Lab Manager, Genomics

Department: Centre for Biodiversity Genomics 
This position is classified under the Grant & Trust Professional Group

Temporary full-time from 01/06/2025  to 01/05/2026   

General Purpose

The Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG) at the University of Guelph is the primary research hub for the International Barcode of Life scientific community. The CBG is one of nineteen national research facilities recognized by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) through its Major Science Initiatives (MSI) program. The CBG operates the largest core facility dedicated to biodiversity genomics research known as the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding (CCDB). The facility is powered by cutting edge liquid handling automation and sequencing technologies, has unrivalled capacity to analyze millions of taxonomically diverse samples each year, and it manages globally unique biorepositories exceeding 16M DNA samples representing over 1M species. The CBG has research partners and clients in 50 nations and a dedicated team comprised of 125 technicians, students, postdocs, and other scientific personnel thus fostering collaborations between taxonomists, molecular biologists, ecologists, and data scientists all united by the idea of providing society with efficient, cost-effective tools to read the biosphere with DNA so we can understand and protect life on Earth.

The CBG is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Laboratory Manager to provide day-to-day supervision and to maintain state of research readiness of its genomic laboratories (CCDB).

Duties and Responsibilities

The Laboratory Manager will play a critical role in driving the success of our research programs by ensuring the smooth operation of the laboratory and supporting cutting-edge genomic projects. The successful candidate will oversee daily lab operations, ensure the quality and efficiency of experimental workflows, and maintain the highest standards of safety and compliance. Day-to-day operational oversight involves requisition of reagents and consumables, inventory management, instrument maintenance and repair. The Laboratory Manager is also responsible for implementation and enforcement of operational policies and procedures for the facility, training of staff, and ensuring technical staff meet set production quotas. The Laboratory Manager also contributes to research and development, continuous improvement initiatives, client support, and coordinates project-based activities as required by the Director of CCDB.

Day-to-day Operations
•    Oversee daily laboratory activities, ensuring efficient workflows, optimal resource allocation, and adherence to timelines.
•    Manage inventory, and ensure the timely procurement of reagents, supplies, and equipment.
•    Monitor facility’s production to forecast ordering of reagents and labware.
•    Ensure proper maintenance, calibration, and operation of laboratory equipment.
•    Enforce lab safety protocols and maintain compliance with institutional, federal, and international regulations.
•    Perform minor user-performable repairs of equipment when approved by the equipment supplier.

Maintaning Research Readiness
•    Implement and monitor quality assurance processes to maintain data integrity, accuracy, and reproducibility in laboratory workflows.
•    Establish policies and procedures compliant with applicable industry standards and good lab practices in consultation and with approval by the Facility Director
•    Ensure personnel are competent to perform analytical procedures and maintain proficiency records.
•    Organize and control files and records associated with the facility including equipment manuals, lab notebooks, computer workstations, standard operating procedures.
•    Monitor laboratory equipment and ensure that preventative maintenance or calibration is performed promptly.

Training and Communications
•    Train laboratory technicians using standard operating procedures to ensure consistency/uniformity of work being conducted as well as orientation of new staff and students.
•    Develop and maintain business relationships with suppliers in order to learn about new products/methods in the biotech industry.
•    Work closely with CCDB’s scientific team to increase operation capacity/efficiency while decreasing operating cost.

Requirements
•    A University degree in Biological Sciences or related fireld. Master’s degree, preferred.
•    Experience: 3-5 years of laboratory experience, with 2+ years in a supervisory or management role in a genomics, molecular biology, or related laboratory setting.
•    Technical Skills: Proficiency with genomic technologies (e.g., NGS, PCR, SNP genotyping), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), data analysis platforms, and continuous improvement methodologies.
•    Leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor diverse teams, with excellent organizational and communication skills.
•    Compliance Knowledge: Deep understanding of safety standards, quality control, and regulatory requirements in genomics laboratories.
•    Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with a proactive approach to troubleshooting and optimizing laboratory processes.

Benefits:
•    Competitive salary and benefits package.
•    Opportunity to work in a world-class genomics facility.
•    Contribute to the largest biodiversity genomics research program.
•    Collaborative, innovative, competitive but supportive work environment.

 
Employee Type: Temporary 

Classification: Grant/ Trust fund position, P&M FT- Band 04    
GTP Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution. 

Posting Date: 10/16/2024 
Close Date: 10/30/2024