Brief Description

We are seeking a highly organized, collaborative, and motivated Senior Manager, Research Laboratory Operations to lead our research laboratory in Durham, NC, and actively participate as a hands-on scientific partner on key research projects. Reporting directly to the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), Oncology, this dual-function role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth, safe, and compliant daily operation of our research facility while directly contributing scientific expertise to advance our pipeline.
The ideal candidate will seamlessly blend strong laboratory operations leadership with a solid background in drug discovery, specifically offering hands-on experience in screening methodologies, biochemical assays, and cell culture.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research Laboratory Operations & Management (approx. 60%)

• Laboratory Management: Oversee the daily operations of the Durham research lab, maintaining an efficient, highly organized, safe, and fully functional environment for the scientific team.
• Equipment & Inventory: Manage the procurement, maintenance, decontamination, calibration, and repair of all laboratory equipment (including biosafety cabinets, live cell imaging systems, liquid handlers, and other analytical instruments). Oversee inventory and supply chain for lab consumables, reagents, and specialized materials.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all laboratory activities comply with institutional, local, state, and federal safety regulations (including OSHA and biosafety guidelines). Oversee lab safety protocols, hazardous waste disposal, and general laboratory hygiene.
• Budget & Vendor Management: Manage laboratory spending, assist in tracking the operational budget, process purchase approvals, and coordinate with external vendors, contractors, and service providers.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with facilities management, EH&S, procurement, and R&D project management to coordinate space planning, equipment utilization, and continuous operational improvements.

2. Scientific Project Contribution (approx. 40%)

• Assay Development & Execution: Support ongoing pipeline programs by conducting hands-on in vitro research, with a strong focus on screening platforms and biochemical assays.
• Experimental Support: Manage cell cultures of cancer and normal cell lines; execute mechanism of action, target validation, and biomarker studies for therapeutic candidates.
• Data & Documentation: Document and archive experimental protocols, raw data, analyses, and conclusions according to established laboratory procedures and electronic lab notebook (ELN) standards.
• Scientific Communication: Actively participate in the communication of research findings, presenting data in internal project team meetings, contributing to conference abstracts, and supporting the preparation of manuscripts for publication.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Qualifications)

• Education: MS or PhD (or equivalent practical experience) in Biology, Biochemistry, Oncology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Industry Experience: Proven track record of successfully managing a research laboratory within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Technical Skills: Hands-on experience running, troubleshooting, and supporting screening platforms and biochemical assays is highly preferred. Competency in mammalian cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques is required.
• Therapeutic Area: Previous background or experience in oncology research is preferred, but not required.
• Leadership & Organization: Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a positive, "hands-on" approach to the role. Demonstrated success working in a matrixed, cross-functional environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Requires the ability to perform routine laboratory work, stand or sit at a biosafety cabinet or lab bench for extended periods, and utilize computer systems.
• May occasionally lift objects up to 25 pounds.
• This is a full-time, laboratory-based, on-site role in our Durham, NC facility.

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