Core Lab Manager

LUNDQUIST INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION AT HARBOR-UCLA•Torrance, CA

2d•$90,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is an independent, non-profit biomedical research organization located in Torrance, California. In dozens of laboratories throughout the campus, researchers are working to unravel the mysteries of heart and kidney disease, cardiac complications in newborns, chronic lung disease, skin cancer, sickle cell disease, disorders of the autoimmune system, and much more. Many of these projects are collaborative in nature, involving experts from different areas of specialization. Our discoveries have prevented blindness in newborns, enabled premature infants with fragile lungs to breathe and allowed children with rare, often fatal diseases to grow up healthy and strong. The SRL Stem Cell Core Manager will oversee the daily operations of the core facility, ensuring efficient, high-quality support for stem cell-based research and training. This role is responsible for developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintaining and calibrating advanced equipment (including flow cytometry platforms), and supporting a diverse user base of researchers and trainees. The manager will play a pivotal role in enabling iPSC reprogramming, differentiation, and analysis, and will help foster a collaborative, safe, and innovative research environment. In addition, the core manager will help in establishing and administering hands-on training in iPSCs reprogramming and differentiation.

Requirements

Master’s degree or Ph.D. (preferred) in Stem Cell Biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, or a related field required.
Experience with flow cytometry is a must. Ability to design experiments, troubleshoot and perform sort and analyses.
Demonstrated expertise in iPSC culture, reprogramming, differentiation.
Experience in laboratory management, including equipment oversight and protocol development.
Strong organizational, supervisory, and project coordination skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for training and collaboration.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance and laboratory safety standards.
Experience with troubleshooting and maintaining advanced laboratory equipment.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and training environments

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day operations of the stem cell core, including scheduling, inventory, and user support.
Develop, implement, and regularly update SOPs and laboratory protocols for iPSC reprogramming, differentiation, and flow cytometry.
Oversee maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of core equipment (e.g., BD FACS DISCOVER cell sorter, Seahorse XF Pro Analyzer, microscopes, PCR systems).
Train and supervise laboratory staff and users in stem cell techniques, safety, and equipment use.
Ensure compliance with institutional, ethical, and regulatory standards (IRB, SCRO, IBC, EH&S).
Coordinate quality control and validation of iPSC lines and differentiated cells using immunostaining, flow cytometry, and molecular assays.
Maintain accurate records of equipment maintenance, user training, and service usage.
Facilitate communication between core leadership, users, and partner institutions.
Support outreach, workshops, and training sessions for researchers and students.
Contribute to the development and dissemination of educational materials and protocols.