Lab Manager: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

16h • Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory manager will be primarily responsible for laboratory and field research (including data collection, analysis, and report writing) associated with projects assessing the evolutionary and ecological role of disturbance and global change in plant-soil interactions and feedbacks. The successful candidate will also conduct plant and soil research associated with a wide array of manuscripts, as well as be responsible for the management of the laboratory under the direction of the Department Head. The Laboratory Manager will coordinate and perform complex technical and skilled work involved in research areas for Principal Investigators, post-docs, graduate students, and undergraduate researches, including field work in remote locations. This position will facilitate laboratory logistics, purchasing, and auditing. Additionally, the Laboratory Manager will provide training, create work assignments, and review the work of designated personnel while maintaining compliance with proper safety protocols and record-keeping requirements.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (or related field)
• Experience: At least 2 years of experience in a scientific laboratory setting and with knowledge of scientific research methods
• Knowledge of ecological and evolutionary principles, techniques, procedures, equipment and terminology
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and safety procedures
• Knowledge of planting, growing, measuring experimental plants in the greenhouse
• Working knowledge of computers and software (Microsoft Office Suite, Excel) required for data management, maintenance of protocols and ordering
• Strong data management, organizational skills
• Strong communication (written and oral) and time management skills
• Ability to predict potential problems encountered during experiments and quickly, and accurately correct issues/errors
• Knowledge of basic analytical chemistry and good laboratory etiquette
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

• Field experience, plant identification
• Experience managing experiments
• Collecting and recording data, image analysis/graph making, statistical analyses in R
• Manuscript Preparation
• Collaboration and/or Management experience

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, manage and communicate a wide variety of short and long-term ecological and evolutionary data.
• Plan, organize and manage the logistics of month-long field campaigns to collect data at remote field sites.
• Manage undergraduate researcher time allocation and oversee project performance.
• Assist Principal Investigators and graduate students with field and greenhouse work by managing and maintaining the large greenhouse project, which will include plant care and liaising with the UT Greenhouse Manager.
• Management will also include a range of plant, soil, microbial procedures; including DNA extraction.
• Communicate the scientific results gathered and analyzed via reports and manuscripts.
• Oversee laboratory logistics and organization, including: purchasing, auditing, shipment processing, work order requests, and general laboratory maintenance.
• Utilize efficient and clear communication among lab members as well as collaborate with the Principal Investigators and students on project logistics.
• Work with the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department as well as UT Facilities (OIT, Biology Service Facility, etc.) staff to ensure ideal conditions to achieve logistical goals.
• Pursue increasing applicable knowledge of necessary skills and areas of interest to further promote the further development of performance of responsibilities.
• Responsible for hiring, training, and supervising new and current members of the laboratory staff.
• Instruct and train members on the safe and proper use of specialized scientific equipment and materials as well as developing standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
• Ensure compliance with proper safety procedures, protocols and record-keeping as well as ensuring proper disposal of laboratory materials and hazardous waste.
• Ccurate chemical and equipment inventories by utilizing best practices.
• Manage the acquisition, repair and maintenance of highly specialized equipment.
• Organize and formatting large databases.

What This Job Offers

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