Job Description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The BiOS Freezer Core is designed to assist in the management and storage of research samples for investigators at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This fully-robotic, large-capacity negative 80°C freezer has the ability to store 100,000 to 10 million samples, depending on labware size. The BiOS Freezer Core is intended to be an alternative storage option to upright and chest negative 80°C freezers, conserving costs, energy, and space, while ensuring sample integrity,access, and tracking.

The Research Operations & BiOS Freezer Core Manager will run the core facility hosting the School’s automated BiOS negative 80°C freezer. The Hamilton BiOS freezer stores clinical and biological samples collected for research purposes by School faculty. This position reports to Professor Marc Weisskopf in the Department of Environmental Health.

The Manager will be responsible for strategic planning, financial management, and daily operations of this School resource. Strategic responsibilities include working with the Freezer Core PI, and the PIs of complimentary cores, to ensure the space and resources associated with the core are meeting the needs of the School’s research community.

The Manager will also provide consultations to faculty, lab managers, and external groups regarding the compatibility of the BiOS with their needs, and will work with research teams developing grant applications that propose to use the BiOS freezer. The Manager will manage the financial aspects of the core as well, including developing a multi-year business plan, budgeting, rate setting, invoicing, and reporting. These activities will be conducted in close coordination with the departmental finance team.

Daily operations will include inputting and retrieving samples from the BiOS freezer, and ensuring appropriate transfer of custody procedures. Additionally, the employee will assist with other tasks that support the operation of the core, including coordinating and overseeing regular maintenance, repair, and compliance with health and safety requirements.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Strategic Planning for the BiOS Freezer Core & Core Operations Oversight, Management, and Implementation:
• Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date records of sample inventories, storage locations, transfers, retrievals, and other core activities, ensuring information is accessible, traceable, and consistently maintained
• Assisting in the upkeep and maintenance of the BiOS freezer including overseeing regular servicing, monitoring of equipment functions, and repair
• Serve as the primary point of contact for core users, providing timely, clear, and proactive communication regarding service requests, sample storage and retrieval, operational issues, billing, and project status
• Responding promptly to all freezer alarms, contacting the PI, and communicating with appropriate facilities and operations staff
• Administrative
• Developing monthly reports on BiOS users, samples numbers, and BiOS capacity for the PI
• Managing core finances including developing the annual budget, setting the rate, billing/invoicing, and tracking costs
• Develop, implement, document, and maintain standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and workflows for all core operations, ensuring consistent practices, accurate record keeping, and continuity of operations
• Maintain comprehensive and accessible operational documentation, including procedures, records, and training materials, to support knowledge transfer and continuity of operations
• Safety:
• Maintaining safety, practicing safe work habits, and documenting and informing PI of all issues involving safety
• Adhering to all institutional environmental and health safety guidelines and policies
• Completing annual biohazard/universal precaution safety training, as appropriate
• The Manager will also be the main point person for ensuring freezer and lab space adheres to safety protocols and that all emergency back-up procedures are instituted. This includes coordinating with a 3rd party surveillance company and with the School security, facilities, maintenance and with our partner biorepository at the Channing Laboratory.
• Perform other duties as assigned

PLEASE NOTE: The Manager will be trained on the operation of the fully automated BiOS freezer and its associated software systems; however, familiarity with laboratory operations, scientific equipment, and electronic sample tracking or inventory management systems is essential.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term date of two (2) years from the date of hire with the possibility of extension.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a fully on-site position based at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional evening or weekend availability required to respond to freezer alarms or other operational emergencies. This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience is required
• 5+ years of related experience in laboratory sciences and/or laboratory management required
• Financial management and budgeting experience required  

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree and/or PhD in a related field (such as laboratory or life sciences) strongly preferred
• Experience in a biological laboratory, biorepository, or research core facility strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated technical aptitude and experience operating, managing, or troubleshooting complex laboratory equipment or automated systems strongly preferred.
• Experience with equipment oversight a plus
• Experience beginning and completing all assignments with minimal supervision preferred
• The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated experience developing and implementing standardized processes, maintaining accurate documentation, and managing multiple competing priorities.
• The candidate must have experience working independently, exercising sound judgment, communicating proactively with stakeholders, and consistently following established procedures while identifying opportunities for improvement.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: Two years from date of hire with possibility of extension
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.