Laboratory Operations Manager, NIIMBL

PAY GRADE: 34E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Under the limited direction of the Director of Technical Operations, the Lab Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing lab resources, complex daily operations, and supervision of several laboratory staff at the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). The work will involve coordinating routine daily activities across multiple projects and labs, interfacing with building facilities staff, and ensuring safe, organized, and efficient lab operations.

NIIMBL is a large-scale effort dedicated to supporting the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals, and it is established by a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a public/private consortium of a diverse set of member organizations, including industry, academia, non-profit organizations, state governments, and federal agencies. NIIMBL is a member of the Manufacturing USA network of institutes funded by the federal government to advance United States competitiveness in advanced manufacturing innovation. Institutionally at the University of Delaware, NIIMBL reports to the Vice President for Research, Scholarship & Innovation.

The most high-profile activities that NIIMBL does are the execution of technical projects to advance the readiness levels of relevant technologies, assays, and methods. These projects include scopes of scientific work that generally include many organizations as partners and collaborators. For example, a project may involve experimental studies, at a level consistent with best practices found in the biopharmaceutical industry, and include scientists from several large and small companies, a scientist from a Federal agency, and a scientist from a University. Many of these projects will be hosted at the University of Delaware in a state-of-the-art laboratory facility purpose-built for such studies. These projects will involve a diverse set of technologies and approaches and address drug substance, drug product, and analytical needs by the industry appropriate to several types of biopharmaceuticals: vaccines, therapeutic proteins and antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, gene therapy vectors, and cell therapies, among others.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise a team of NIIMBL lab staff and contractors
• Develop, manage, and organize daily lab support functions and activities
• Manage and coordinate lab safety and compliance
• Manage responses to lab-related emergencies
• Develop and maintain laboratory security and access control plan
• Develop and implement power plan for usage of emergency power and power loss situations
• Manage, coordinate, and participate in LIMS and ELN implementation, maintenance, and management
• Manage the coordination with UD Facilities and Facilities Planning and Project Delivery on laboratory and equipment-specific utility requirements
• Manage on-site vendor stockroom
• Serve as laboratory lead on special projects and efforts as directed by the Director of Technical Operations as needed
• Manage usage and tracking of laboratory spaces, both dedicated and shared
• Coordinate with project PIs and lab leads, as well as NIIMBL project teams, some of whom will be visiting researchers from member organizations.
• Ensure timely communication of laboratory operations status to Director of Technical Operations and others.
• Provide support and training when applicable
• Assume other administrative or technical responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A B.S. degree in a relevant life science or engineering discipline is preferred. In addition, at least 15 years of relevant experience is expected.
• Significant practical experience working in a laboratory-based environment with preference for experience in a GxP environment.
• Possess a contribution mindset fueled by an inner drive to take initiative without being directed.
• Excellent interpersonal and management skills with the desire to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to demonstrate effective leadership through communication, respect, influence, persuasion, and trust.
• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Microsoft Project skills.
• Excellent organization and planning skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to adhere to standards procedures.
• Ability to function in a rapidly changing environment.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.