Unit/Project Description:
The Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University is a dynamic and research-intensive unit committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.
This position will support the development and ongoing operations of a newly established research program within the Department of Kinesiology. The research program will investigate the molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle, tendon and ligament development, exercise responsiveness, regeneration, and performance across the lifespan.
The successful candidate will play a key role in building and managing a state-of-the-art research laboratory, supporting multidisciplinary research initiatives that span basic, translational, and applied human health research. Working collaboratively with faculty, trainees, research staff, and external partners, the Lab Manager will contribute to establishing laboratory operations, perform advanced research techniques, support grant-funded projects, and foster a diverse, productive, and supportive research environment.
Job Summary:
Responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a multi-user laboratory and providing training and high-level technical support to investigators, staff and students. Responsible for developing, designing and overseeing experiments requiring very specialized knowledge to understand a specific field or area of research.
Purpose and Key Functions:
- Adapt and modify existing scientific techniques for research experiments requiring specialized knowledge of the field of research.
- Review scientific journals to acquire new research methods and techniques that can be used in the laboratory.
- Integrate new techniques and scientific approaches into existing laboratory procedures and protocols.
- Design research experiments that address hypotheses that are provided by the Principal Investigator.
- Complete and submit ethics approval forms and material transfer agreements.
- Use a variety of complex software applications to capture, analyze and interpret research data.
- Liaise with information technology staff to ensure appropriate back-up of user and facility generated data and systems for tracking of equipment use.
- Assess and implement training requirements for laboratory users in highly specialized scientific techniques, operation of equipment, related software and data acquisition, standard operating procedures and protocols.
- Provide advice to others in areas such as experimental design, data analysis and other facets of research projects.
- Manage and appropriately prioritize cell isolation and sorting procedures between multiple labs to ensure effective use of time and resources.
- Write sections of research articles and papers for publication.
- Write and modify standard operating procedures for laboratory methods and equipment and prepare technical reports.
- Conduct database, literature and web searches.
- Exchange technical information with internal and external colleagues and collaborators.
- Gather and compile information required to prepare presentations.
- Develop and deliver presentations at international conferences, seminars, and department lab meetings.
- Attend and participate in lab meetings.
- Develop the annual budget for the laboratory and make recommendations regarding facility costs.
- Draft study design and implementation budgets.
- Prepare time and resource estimates required for the completion of research studies.
- Liaise with various suppliers of equipment, software, service contracts and reagents to negotiate pricing and delivery.
- Calibrate, operate, and maintain flow cytometry and cell sorting equipment.
- Perform daily quality control and instrument function checks.
- Maintain accurate documentation of instrument function checks, reagent and antibody quality control.
- Troubleshoot technical problems with equipment and perform minor repairs as necessary.
- Liaise with service providers to schedule preventative maintenance and equipment repairs.
- Make recommendations on the acquisition of new equipment and replacement of aging infrastructure.
- Monitor and maintain laboratory supplies inventory.
- Prepare biological samples for sorting and analysis.
- Remain current with frequent advances and developments in research techniques and strategies.
Supervision:
- Provide direction to others in how to carry out work tasks.
Requirements:
- Doctoral degree in Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, or related field.
- Requires 3 years of relevant experience.
Additional Information:
- Experience with tissue culture, tissue engineering, and molecular biology techniques.
- Expertise in animal husbandry and surgical techniques.
- Previous laboratory management experience, financial, and report writing.
- Anticipated start date – October 12, 2026.
- Work arrangement – This position will be fully on-site. The expectation is that the individual will work primarily in the lab.
