What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Lab Manager position at Montana State University?
The Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology (MCB) has strong research programs in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, microbial pathogenesis, and cell biology supported by state-of-the-art core facilities. Pathogen-containment facilities that accommodate small (BSL-3 & BSL-2) and large (ABSL-2) animal research are also available. The Department is part of the College of Agriculture and is a component of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). MCB is the primary department at MSU providing pre-medical and pre-veterinary training. The department is home to the Montana Medical Laboratory Science Professional Program, and our faculty participate in both the WWAMI Medical Education Program and the WIMU Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine. The department contributes significantly to MSU’s Center for Biofilm Engineering.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage and document reagent and strain inventories used in research activities.
- Identify, order and restock reagents and other consumables necessary for research activities.
- Recommend changes to lab inventory and/or procedures in order to cut costs and improve lab safety/efficiency.
- Oversee the maintenance of lab equipment ensuring equipment is calibrated and fully functional.
- Develop and refine protocols for general lab research activities.
- Evaluate and report on the performance of other lab personnel including making determinations and decisions regarding the final selection of candidates for hire (which will be approved by the Principal Investigator).
- Manage and document lab safety protocols.
- Oversee and ensure that all lab personnel and facilities are in compliance with lab safety regulations.
- Manage and recommend purchases using grant funding and ensure compliance with policies of funding agencies.
- Responsible for general lab maintenance, cell culturing, preparation of recombinant nucleic acids, media and other reagent preparation, and implementation and refinement of lab protocols. The incumbent will also be expected to develop and perform more advanced and complex experiments involving genetic reporters, chromatography-based separation of biomolecules, and other biochemical and genetic techniques.
- Duties involve assisting, training, and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students and other lab personnel. The incumbent will make decisions based upon performance, pay and employment of other employees or students, which will then be approved by the Principal Investigator. The incumbent will oversee and ensure that the lab and all personnel are in compliance with all safety protocols.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- A Bachelor’s Degree in science is required.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Prior experience in the application of molecular biology theory, experience with DNA cloning and other molecular biology techniques, including RNA extraction, reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, blotting and probing, and chromatography is preferred.
- Prior experience with animal models of infection or vector borne disease is preferred but not required.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills,;
- Accurate record keeping skills;
- Prioritize tasks to meet deadlines with little supervision are essential;
- Carry out protocols in microbiology and molecular biology with the expectation that these skills will be enhanced through work in the lab.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on October 29, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
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