Job Description
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH - BLOO (BL-SPHB-IUBLA)
This position is divided between 2 distinct research efforts housed within the School of Public Health-Bloomington (SPH-B) Innovation Center: The Aegis COVID-19 Study within the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (EBIO) and lab management needs within the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH).
As a lab manager in the EOH labs and in overseeing the Aegis Study's management and operations, the role is a complex, multi-faceted one with influence over scientific, operational, and administrative functions. The complexity arises from balancing high-level strategic planning with detailed, hands-on operational oversight, all within a regulated field and controlled environment. A core responsibility of the Lab Manager is to ensure all activities strictly follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as well as internal, local, state, and federal regulations.
Department-Specific Responsibilities
- Make decisions related to SOP enforcement, quality assurance and control, and training and competency.
- Work with supervisor and possibly other faculty or staff in the labs for any problems that arise.
- Oversee the Aegis COVID-19 Study for the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
- Oversee day-to-day technical operations for frozen samples collected for the EBIO Aegis study, supervise the Aegis laboratory student staff, and monitor/maintain the Aegis cryo-freezers.
- Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and schedule part-time student research assistant (RA) employees as needed; oversee their timesheets; conduct regular meetings, and provide shift support.
- Monitor freezer temperatures, respond to alarms, maintain carbon dioxide (CO2) backup systems, and implement contingency plans for equipment failure (including emergency sample transport). Develop and carry out defrosting and maintenance plans.
- Maintain supplies (dry ice, lab cart equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE)), manage constrained workspace, and coordinate purchasing and receiving.
- Develop, implement, and enforce safety and laboratory protocols, including proper PPE and handling of biological materials.
- Direct RA workflows for sample retrieval and packing; coordinate with external labs and couriers.
- Maintain and update Excel-based sample tracking logs, verify mislabeled samples, restructure archives as needed, and prepare documentation for outgoing shipments.
- Manage the EOH labs.
- Provide support for general EOH laboratory needs, including experimental support, data collection, and equipment maintenance.
- Prepare, set up, and execute field and lab experiments according to established protocols. Coordinate reagents ordering and inventory and maintain up to date animal and reagents inventory.
- Collect, manage, and organize analytical data; prepare reports and ensure documentation meets quality assurance standards.
- Train junior-level staff and students; serve as a point of contact for lab-related inquiries.
- Oversee laboratory equipment, including setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance; coordinate supply requisitions.
- Plan and assist in designing experiments, short-term research goals, and maintaining compliance with departmental research standards.
EDUCATION
Required - Bachelor's degree in a scientific field or related discipline
Preferred Required WORK EXPERIENCE
- 2 years of laboratory experience or research management (ideally including student staff supervision)
Preferred - Work experience in sample management, biosafety protocols, or health-related studies
- Research management experience
Skills Required - Strong organizational, supervisory, communication, and technical skills to ensure smooth execution of experiments, data collection, equipment oversight, and compliance with safety and research protocols
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects across departments
- Proficient in data management systems (Excel, REDCap, etc.)
- High commitment to quality, safety, and professionalism
The role involves regular movement within the lab and Innovation Center spaces. Must have the ability to move and transport materials up to 25 pounds. Must be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Up to 2-year part-time appointment, with the opportunity to become full-time soon after starting.
SPH-B Innovation Center
Indiana University Bloomington
Up to 29 hours per week.
Involves occasional freezer or alarm response duties off-hours.
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
- Health savings account with generous IU contributions
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- Basic group life insurance paid by IU
- Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
- Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
- Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
- Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
- 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
- Generous paid time off plans
- Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.
Career Level: Part Time Employee
FLSA: Nonexempt
Job Function: Part Time Employee
Job Family: Part Time Employee
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This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
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Telephone: 812-856-1234
Job Tags
Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Local area, Flexible hours, Shift work,