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Faculty of Science
Department of Biology
This is a 1-year leave replacement.
Part-time: 20.25 hours/week (3 days).
Under the direction of the Director, the Laboratory Manager will be responsible for managing the daily operations of a laboratory and ongoing projects, with a focus on research activities on biodiversity conservation. The incumbent will be responsible to oversee the daily activities of a lab which includes the budget oversight, hiring of personnel, physical resources such as field vehicles, lab spaces both in Stewart Biology building and at Gault Nature Reserve, training students on lab and safety protocols, providing support to travel logistics and media relations.
Primary Responsibilities:
Responsible for managing the daily activities of a lab relating to operations, administration, and finance.
Supports the Director with the administration of research budgets and monitors accounts.
Validates and review expenditures for compliance against applicable sponsor terms and conditions and University policies.
Prepares and administers research budget and monitors funds and takes corrective action to ensure budget stays on target. Monitors all other financial issue(s) which may arise.
Resolve problems, recommends solutions, and continuously looks for ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the lab. Works closely with the Director to implement change.
Oversees and processes payments to students and collaborators.
Processes orders for research equipment and materials through either MMP, PCard or expense reports. Processes the PCard reconciliation for the lab
Overseeing lab spaces (in Biology and at LEAP/Gault) and ensues good lab practices are followed.
Liaises with Health and Safety at McGill for lab safety inspections.
Produces and maintains health and safety, chemical and microbiological safety documents, and records as well as training records of all staff including his own.
Organizes travel arrangements for students and PI related to research (booking flights, accommodations, renting vehicles, etc.).
Liaises with the French Media relations and other contracts beyond McGill related to Director’s research
Plans meeting requests and manages Director’s calendar. Responds and follows up on email correspondence on behalf of the Director.
Assists the Director with the preparation of documents and spreadsheets for Lab activities.
Provides support with funding applications and assisting with writing grant proposals (i.e., requesting quotes, filling in forms, liaise with agencies and collaborators, reconciling financial data, writing scientific justification, etc.).
Optimizes experimental methodologies and design novel protocols and procedures. Provide input to the Director as to how large-scale experiments should be carried out. Perform optimization of experimental methodologies and designs such as manuals, safety protocols, etc.
Maintains and updates databases. Compiles statistics for budget reports.
Identifies and participates in continuous improvement initiatives to maximize effectiveness.
Supervise staff such as casuals, Research assistants and other users of the lab. Participate in the hiring processes for these employee groups.
May perform special projects.
Your Qualifications:
Education: Undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation, or related discipline. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
Experience: Demonstrated experience of a research environment and procedures relating to a laboratory in the field of biology, ecology, biodiversity. Demonstrated experience in laboratory management and leading teams in a research environment.
Your Strengths
Bilingual; excellent verbal and written communication skills, in both English and French.
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide staff.
Experience in financial and budget management, including monitoring and reporting.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
Proven ability to take initiative, think creatively, work independently, and effectively prioritize tasks.
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in managing tight deadlines, changing priorities, and evolving demands.
Experience identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Strong ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including academic staff and administrators.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and online communication and collaboration tools.
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
Competitive vacation policy
Two (2) personal days
Two (2) floating holidays
Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
Paid time off over the December holiday period
Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience /
Annual Salary:
(MPEX Grade 05) $71,890.00 - $89,860.00 - $107,830.00
Job Profile:
MPEX-ADM2B - Research Administration - Professional 2
Hours per Week:
20.25 (Part time)
Supervisor:
Professor
Position End Date (If applicable):
2027-05-21
Deadline to Apply:
2026-06-05
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca
