and Collaboration (10%)

Collaborates with Assistant Dean for Research on grant applications. Acts as liaison.

Safety and Maintenance (10%)

Establishes safety protocols, inventory management, facilitates audits.