A lab manager position is available at the Marine Laboratory of the University of Guam (USA). We are looking for a highly organized and collegial individual to become our Genetics Lab Manager (Research Associate II) supporting our research mission. The selected candidate will ensure that lab operations run smoothly and without unnecessary interruptions by keeping an up-to-date inventory of supplies and ensuring timely orders to replenish stocks. They will participate in laboratory research on marine invertebrate (corals and non corals) population genomics, phylogenomics, transcriptomics and gene expression, in the context of adaptation to climate change. The Genetics Lab Manager will work under the direction of Dr. Sarah Lemer and Dr. David Combosch.
The position is financed by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of the “Guam Ecosystems Collaboratorium for Corals and Oceans” research project (2020 ??" 2025). The position will start as soon as possible and is renewable on a yearly basis. https://guamepscor.uog.edu/about-guam-epscor/
Character of Duties: The Lab Manager will assist the PIs (Dr. Lemer and Dr. Combosch) and students with their projects. The responsibilities and primary functions of the position include: - Manage, keep an updated inventory, and order supplies and reagents - Maintain the 1000+ ft^2 of lab space and molecular biology equipment - Organize and maintain records of biological samples - Train and manage students, research assistants and volunteers. - Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, budgets, and schedules; - Establish and improve standard operating procedures and protocols; - Conduct molecular lab work: sample preservation, DNA/RNA extractions, PCR and RT-qPCR.
Required skills and experience: - A MS degree or higher, in Biology, Chemistry, or related field from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent; - One (1) year of experience in molecular genetics laboratory techniques; - Experience in DNA and RNA extraction, preparation of DNA libraries for sequencing, gel electrophoresis, PCR, RT-qPCR, magnetic bead clean-ups, DNA and RNA quantification, etc... - Experience with single and multichannel pipettors, fluid handling robots, centrifuges, BioAnalyzer, thermocyclers, etc… - Demonstrated experience with lab management: reagent and supplies stock management and placing orders - Attention to detail, strong problem-solving, training, and mentoring abilities; - Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
About us: We are a young and dynamic team and offer a friendly and motivating working environment. Through investments by the National Science Foundations Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), the genetics laboratory at the Marine Laboratory of the University of Guam was modernized. The genetics laboratory is used by multiple faculty researchers, postdocs, and graduate students to conduct genetics and genomics research using mostly tropical marine organisms. The focus of these studies include biodiversity inventories, population connectivity, gene expression, and genome evolution. To support these research projects, the lab is equipped with an Illumina sequencer, qPCR and other thermocyclers, liquid handling robots, and facilities for cryo-preservation of tissues through the associated biorepository.