Position Purpose

This position includes responsibilities related to both Lab Management and Research. The applicant maximizes productivity of the laboratory through efficient organization and administration of day-to-day lab activities. Oversees technicians and research assistants, independently performs experiments/tests using specialized techniques, and keeps the lab running smoothly. The applicant also performs tasks related to research engineering microbes for cellulosic biofuel production.

Lab Safety Officer Tasks

Ensures proper compliance with safety procedures. Manage lab Bioraft site that interfaces with EHS, manage lab members, training, hood certification and lab forms for regulatory compliance. Collect, autoclave and dispose of biohazard waste twice a week. Collect and dispose of sharps and hazardous waste once a week.

Lab Manager Tasks

Oversees general laboratory operations and manages all activities related to proper use, availability, performance, and maintenance of the facilities, equipment, and supplies; reorders supplies on a routine basis. Organize and manage lab email list, office space, bench space, refrigerator, freezer and -80oC freezer space. Organize, record and archive biweekly group meetings. Manage/maintain DNA sequencing software, HPLC service contracts and other equipment in the lab. Assist with ordering. Help with graduate student and postdoc travel arrangement, payment, reconciliation. Manage and reconcile external vendor service accounts (IDT and Azetna) and manage user access. Manage and coordinate lab gases, primarily with Airgas. Provide support on budgeting for supplies for grant proposal planning.

Research Tasks

Construct plasmids. Construct strains (E. coli, Clostridium thermocellum, Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum, etc.). Characterize strains by batch fermentation, followed by HPLC analysis of fermentation products. Collect and analyze data. Train students, technicians, and postdocs in laboratory techniques.