Research Operations Manager
The Department of Bioengineering is seeking a Research Operations Manager in the Kozai Lab to lead and coordinate advanced neuroscience research operations at the Center for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, with core responsibilities centered around the Bruker 2pPlus DL multiphoton microscope system, transgenic mouse colony management, and multi-project coordination. The Operations Manager will be a technical and logistical lead, responsible for managing multiple concurrent, high-priority research projects. This includes overseeing complex timelines, aligning resources, managing personnel, and tracking key milestones from project initiation through experimental execution and data analysis. The successful candidate will demonstrate mastery in setting agendas, recording actionable minutes, enforcing deadlines, and maintaining forward momentum across collaborative, cross-functional teams.
Job duties include:
Managing the Transgenic Mouse Colony. Full responsibility for transgenic colony strategy and execution, including mating design, timed pregnancies, weaning, and accurate and timely genotyping using PCR-based methods. Detailed tracking of lineage, health status, and geno@type distribution, with close alignment to experimental demand and protocol approvals. Coordinating with veterinary and compliance staff to ensure optimal animal welfare and adherence to IACUC policies.
Project Management Responsibilities. Resource allocation, including scheduling microscope usage, prioritizing surgeries, and coordinating personnel across experiments. Development and maintenance of project timelines, risk assessments, contingency plans, and experimental roadmaps. Leading recurring project review meetings, identifying bottlenecks, and ensuring completion of interdependent tasks across personnel. Driving rapid, high-fidelity communication between trainees, staff, faculty, compliance personnel, and external vendors or collaborators. Project management, including setting clear agendas, documenting meeting minutes, tracking progress, and prioritizing concurrent deadlines across multiple teams.
Technical Leadership and Operational Execution. Maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance optimization of the Bruker multiphoton system, associated optics, and surgical tools. Immediate response to equipment failures, software issues, or experimental disruptions, with minimal downtime. Hands-on training of all lab personnel in animal handling, survival surgery e.g., cranial window implantation, viral injection, aseptic technique, microscope use, and imaging protocols. Development and enforcement of standard operating procedures SOPs for imaging, genotyping, surgery, and data management. Protocol management, including writing, submitting, and amending animal use protocols; maintaining up-to-date records; and serving as liaison with regulatory offices.
Financial and Administrative Oversight. Budget tracking for individual projects, including procurement, grant allocations, and cost forecasting. Assisting with grant writing, budget justifications, and progress reporting to support extramural funding. Preparing documentation for presentations, publications, and reporting.
Outreach and Dissemination. Organizing and leading seminars, demonstrations, and workshops highlighting system capabilities and research outcomes. Developing advertising materials and managing outreach campaigns to raise system and lab visibility. Supporting recruitment of graduate students, postdocs, and staff through active engagement in educational and industry networks.
This position demands a fast-moving, detail-oriented individual with strong technical proficiency and strategic foresight. Success in this role requires technical know-how, organizational fluency, rapid execution, and the ability to guide teams toward high-impact scientific outcomes.
Job Summary
Manages and facilitates overall day-to-day research administration activities and operational functions. Collaborates to ensure compliance, productivity, and progress. Develops and implements program policies and procedures and adheres to protocols, regulations, and budgets. Coordinates program events and logistics. Performs budgetary functions.
Essential Functions
Ability to speak clearly for telephone contact, have manual dexterity to use equipment, and to walk to various locations throughout the campus.
Physical Effort
The position is not sedentary. Position may require incumbent to occasionally visit other locations throughout the campus. The incumbent will be standing and walking. May need to lift up to 50 lbs. Physical exertion may be required to move equipment. Dexterity is needed to use computers and operate equipment.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.
Assignment Category: Full-time regular
Job Classification: Staff.Research Program Manager
Job Family: Research
Job Sub Family: Research Program Support
Campus: Pittsburgh
Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelors Degree
Minimum Years of Experience Required: 3
Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: No
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Work Arrangement: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications
Relocation_Offered: No
Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
Required Documents: Resume
Optional Documents: Not Applicable
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities
PI274196609
