iPS Core Manager - Joslin Diabetes Center

Overview

The iPS Core Manager will set up the infrastructure, equipment and supervision of the functionality of generating human iPS cells from patient samples in the long-term goal of generating insulin-secreting beta-like cells for testing in ex vivo and in vitro studies.

This role will primarily be responsible for supervising the laboratory as well as having the expertise to undertake hands-on work if necessary to insure timely progress of the projects.

As a health care organization, we have the responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. We require that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Derive fibroblasts from human skin biopsies or blood samples (PBMCs) to generate, maintain and distribute human induced pluripotent stem cell lines (iPSC).
• Characterize new IPSC lines by standard molecular biological techniques (including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR), by immunophenotypic analysis (including cytostaining and flow cytometry) and by functional assays (in vitro and in vivo differentiation) and perform quality control.
• Differentiate hIPSCs towards the endocrine lineage to generate insulin-secreting beta-like cells with high efficiency.
• Train operators and users of the Core to optimally utilize the basic laboratory and tissue culture techniques and iPS-specific technologies.
• Perform and supervise routine laboratory maintenance and management, including maintaining and cleaning equipment, interfacing with vendors, ordering and keeping an adequate inventory of laboratory supplies, tracking core usage and invoicing participating laboratories using iLAB software.
• Assist in the preparation of progress reports and documents relevant to the core’s activities.
• Establish new procedures and policies and modify existing ones as necessary to maintain up-to-date best practices and optimize core operation.
• Develop and implement training procedures for incoming staff regarding operation and maintenance of machines, Core procedures and protocols.
• Maintain an accurate and updated physical and electronic inventory of all hIPSC lines and samples including freezing down lines.
• Supervise the laboratory personnel to insure optimum functioning and maintenance of equipment - optimizing work schedules so that the Core operates at an optimal level.
• Maintain and facilitate scheduling on all instruments, including bookings, trainings and cancellations, to optimize instrument availability and use.
• Accurately review and approve billing for internal core users, and generate invoices for external users, on a monthly basis in conjunction with the Office of Sponsored Research.
• Attend quarterly core budget meetings at the request of the Core Director and advise on budget-related decisions based on instrument usage, maintenance needs, and opportunities for improvement or enhancement of core capabilities.
• Assist with writing and preparing applications for core-related grants.
• Create and present core presentations, and organize and facilitate related guest presentations by external experts.
• Mitigate any problems that may arise within the laboratory, including in the assistance of maintaining and preserving the integrity of laboratory equipment by ensuring its proper use, and monitoring biohazardous material usage, handling, and disposal.
• Work independently to complete multiple projects for deadlines, and report progress during project meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Stem Cell Biology, Cell or Molecular Biology, or a closely related field – a bachelor’s degree with relevant experience at a similar or equivalent level will also be considered
• Minimum 6 years of demonstrated laboratory experience with iPS cell cultures and sterile laboratory techniques
• Experience and knowledge in differentiating hIPScs towards the endocrine lineage and generating beta-like cells
• Advanced skills with Microsoft applications which may include Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint or Access and other web-based applications.
• Familiarity with stem cell laboratory protocols, instruments and equipment – in a laboratory setting.
• Excellent communication skills (communicate clearly and effectively via verbal and written instruction).
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Attention to detail and ability to concentrate on multiple tasks
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities – through completion.
• Ability to follow general instructions and procedures, as provided by the Core Director.
• Ability to work independently and with others in the core - to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts.
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Effective problem-solving skills to anticipate the needs of the core.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Supervisory experience with demonstrated competence in change management, team building, and problem solving preferred
• Demonstrated solid interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with other department leads - must be comfortable delegating