Lab Operations Manager

Helix BioStructures, LLC (HBS) is a contract research organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana, providing early drug discovery services to the biopharmaceutical industry. HBS maintains a full suite of services that encompass chemical & structural analysis, protein production, computational modeling, and design. HBS’s core and most popular services are structural biology imaging techniques, X-ray Crystallography, and Cryo-EM. HBS was founded in 2018 and has grown considerably. We are looking to add an experienced Lab Operations Manager to our Indianapolis-based team.

Main Responsibilities

This role will manage and support the Helix team, planning & tracking all projects to produce high-quality work and support our client’s protein production, biophysical characterization, and structural biology projects. A proven track record in managing people and projects with a deep understanding of protein construct design, expression, and purification of challenging proteins, biophysical characterization, and structural biology techniques is essential.

Highly desirable scientific knowledge and hands-on experiences include:

(a) Disparate protein classes (Soluble, Insoluble, Membrane Proteins, Antibodies, etc.) and protein production (mammalian and prokaryotic).

(b) Biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterization of over-expressed and purified proteins.

(c) Crystallizing protein and nucleic acids.

(d) Cryo-EM grid preparation, data collection, and processing.

(e) Structure building and refinement program usage to phase difficult data sets.

In addition to expertise in protein biochemistry and structural biology, this role will provide a range of experimental strategies (biochemical, biophysical, and/or computational) to support our client’s needs. Accordingly, proficiency in protein production and structural biology is essential. The successful candidate will have a deep scientific understanding and can plan and lead the team and multiple projects in parallel. Overall, you will be an outstanding project and people leader who will significantly impact our gene-to-structure service portfolios with the unique opportunity to help drive our business.

Additional Responsibilities

- Create and manage necessary documents and communicate research priorities, progress, and results to clients/project teams and upper management.

- Provide the team with project details and priorities, technical and scientific guidance, deliverables, and timelines.

- The candidate will be responsible for managing the team and all projects and providing support, including necessary bench work for project success.

- The candidate will manage his/her direct reports and provide support needed.

- The candidate will be responsible for timely updates on project statuses and reporting to the management team and Helix’s customers.

Required Qualifications

- Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, protein engineering, and/or structural biology with experience managing people and multiple challenging projects. Productive postdoctoral training and/or industry experience are expected.

- Industry experience: 3-7 years post-Ph.D. (not including time as an academic postdoc).

- Demonstrated experience and knowledge in people and project management.

- Demonstrated experience and knowledge in protein expression and purification strategies using bacterial, insect, and/or mammalian cell lines and structural biology, including X-ray Crystallography and Cryo-EM.

- Demonstrated knowledge of construct design for structural/biophysical studies.

- Strong leadership, written and oral communication skills, and attention to detail.

Additional qualifications

- Experience in engineering protein constructs and optimizing the production of protein targets for structural and functional studies.

- Experience in biophysical characterization tools and strategies.

- Lead and provide technical and scientific guidance to the team and manage all projects to produce high-quality results and meet the timelines.

- Experience with protein engineering and/or design approaches.

- Analysis, design, and/or computational approaches to investigate ligand-protein complexes.

- Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and management skills.

- Fearless attitude to tackle longstanding complex problems.

Location

This position is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and does NOT offer a hybrid option. Interaction with external service vendors is also expected.

Physical Requirements

Able to lift 30 lb objects.

Able to visualize microscopic objects under microscopes.

Non-standard work schedule, travel, and lab safety

Able to adhere to safe work practices and perform lab work with appropriate personal protective equipment such as but not limited to safety goggles, facial mask, gloves, lab coat/ protective gowning, and closed-toe shoes. Able to work at flexible hours occasionally when performing time-sensitive experiments.

Other job details

- Eligible for Relocation Package

- Competitive Salary Bonus

- Retirement (matching 401K)

- Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

- Company Apple computer

Helix BioStructures, LLC is an equal-opportunity employer, and we embrace the increasingly diverse world around us. Helix BioStructures, LLC prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, and veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 3 years

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Supervising experience: 3 years (Required)
• Project management: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Indianapolis, IN 46241: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Required)

Work Location: In person