The Gale Laboratory at University of Minnesota aims to define the molecular mechanisms of innate immune activation and viral regulation of innate immunity, and to define therapeutic targets to inform research and development toward building innate immune therapeutics to combat virus infection. The laboratory studies cell culture, mouse models, nonhuman primate models, and human cohorts of virus infection and immunity. The lab works within specialized resources and administrative framework for performing cellular and animal BSL2, BSL3, BSL4 studies of a range of RNA viruses including flaviviruses, Hanta virus, influenza A viruses, SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, Ebola virus, chikungunya virus, SIV, and HIV.  The lab also conducts functional genomics studies using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNAseq) including ATCseq, CITEseq, bulk mRNAseq, and GeoMx spatial-seq approaches to define virus/host interactions, host genes of virus control, and therapeutic targets for infection control strategies.

We are seeking a Research Support Manager (RSM1) to provide direct oversight and coordination of complex research operations and provide leadership for staff and faculty across multiple lab groups. The RSM1 leads the day-to-day administration and management of the laboratory and leads the execution of research projects by drafting proposals, selecting methods, supervising the team, managing budgets and presenting findings.

Position Responsibilities:

Research Operations - 50%:
● Design and develop projects, including setting goals, timelines and strategies              
● Create guidelines and policies to provide structure to research functions in alignment with the PIâ™s/(Center Directorâ™s) strategic vision.
● Oversee operational processes, identifying and implementing process improvement as needed to ensure compliance, efficiency and excellence.
● Assign project resources (people and materials) to maximize project throughput while maintaining high quality results
● Maintain Illumina MSeq and Next Seq 500 sequencers serving as the primary point of contact for all technical issues with machines
● Independently prepare cDNA libraries for high throughput parallel sequencing from a variety of tissues and cell types.
● Perform basic analysis by applying appropriate analytical programs (e.g. demultiplexing) for high throughput RNA sequence results
● Track project expenses and generate project quotes and bills

People Management - 30%
● Responsible for performance management of 6 staff under the guidance of the PI.
● Provide supervision to include regularly scheduled meetings, goal setting, professional development, performance management, hiring, recruiting and training.
● Provide guidance in managing complex research studies to staff, faculty and direct reports
● Mentor and direct staff to maximize resources efficiently 

Lab Management -10%
● Oversee maintenance and cleaning of laboratory space
● Oversee laboratory infrastructure including access and electronic systems
● Maintain facility and infrastructure records
● Analyze space usage and reassign space to align with key operational priorities

Grants - 10%
● Partner with PI to prepare grant/sub award budgets and other documents
● Consult with faculty on budget planning and interpret protocols to ensure sufficient resources
● Collaborate closely with pre and post award grant staff, accounts and other relevant groups as applicable 

Required Qualifications:
● BS/BA with at least 6 years of research-related work experience OR an advanced degree with at least 4 years of research-related work experience
● Experience working in Academic/Governmental institutions; passion for working in the academic research environment
● Documented experience in laboratory environments and experimental techniques
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced work environment
● Demonstrated organizational and coordination skills with attention to detail
● Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities and projects
● Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
● Ability to work flexible work hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends and on-call as needed for studies.
● Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 

Preferred Qualifications:
● Ability to interact with staff, research collaborators (industry and University of Minnesota), and graduate/undergraduate students on a professional level
● Experience with Google Workspace
● Ability to develop and foster a collaborative, engaged, adaptable, and high trust team environment

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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