Biologics Laboratory Operation Manager

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab•Chicago, IL

12d•$71,200 - $124,500•Onsite

About The Position

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together. The Biologics Laboratory Operations Manager (Lab Manager) will support the safe, efficient, and compliant day-to-day operations of the Biologics laboratory and Scientific Hub to Accelerate Rehabilitation (SHARE) biorepository infrastructure. Working under the direction of the Director of Biologics Laboratory, this role coordinates laboratory operations, shared resources, equipment maintenance, biorepository system, supplies, and laboratory safety and compliance activities, including Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) functions. The Lab Manager will support biomedical researchers conducting molecular, cellular, and organismal biology studies and interact with research scientists, clinicians, trainees, core research staff, administrative staff, safety personnel, and partners within and outside Shirley Ryan Abilitylab.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Physiology, or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of experience required.
Familiarity with molecular biology research activities such as cell culture, protein purification, microscopy, sequencing, histology, husbandry, etc.
Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and people management skills;
Experience and proficiency with both qualitative and quantitative research outcomes;
Analytical abilities necessary to understand and resolve complex problems through the application of appropriate technologies;
Ability to structure time to meet deadlines and be flexible to changing design requirements and deliverables;
Accuracy, attention to detail, and highly organized skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a lab tech preferred.
Two years of supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily operations and shared resources supporting biomedical researchers conducting molecular, cellular, and organismal biology studies; Coordinate purchasing and assist the Director in monitoring operational expenses;
Assist the Director and/or Safety Officer in implementing regulatory requirements for laboratory access, procedures, and operational policies for employees, contractors, collaborators, and visitors;
Assist in developing, updating, and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory workflows in coordination with the Director and applicable safety/regulatory personnel;
Serve as a Biologics Laboratory representative to the Institutional Biosafety Committee and support regulatory compliance activities, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC) protocols as needed;
Coordinate laboratory safety training, onboarding of new personnel, and maintain safety training documentation;
Coordinate procurement, installation, and service of shared laboratory equipment; manage vendor relationships, service agreements, and preventative maintenance contracts;
Provide technical troubleshooting of commonly used laboratory equipment and serve as the local resource or liaison for specialized platforms shared instruments (e.g. flow cytometry, microscopes, cryostats, incubators, etc.);
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Biologics Lab and/or Chief Scientific Officer and in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Oversee operation and maintenance of the biorepository infrastructure, including ultra-low temperature freezers and cloud-based environmental monitoring systems;
Serve as the primary contact point for freezer alarms, equipment failures, and emergency response activities affecting stored biospecimens;
Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, and vendor service for biorepository equipment;
Participate in biorepository operational planning, meetings, and continuous process improvement initiatives;
Support business continuity and operational reliability to ensure long-term preservation of research specimens;
Maintain and periodically revise the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) and associated laboratory safety policies and procedures;
Implement and monitor compliance with the Chemical Hygiene Plan, laboratory safety policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Conduct regular inspections of the laboratories and chemical storage areas, documenting findings and submitting inspection reports to administration;
Maintain required safety records, including laboratory inspections, personnel training documentation, and chemical inventories;
In collaboration with the Biologics Laboratory Safety Office implement and monitor laboratory safety protocols governing the procurement, storage, handling, use, and disposal of hazardous chemicals and other regulated laboratory materials;
Serve as a laboratory safety resource to personnel by providing guidance on chemical safety practices and assisting with corrective actions identified during inspections or incident reviews.;
Attend quarterly Environment of Care Committee meetings to remain informed on institutional safety initiatives and support continuous laboratory safety improvement.