Laboratory Manager - Abdus-Saboor Lab

The lab of Dr. Ishmail Abdus-Saboor, Freeman Hrabowski Scholar at Columbia University is seeking a Lab Manager to lead day-to-day operations. Since opening in 2018, the Abdus-Saboor lab has focused on how the nervous system encodes pain and social touch based on sensory stimuli applied to the skin. They are integrating the peripheral and central nervous systems, seeking to uncover genes and neural circuits for somatosensation from the skin to the spinal cord and interconnected networks across the brain. They are elucidating the skin-brain axis taking a holistic approach that combines high-resolution behavioral mapping, brain and peripheral neuron imaging, and neural circuit manipulations. More information about the lab team and their work can be found by visiting

About the Lab Manager role:
You will hold an integral role within the lab coordinating the day-to-day operations involved in running the lab and serving as both a collaborative administrative partner to Dr. Abdus-Saboor and the primary liaison between the lab and various external partners (Columbia administrative offices, EH&S, HHMI science operations offices, vendors, etc.).

You will have a background in lab operations/administration and be committed to fostering a respectful, thriving work environment. You are someone who exhibits strong communication skills, can multitask, and has a desire to be a part of a robust scientific community. This role is best fit for someone who is proactive in their work style, adaptable to change, and passionate about the research that the lab is conducting.

This role is expected to work on-site in the lab 5 days/week to start. There may be opportunity for a more hybrid (on-site/remote) work schedule if desired after an initial acclimation period.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Joining the vibrant Columbia research community.

• Joining a close-knit, congenial lab team that is committed to each others success.

• Full access to HHMIs on-demand training courses and interactive skill-building seminars, led by members of our learning and organization development team.

• Opportunities to attend scientific seminar series and talks at Columbia on a regular basis.

What youll do:

• Initiate and manage orders while monitoring the labs budget and keeping track of supplies and expenditures on a daily/weekly/monthly basis.

• Serve as primary point of contact for all lab communications, including close coordination with vendors, regulatory authorities, and Columbia administrative staff for service contracts, inspections, lab equipment maintenance, repairs, infrastructure needs, space allocation, etc.

• Manage and update animal protocols, SOPs, and other lab documentation as needed.

• Manage new hire orientations, onboarding, and general oversight of all lab team members, including ensuring their training and compliance with all internal/external governing bodies.

• Assist with editing grants, manuscripts, proposals, presentations, and other documents. Ensure that deadlines for grant application submissions and progress reports are met.

• Manage the lab meeting schedule and assist with planning and execution of lab meetings, events, and team activities.

• Provide direct administrative support to Dr. Abdus-Saboor by helping to manage his calendar, e-mail inbox, coordinating travel, and processing reimbursements, as needed.

What you bring:

• A bachelors degree is required. Applicants with graduate degrees are welcome and encouraged to apply.

• A background in the life sciences is not required, but would be a plus.

• Previous experience serving in a lab management and/or administrative capacity within an academic research environment is required.

• Strong sense of self-motivation, integrity, trustworthiness, and demonstrated ability to work well in a diverse environment with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

• Passion for efficiency, operational excellence, and process improvement.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and high attention to detail.

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.

• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks according to lab needs.

• Strong knowledge of general computer use, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and digital file organization.

Compensation Range:

Laboratory Manager I $81,880 (minimum) - $102,400 (midpoint) - $133,055 (maximum)
Laboratory Manager II $100,280 (minimum) - $125,300 (midpoint) - $162,955 (maximum)

Pay Type: Annual

HHMIs salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

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. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move 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. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the jobs principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word may, the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are essential functions of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-NG1

Compensation and 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.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.