Job Description

Research in the Haucke laboratory explores the mechanisms of endolysosomal membrane dynamics and nutrient signaling, with a particular focus on their roles in the formation, maintenance and function of the human nervous system in health and disease. Prof. Haucke has received numerous prestigious awards and is an elected member of EMBO, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and Academia Europaea. [See: https://leibniz-fmp.de/research/research-section/molecular-physiology-cell-biology/volker-haucke]

The laboratory is relocating from Berlin to HKUST to establish a major new research programme supported by a multi-year Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme (FTRSS) grant. We are seeking an experienced, highly organised and trustworthy Research Associate to serve as Laboratory Manager. This is a pivotal senior role: working closely with the Principal Investigator, the appointee will set up the new laboratory from the ground up, manage its day-to-day operations, budgets and compliance, and act as the PI’s operational deputy for a growing international research group of up to twenty people.

The position is full-time and grant-funded, with the research programme funded through 2031/32. An early start (early 2027) is encouraged so that the appointee can lead the laboratory setup. Informal enquiries are welcome.

Selected publications:

1. Russo, G., et al., Haucke, V.*, Krauss, M.* (2026) Nanoscale PI(4,5)P2 synthesis by septin-associated PIPKI isoforms controls centralspindlin association with the midbody during cytokinesis. Nat Commun 17, 1482. doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69224-3
2. Ebner, M., et al., Haucke, V. (2023) Nutrient-regulated control of lysosome function by signaling lipid conversion. Cell 186, 5328–5346.
3. Bolz, S., et al., Haucke, V. (2023) Synaptotagmin 1-triggered lipid signaling facilitates coupling of exo- and endocytosis. Neuron 111, 3765–3774.e7.
4. Rizalar, F.S., et al., Haucke, V. (2023) Phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate facilitates axonal vesicle transport and presynapse assembly. Science 382, 223–230.
5. Jang, W., et al., Haucke, V. (2022) Endosomal lipid signaling reshapes the endoplasmic reticulum to control mitochondrial function. Science 378, eabq5209.
6. Kuijpers, M., et al., Haucke, V. (2021) Neuronal autophagy regulates presynaptic neurotransmission by controlling the axonal endoplasmic reticulum. Neuron 109, 299–313.
7. Lopez-Hernandez, T., et al., Haucke, V. (2020) Endocytic regulation of cellular ion homeostasis controls lysosome biogenesis. Nat. Cell Biol. 22, 815–827.
8. Marat, A.L., et al., Haucke, V. (2017) mTORC1 activity repression by late endosomal phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate. Science 356, 968–972.
9. Ketel, K., et al., Haucke, V. (2016) A phosphoinositide conversion mechanism for exit from endosomes. Nature 529, 408–412.
10. von Kleist, L., et al., Haucke, V. (2011) Role of the clathrin terminal domain in regulating coated pit dynamics revealed by small molecule inhibition. Cell 146, 471–484.

Duties:

• Coordinate the set-up and fit-out of the new laboratory: specify and purchase equipment, establish procurement and vendor accounts, and set up stores, inventory and shared systems.
• Run day-to-day laboratory operations, including ordering of consumables, equipment maintenance and service contracts, and liaison with University core facilities and the Animal and Plant Care Facility (APCF).
• Manage laboratory and grant budgets (including FTRSS reporting), purchase in line with grant and University rules, track expenditure, and liaise with the Finance Office and the Research and Development Office.
• Oversee biosafety, chemical and radiation safety, and animal-work protocols and ethics approvals; prepare risk assessments; liaise with the Health, Safety and Environment Office; and maintain records.
• Onboard new laboratory members (visa and induction support, training, scheduling), coordinate the group and foster a positive, well-organised laboratory culture.
• Act as the laboratory’s interface with HKUST administration, local vendors and institutional bodies.
• Depending on background, contribute to or oversee selected experimental methods (e.g. cell and molecular biology, neuronal culture, imaging) and technical training of laboratory members.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

Qualifications

• A PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, neuroscience or a related life-science discipline with relevant post-qualification experience; candidates with a Master’s degree and substantial equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Substantial experience (typically 5+ years) managing a research laboratory or comparable technical operation in academia or industry.
• A proven record of independently managing procurement, budgets and regulatory/safety compliance.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving and communication skills, with the highest standards of integrity and discretion.
• The initiative and adaptability to set up a laboratory from scratch and to manage change.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Desirable: working proficiency in Cantonese and/or Mandarin; familiarity with Hong Kong research administration, procurement, biosafety and animal-facility procedures; hands-on wet-lab expertise; and experience supporting a mid-to-large international research group or administering competitive grants (e.g. RGC, EU or equivalent).

Application Instructions

To apply, please click "Apply Now" on Interfolio and submit your CV and support documents.

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits including annual leave, medical and dental benefits will be provided.

Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.