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Harvard University · 1 day ago

Research Operations Manager, Physical Sciences

Cambridge, MA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

3+ years exp

Harvard University is a vibrant community dedicated to advancing its world-changing mission. The Research Operations Manager for Physical Sciences will manage and improve shared laboratories and fabrication spaces while ensuring safety and compliance in a collaborative research environment.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

Assist Rowland Fellows in evaluating and purchasing new equipment; liaise with vendors to negotiate, procure, and install new equipment

Manage shared physical science fabrication and research equipment at the Rowland Institute, including inventory, service contracts, and usage scheduling

Maintain equipment through repairing and preventive maintenance, and coordination with vendors when necessary

Provide training to researchers on scientific instrument best practices, usage, and safety. Maintain SOPs for these instruments

Organize and maintain shared spaces (chemistry room, cleanroom, and general physical sciences labs)

Assist Executive Director with laboratory space design and transitions, including commissioning and decommissioning of research spaces

Assist in the design, planning and overseeing of instrumentation and equipment fabrication and modification projects in collaboration with Fellows and their researchers

Collaborate with researchers on the design of research tools by reviewing design feasibility, fabrication methods, and materials selection

Serve as an accessible resource and potential collaborator for experimental design, equipment expertise, and troubleshooting design and implementation

Act as the Rowland Institute’s physical sciences Laboratory Safety Officer (LSO)

Liaise with Harvard EHS to ensure compliance with safety standards

Conduct safety training, maintain chemical inventories, and oversee hazardous waste removal of the physical scientist labs

Train on safest laboratory practices and maintain a safe space and environment for efficient scientific research to be conducted

Qualification

Advanced scientific instrumentationLaboratory managementSafety complianceCAD/CAM designMachiningFabricationTrainingMentoringOrganizational skillsCommunication skillsInterpersonal skillsProblem-solving skills

Required

A minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience

3+ years of related experience in research operations, laboratory management, or fabrication

Experience with operation and maintenance of advanced scientific instrumentation (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, and vacuum systems)

Demonstrated ability to train and mentor researchers on safe and effective use of equipment

Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills

Preferred

Master's degree or more advanced in chemistry, engineering, physics, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field

Proficiency in CAD/CAM design

Familiarity with laboratory safety concepts

Beneficial to have experience with a range of machining, welding, and fabrication equipment (e.g., lathes, milling machines, TIG/MIG welding, 3D printers, laser cutter)