Laboratory Manager
The University of Chicago

Department

PSD Geophysical Sciences: Administration and Staff

About the Department

The Department of the Geophysical Sciences provides a vibrant venue in which scientists carry out research across several broad subject areas that span the past, present, and future evolution of the Earth, its life, and its cosmic environment. We pride ourselves in the innovative and interdisciplinary research of highly accomplished faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates, all of whom push the boundaries of their respective fields. The Department supports a PhD program in Geophysical Sciences while offering undergraduate degrees in both Geophysical Sciences and Environmental Science and a master's degree in Environmental Science. These programs allow students to discover, learn, and share knowledge about the natural processes that have and continue to shape our world and other planetary bodies. The Department is committed to fostering an environment where individuals from all backgrounds can grow and become the unique scientists they wish to be.

Job Summary

The Laboratory Manager will manage the day-to-day activities and maintain instrumentation related to scientific research projects. You will be responsible for daily upkeep, maintenance, and troubleshooting of analytical chemistry instrumentation. Additionally, in this role you will help train members of the research team, purchase and inventory laboratory supplies, optimize and implement laboratory SOPs, prepare standards, and ensure compliance with University laboratory safety standards. The role may require involvement in grant writing to support research as necessary, which could potentially provide the opportunity to pursue independent research in the geological, environmental, and paleontological sciences.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine and non-routine maintenance, troubleshoots, and resolves equipment malfunctions as they arise while providing support and supervision to lab personnel to ensure that analytical laboratory equipment is maintained in proper working order.
  
• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations: workflow for all analysis, ordering of supplies, lab organization, safety, and cleanliness.
  
• Learn and optimize new preparatory/analytical techniques.
  
• Assist with installation of equipment purchased by the laboratory.
  
• Train laboratory users on instrumentation and laboratory protocols, ensure adherence for accurate data collection, and ensure compliance of laboratory safety standards.
  
• Keep organized written documentation of instrument logs, maintenance, and laboratory SOPs.
  
• Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.
  
• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.
  
• Perform other related duties and projects as needed.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Environmental Science, Earth Science or a related field.
  

Experience:

• Experience running, maintaining and troubleshooting analytical chemistry instrumentation (relevant instrumentation to this position includes GC-FID, GC-MS, EA-IRMS, GC-C-IRMS, HPLC, and ThermoScientific Orbitrap platforms, with both gas chromatography and electrospray front end ionization). Experience with Agilent and ThermoScientific instrumentation and software is a plus.
  
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting Accelerated Solvent Extraction systems (ASE 350).
  
• Experience with analytical method development and validation.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Familiarity and competency with data analysis software including Excel, R, Masshunter, and Qtegra.
  
• Accuracy and attention to detail
  
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  
• Highly organized
  
• Willingness and ability to learn new skills.
  
• Foster an inclusive and positive learning environment for all students
  
• Takes initiative to optimize laboratory protocols and workflows
  
• Work autonomously, and without detailed instructions
  
• Mentoring and teaching junior scientists
  

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
  
• Cover Letter (required)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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