Lab Manager

Harvard University • Boston, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Hotamışlıgil Lab at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health studies immunometabolism, including organelle homeostasis and lipid metabolism, to understand metabolic health and diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and asthma. The lab uses biochemical, genetic, and physiological studies to identify novel pathways and potential preventive and therapeutic solutions to major threats to global human health. Its environment is described as collegial, supportive, diverse, and collaborative.

The Laboratory Manager directs the day-to-day operations of an internationally recognized Molecular Metabolism Laboratory. The role is responsible for maintaining an efficient, safe, and organized lab environment; managing supplies, equipment, inventories, purchasing, and data-related systems; coordinating spending and resources; and serving as a liaison among the principal investigator, lab members, and school compliance departments. The manager also supports lab members’ onboarding, training compliance, performance, and work within the lab.

This is a one-year term appointment from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension. The position is primarily on-campus in Boston, Massachusetts, and all duties must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Travel may arise, and some evening and on-call responsibilities may occur. The schedule is 35 hours per week. The finalist must pass an occupational health screen. Harvard does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Strong innovative and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented, and changing environment.
• Ability to proactively identify ways to improve laboratory space, spending, and workflow.
• Demonstrated analytical, logistical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical knowledge and experience in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemical techniques.
• High emotional intelligence, adaptability, a positive outlook, and a collaborative mindset.
• Ability to organize, multitask, and prioritize while remaining calm and dependable when unexpected challenges arise.
• Strong people and teamwork skills, including experience working effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Exceptional attention to detail and communication skills, with an interest in organized systems and clear communication about safety, compliance, and laboratory protocols.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD).
• Proactively seeks continuous improvement, asks thoughtful questions, and embraces new ideas and approaches.

Responsibilities

• Maximize laboratory efficiency and workflow while managing compliance with general laboratory safety regulations.
• Write and maintain COMS biosafety protocols, ensure compliance with federal biosafety guidelines, and maintain a relationship with Harvard EH&S to prevent and resolve safety-related issues.
• Maintain an orderly laboratory environment.
• Order supplies and reagents weekly, determine appropriate funding sources, and manage supply, sample, and chemical inventories and waste.
• Manage the electronic lab notebook and data management, equipment service contracts and repairs, and orders through HCOM and other methods; track supplies and maintain inventory.
• Communicate with the principal investigator about spending, cost reduction, and effective resource use while supporting active research projects.
• Work with vendors to obtain bulk discounts and best available pricing.
• Work with the grants manager on vendor post-billing issues and internal Accounts Payable challenges, and communicate spending levels, patterns, and forecasts.
• Serve as a liaison among the principal investigator, school-based compliance departments, and lab members.
• Foster an operationally seamless environment and help facilitate investigators’ research goals.
• Manage lab members’ onboarding and departure processes, including university onboarding, lab-specific requirements, and mandated training compliance.
• Oversee, guide, evaluate, provide feedback to, and support lab members in their roles.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level