Lab Manager (Department of Neurology)

About the position

The Dowling Lab focuses on childhood muscle diseases, particularly muscle disorders that present in infancy, including congenital myopathies and congenital muscular dystrophies. Using a combinatorial approach that includes new gene discovery, model organism development, viral and non-viral gene therapies, and both targeted and large scale screening drug discovery approaches, the Dowling lab is dedicated to uncovering disease mechanisms and advancing therapy development. We are seeking a lab manager as a valuable addition to our dynamic team. The Lab Manager will oversee the daily operations of the research program including bench lab oversight and experimental design, animal colony management and general laboratory administration. The selected individual will have extensive experience with mouse handling and procedures, such as injections and necropsy, and familiarity with the institutional safety guidelines for laboratory and animal research and protocol development. They will also have molecular biology competence including western blot, qPCR and immunostaining, and cell culture expertise. They will be expected to manage and train lab staff, track inventory and oversee grant expenditures for compliance. They will also be responsible for creating figures and performing statistical analyses on per project basis, and contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals. Additional responsibilities include detailed and organized record keeping, writing, presenting research results and implementing laboratory policy and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the research program including bench lab oversight and experimental design.
• Manage animal colony and general laboratory administration.
• Handle mouse procedures such as injections and necropsy.
• Ensure compliance with institutional safety guidelines for laboratory and animal research.
• Manage and train lab staff.
• Track inventory and oversee grant expenditures.
• Create figures and perform statistical analyses for projects.
• Contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals.
• Maintain detailed and organized record keeping.
• Write and present research results.
• Implement laboratory policy and procedures.

Requirements

• Master of Science and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Postgraduate degree in a related field with minimum of 5 years experience with lab management.
• Experience with training and overseeing research compliance, including IRB and IACUC protocols.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Hands-on experience with mouse handling and colony management.
• Expertise in molecular biology techniques including Western blot, qPCR, immunostaining, and immunoassays.
• Strong background in cell culture and imaging techniques.
• Proficiency in statistical analyses and data visualization.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to manuscripts and grant proposal preparation.
• Experience in training and supervising lab personnel.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
• Generous retirement plans including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental options.
• Substantial time away from work for personal needs.
• Long-term care insurance for faculty and staff.
• Wellness and work-life resources.
• Professional and personal development resources.
• Access to University resources and cultural activities.
• Discounts and special services for faculty and staff.
• Flexible work hours.
• Penn Home Ownership Services for eligible employees.
• Adoption assistance for qualified expenses.