Laboratory Manager

McGill University•Montreal, QC

7d•CA$71,890 - CA$107,830•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a 1-year leave replacement for a part-time position (20.25 hours/week, 3 days) in the Faculty of Science, Department of Biology at McGill University. The Laboratory Manager, under the direction of the Director, will be responsible for managing the daily operations of a laboratory and ongoing projects focused on research activities on biodiversity conservation. This includes overseeing daily lab activities, budget management, hiring personnel, managing physical resources (field vehicles, lab spaces), training students on lab and safety protocols, and providing support for travel logistics and media relations.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation, or related discipline.
Demonstrated experience of a research environment and procedures relating to a laboratory in the field of biology, ecology, biodiversity.
Demonstrated experience in laboratory management and leading teams in a research environment.
Bilingual; excellent verbal and written communication skills, in both English and French.
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide staff.
Experience in financial and budget management, including monitoring and reporting.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
Proven ability to take initiative, think creatively, work independently, and effectively prioritize tasks.
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in managing tight deadlines, changing priorities, and evolving demands.
Experience identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Strong ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including academic staff and administrators.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and online communication and collaboration tools.
Authorized to work in Canada.
Willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based.
English communication skills at level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.
Bachelor's Degree.
3 Years Related Experience.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

Managing the daily activities of a lab relating to operations, administration, and finance.
Supporting the Director with the administration of research budgets and monitoring accounts.
Validating and reviewing expenditures for compliance against applicable sponsor terms and conditions and University policies.
Preparing and administering research budgets, monitoring funds, and taking corrective action to ensure the budget stays on target.
Monitoring all other financial issues that may arise.
Resolving problems, recommending solutions, and continuously looking for ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the lab.
Working closely with the Director to implement change.
Overseeing and processing payments to students and collaborators.
Processing orders for research equipment and materials through MMP, PCard, or expense reports.
Processing the PCard reconciliation for the lab.
Overseeing lab spaces (in Biology and at LEAP/Gault) and ensuring good lab practices are followed.
Liaising with Health and Safety at McGill for lab safety inspections.
Producing and maintaining health and safety, chemical and microbiological safety documents, and records, as well as training records of all staff.
Organizing travel arrangements for students and PI related to research (booking flights, accommodations, renting vehicles, etc.).
Liaising with the French Media relations and other contracts beyond McGill related to the Director’s research.
Planning meeting requests and managing the Director’s calendar.
Responding to and following up on email correspondence on behalf of the Director.
Assisting the Director with the preparation of documents and spreadsheets for Lab activities.
Providing support with funding applications and assisting with writing grant proposals (i.e., requesting quotes, filling in forms, liaising with agencies and collaborators, reconciling financial data, writing scientific justification, etc.).
Optimizing experimental methodologies and designing novel protocols and procedures.
Providing input to the Director as to how large-scale experiments should be carried out.
Performing optimization of experimental methodologies and designs such as manuals, safety protocols, etc.
Maintaining and updating databases.
Compiling statistics for budget reports.
Identifying and participating in continuous improvement initiatives to maximize effectiveness.
Supervising staff such as casuals, Research assistants, and other users of the lab.
Participating in the hiring processes for these employee groups.
Performing special projects as needed.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
Competitive vacation policy
Two (2) personal days
Two (2) floating holidays
Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
Paid time off over the December holiday period
Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits