The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is currently seeking a Manager, Research Laboratory who will join the Cancer Modeling Shared Resource. This translational Facility provides qualified, cost effective and state-of-the art services to foster cancer research advancements and accelerate the discovery of tailored antitumor therapies. We are seeking a dynamic individual who would like to run and coordinate the operations of this pre-clinical Shared Resource. This person will directly assist the Director in running and implementing the operational aspects of the different service areas, including disease modelling, efficacy and toxicity studies, noninvasive imaging of mice, histopathology, and functional genomics. The successful candidate will also participate in the planning and implementation of pre-clinical studies and related projects including being responsible for the experimental design, procurement and validation of the services provided under the direction of Dr. Bilbao.

The following job description reflects additional support that this position must provide.  Specific responsibilities of the position include and are not limited to:

• Coordinate and conduct complex laboratory assignments including experiments related to mouse model generation and characterization, devising treatment protocols and to the evaluation of response to treatment, including noninvasive imaging and histopathological analysis.
• Generate new tools and reagents required for the different projects, and at the same time being able to provide sound suggestions on how to improve his/her work to achieve the expected results.
• Be responsible of the development and optimization of novel protocols and services.
• Generate reliable and reproducible data for the projects in which he/she is assigned.
• Supervise and assist with the mouse handling, husbandry and rodent breeding, colony management and associated technical procedures such as tail clipping, animal identification, weaning, plug assessment, DNA extraction, genotyping, observing and recording physical signs of rodent health, collection of routine diagnostic samples and their analysis, including necropsy and tissue and organ harvest, as well as histochemical, hematological (CBC, flow cytometry) and clinical chemistry analysis.
• Supervise and assist with the administration compounds to mice through different routes (e.g. from intraperitoneal and intravenous injections to oral gavage) and with a variety of routine technical procedures on laboratory animals as well as non-routine procedures such as complex surgical procedures (e.g., tumor orthotopic transplantations), anesthesia and veterinary palliative care, maintain and prepare cell lines for use in animal experiments, and non-invasive imaging of mice.
• Provide technical support and supervision to other laboratory members, including introduction and teaching of new laboratory techniques and support on the use of lab equipment to lab members, as well as members from other laboratories.
• Perform and supervise lab management duties, including but not limited to the purchase of lab supplies, keeping inventory organized, and routine equipment maintenance. Keep computer records, maintain/update data in computer-based applications/databases (including specialized animal management database), record experimental data, prepare data for analysis, and contribute to the analysis.
• Make sure that lab members comply with these guidelines. Ensure the safety of laboratory maintaining the facilities according to good laboratory practices, as well as general compliance including animal and human-related protocols. Supervise, teach staff and users.
• Facilitate team workflows in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, and goals are completed and coordinated with the Core Director. Work with the director to implement new services
• Adhere to University and unit-level policies and procedures; safeguard University assets; participate in University/outside educational training as required. Other duties as assigned by the Core Director of the Shared Resources.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:                                                             

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field required.

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience

• Knowledge of business and management principles.

• Ability to direct, manage, implement, and evaluate department operations.

• Ability to establish department goals, and objectives that support the strategic plan.

• Ability to effectively plan, delegate and/or supervise the work of others.

• Ability to lead, motivate, develop, and train others.

• Mechanical ability and dexterity when performing the different lab and animal-related techniques.

• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail. Detail-oriented.

• Ability to observe, assess, and record animal symptoms, reactions, and progress.

• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.

• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office and animal/record management databases is required.

• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment.

• Knowledge of animal husbandry requirements, methods, and techniques.

• Ability to establish dosages and administer drugs to animals.

• Extensive knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures for animal facilities, and in maintaining (immunocompromised) laboratory animals

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to animal husbandry.

• Ability to establish and/or maintain laboratory/veterinary/animal husbandry records.

• Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.

• Knowledge of laboratory operations and/or procedures.

• Knowledge of sterile procedures.

• Ability to perform routine maintenance and repairs on laboratory equipment.

• Strong desire to learn

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. He or she is expected to interact with a variety of staff (facility team, users, and other related facilities) in a professional, polite, and positive attitude.

• Excellent English (both verbal and written) required.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills

• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment.

• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.

• Commitment to the University’s core values.

• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team under the direction of the Director of the Facility.

• Ability to perform other duties as assigned.