Assistant Manager - Lab Operations (Biohub Chicago)

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago (https://www.czbiohub.org/chi) is an independent nonprofit research institute that brings together three powerhouse universities - Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine. CZ Biohub itself supports some of the brightest, boldest engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to make breakthroughs in medicine and develop new technologies, frequently in collaboration with our partner universities. We are guided by our values of scholarly excellence; disruptive innovation; hands-on engineering/hacking/building; partnership and collaboration; open communication and respect; inclusiveness; and opportunity for all.

Our Vision

• We pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
• We enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
• The technologies developed at CZ Biohub Chicago facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond

Diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives are at the heart of CZ Biohub Network and enable disruptive innovation and scholarly excellence. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive organization where all colleagues feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution.

The Opportunity

CZ Biohub Chicago seeks a Assistant Lab Manager to support our scientific and operations teams. This position is part of the Laboratory Operations team, responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of processes to ensure smooth operation of the laboratory equipment and associated software systems. This is a lab support role, which reports to the Operations Manager. It is not a scientific research position.

In this role, you will help maintain a clean, efficient, and well-stocked laboratory by developing and utilizing tools to track inventory, lab assets, and equipment maintenance. Your work will contribute to supporting and meeting the needs of our research scientists. The ideal candidate will have exceptional organizational abilities, strong communication skills, and the ability to act independently and proactively. This role will directly contribute to shaping the quality and culture of our laboratory, with a particular focus on the safety culture.

You will

• Perform key lab maintenance responsibilities such as managing laboratory supply inventory and performing routine maintenance on laboratory equipment
• Coordinate and manage preventative maintenance, calibration, and repairs for laboratory equipment as appropriate
• Support and maintain systems and applications, including remote monitoring, equipment reservation, and ordering and inventory systems
• Handle the receipt of packages and other orders, including compressed gasses and dry ice
• Manage purchasing of shared supplies and researcher requests on a timely and cost-efficient basis. This will include being a key stakeholder in the procurement process for the Biohub
• Ensure proper collection, storage, and disposal of laboratory biological and chemical waste in coordination with our Environmental Health and Safety vendor
• Maintain records of service contracts, including renewal dates, service level agreements, and contract terms
• Ensure lab safety training compliance and adherence to safety guidelines
• Other projects and special assignments, as delegated
  

You have

Essential –

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as biology, chemistry, or engineering
• Minimum 6 months of relevant experience
• An independent self-starter with the ability to work collaboratively effectively is essential
• High integrity and highly aligned with the mission and CZ Biohub values
• Flexibility and ability to thrive in an unstructured and rapidly changing environment and work independently
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and discretion
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office and Google G-Suite applications
• Experience in Procurement software such as Coupa, Quartzy, Procurify

Nice to have -

• 1-3 years experience in asset management, facilities management, and laboratory operations
• 1-3 years in purchasing, inventory management, and/or procurement

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub requires all employees, contractors, and interns, regardless of work location or type of role, to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster vaccine dose, if eligible, by their start date. Those who are unable to get vaccinated or obtain a booster dose because of a disability, or who choose not to be vaccinated due to a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance must have an approved exception prior to their start date.

What We Provide

• Resources to disrupt and innovate at the frontiers of our knowledge of biology and disease
• A collegial and collaborative environment consisting of diverse expertise
• Access to collaborators, resources and facilities at our three partner universities (Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) and at partner organizations in Chicagoland and beyond
• Competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with the experience

Benefits

We offer a robust benefits program that enables the important work Biohubbers do everyday. Our benefits include healthcare coverage, life and disability insurance, commuter subsidies, family planning services with fertility care, childcare stipend, 401(k) match, flexible time off and a generous parental leave policy. In addition, we honor our commitment to career development and our value of scholarly excellence through regular onsite opportunities to learn from the world's leading scientists.

The CZ Biohub Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity of thought, ideas and perspectives. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive organization where all Biohubbers feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. The CZ Biohub Network does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes. The CZ Biohub Network will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with the CZ Biohub Network.