Laboratory Manager- Wilson Lab

Primary work address: Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.

About the role

We have an opportunity for a Part-time Laboratory Manager to join the Wilson lab at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Rachel Wilson's lab, based in the Department of Neurobiology, studies how the brain performs neural computations at the level of network connectivity, synapses, and ion channels. The team focuses on the neural basis of navigation behavior in Drosophila, combining electrophysiology and optical physiology in behaving flies with brain-wide ‘connectomics’ and computational modeling. The goal is a mechanistic understanding of how flies use sensory cues, internal states, and memory to guide navigation.

This position is budgeted for 20 hours/week, though we are open to a highly qualified candidate who prefers 30 hours/week. The role will be primarily in person; however, some daily responsibilities could be handled remotely. We anticipate the role will require 2-3 days/week on-site. If a candidate prefers to work on-site exclusively, that is also possible.

We value honesty, consistency, energy, and commitment to life-long learning.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing, receiving, and shipping for the lab.
• Maintain stocks of lab supplies and lead strategic supply planning.
• Maintain and update the organization of shared supplies and equipment.
• Keep software licenses and service contracts current and up to date.
• Handle billing questions and problems in coordination with the institutional finance office.
• Manage vendor communications, including registering new vendors and securing quotes.
• Make routine strategic procurement decisions, such as selecting a vendor from a short list of regular suppliers.
• Process reimbursements.
• Supervise and manage the lab's digital communication tools, including Google Calendars, Google Sheets, Slack channels, and GitHub repositories.
• Keep the lab Wiki up to date as policies and procedures evolve.
• Manage regulatory compliance tasks, including procuring importation and safety permits.
• Track asset inventory.
• Train new lab members to understand and use the lab's workflows across all of the above areas.

Requirements

• BA, BS, or equivalent degree.
• Experience with detail-oriented tasks requiring consistent, high accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using digital tools to track detailed or technical content.
• Prior experience managing small groups (e.g., co-leading a club or team).
• Documented ability to create and maintain an organizational system.
• A track record of taking initiative to identify and solve emerging problems.
• Demonstrated skills and interest in training, mentoring, and/or informal education (e.g., tutoring, volunteering, onboarding new club members, training new employees).

Prior lab experience, workplace administrative experience, programming skills, experience with agentic AI workflows, and/or basic knowledge of biology (especially of fruit flies and neuroscience) are all a plus, but none are required.

Physical Requirements

• Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time.
• Reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s).
• Dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard.
• Communication skills using the spoken word.
• Ability to see and hear within normal parameters.
• Ability to move about workspace, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids, and presence of carcinogenic substances. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Pay

Hiring pay range: $78,320.00 - $97,900.00 annually.