What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Manager, Biomedical Engineering position at Vanderbilt University?
The successful laboratory manager candidate will be responsible for the overall management and operation of our animal research laboratory, ensuring a productive and compliant environment for scientific research. This role involves overseeing daily lab activities, working with veterinary and husbandry staff to ensure excellent colony support for non-human primates (NHP), managing resources and lab personnel, supervising and participating in experiments, and supporting the research team in achieving their scientific objectives. The candidate will assist with administrative duties, including developing and implementing protocols for Standard Operating Procedures required by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), veterinarian staff and other regulatory agencies.
The position is also responsible for assisting with the implementation and management of clinical research studies in human patients investigating the neural basis of cognitive functions and developing therapies based on brain stimulation. The candidate will work closely with the principal investigator (PI), study teams, and external partners to ensure the successful execution of research protocols, data collection, and regulatory compliance. The position requires accurate and timely documentation and communication with the PI, participants, Institutional Review Board (IRB), research sponsors, and other research-related entities.
The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt is unique among biomedical engineering programs in its immediate proximity to the world class Vanderbilt Medical Center, located on our compact campus. Our School of Medicine is among the top ten in funding from the National Institutes of Health and includes a National Cancer Institute-recognized Comprehensive Cancer Center, a major children’s hospital and a Level I trauma center. This proximity and the strong relationships among faculty across multiple schools stimulate high impact research and provide unique educational and research opportunities for students.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
- Lab Operations Management:- Oversee daily operations of the research lab, including equipment maintenance, ordering supplies, and managing inventory
- Ensure lab compliance with safety regulations and institutional policies
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for lab activities
- Resource Management:- Manage the laboratory budget and expenditures
- Coordinate the procurement of laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment
- Maintain accurate records of purchases and usage of lab resources
- Team Support:- Assist researchers with experimental setup, troubleshooting, and optimization
- Provide training to new lab members on proper lab techniques and safety protocols
- Foster a collaborative and productive lab environment
- Data Management:- Oversee the maintenance of accurate and organized lab records, including experimental data, protocols, and equipment logs
- Ensure data integrity and compliance with data management policies
- Compliance and Safety:- Conduct regular safety inspections with IACUC, USDA, and AAALAC
- Implement and monitor lab safety training programs for all lab personnel
- Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations regarding controlled substances, laboratory safety, and hazardous materials
- Communication and Coordination:- Serve as a liaison between the lab and other collaborators and departments
- Coordinate and facilitate lab meetings and discussions as needed
- Maintain open communication with the PI
Supervisory Relationships:
This position will have supervisory responsibility over all lab personnel, including lab staff and student workers and will report administratively and functionally to the PI.
Education and Certifications:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
- Degrees in the sciences or engineering (i.e. Animal Science, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Psychology, etc.) are preferred.
Experience and Skills:
Required Qualifications
- A professional attitude, high level of motivation, initiative and good work ethic
- 2 years’ minimum experience in a supervisory or management role
- An ability to maintain quality and safety standards
- An ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions
- Strong communication skills and collaboration
- Basic computer and database skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous animal husbandry or veterinary care experience, specifically with NHPs is strongly preferred
- Experience with grant writing and management
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements and best practices in lab management
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team
- Higher education experience is strongly preferred
- An ability to work independently with a high level of self-motivation and learn new skills quickly
The position is also responsible for assisting with the implementation and management of clinical research studies in human patients investigating the neural basis of cognitive functions and developing therapies based on brain stimulation. The candidate will work closely with the principal investigator (PI), study teams, and external partners to ensure the successful execution of research protocols, data collection, and regulatory compliance. The position requires accurate and timely documentation and communication with the PI, participants, Institutional Review Board (IRB), research sponsors, and other research-related entities.
The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt is unique among biomedical engineering programs in its immediate proximity to the world class Vanderbilt Medical Center, located on our compact campus. Our School of Medicine is among the top ten in funding from the National Institutes of Health and includes a National Cancer Institute-recognized Comprehensive Cancer Center, a major children’s hospital and a Level I trauma center. This proximity and the strong relationships among faculty across multiple schools stimulate high impact research and provide unique educational and research opportunities for students.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
- Lab Operations Management:- Oversee daily operations of the research lab, including equipment maintenance, ordering supplies, and managing inventory
- Ensure lab compliance with safety regulations and institutional policies
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for lab activities
- Resource Management:- Manage the laboratory budget and expenditures
- Coordinate the procurement of laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment
- Maintain accurate records of purchases and usage of lab resources
- Team Support:- Assist researchers with experimental setup, troubleshooting, and optimization
- Provide training to new lab members on proper lab techniques and safety protocols
- Foster a collaborative and productive lab environment
- Data Management:- Oversee the maintenance of accurate and organized lab records, including experimental data, protocols, and equipment logs
- Ensure data integrity and compliance with data management policies
- Compliance and Safety:- Conduct regular safety inspections with IACUC, USDA, and AAALAC
- Implement and monitor lab safety training programs for all lab personnel
- Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations regarding controlled substances, laboratory safety, and hazardous materials
- Communication and Coordination:- Serve as a liaison between the lab and other collaborators and departments
- Coordinate and facilitate lab meetings and discussions as needed
- Maintain open communication with the PI
Supervisory Relationships:
This position will have supervisory responsibility over all lab personnel, including lab staff and student workers and will report administratively and functionally to the PI.
Education and Certifications:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
- Degrees in the sciences or engineering (i.e. Animal Science, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Psychology, etc.) are preferred.
Experience and Skills:
Required Qualifications
- A professional attitude, high level of motivation, initiative and good work ethic
- 2 years’ minimum experience in a supervisory or management role
- An ability to maintain quality and safety standards
- An ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions
- Strong communication skills and collaboration
- Basic computer and database skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous animal husbandry or veterinary care experience, specifically with NHPs is strongly preferred
- Experience with grant writing and management
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements and best practices in lab management
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team
- Higher education experience is strongly preferred
- An ability to work independently with a high level of self-motivation and learn new skills quickly