Position Summary

Our Scientific Platform teams develop the tools and services that help drive discovery throughout Columbia University and the broader scientific community. Working hand-in-hand with scientists, our experts push the limits of cellular imaging and magnetic resonance; create state-of-the-art molecular tools to reveal the workings of the nervous system; design and build one-of-a-kind devices to advance research; and host leading-edge computing resources that store and process vast amounts of research data.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Scientific Platforms, the Lab Manager will independently run the business and provide office management support for Advanced Instrumentation, Cellular Imaging, Virology and Research Computing. The Lab Manager will work also support Team Science and work collaboratively with the Platform Senior Director and to ensure efficient day to day operations, managing financial activities, budget responsibilities, user support for the platforms, including researchers, faculty and graduate students. The candidate will manage several important databases and user lists supporting use of the platforms. The Lab Manager must be versatile in dealing with many shifting priorities and maintain smooth operations supporting scientific research goals within the platforms’ infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Represent, manage and coordinate business functions for the platforms; support user scheduling for platforms, liaise with University and Institute scientists who require platform usage; support the Institute platform Senior Director of Scientific Platforms included in user scheduling, working with faculty, scientists and postdocs, and graduate PhD students. Ensure availability and connect users with the Senior Director of Scientific Platforms and maintain accurate database information for billing purposes.  
• Manage accounting for operating costs, invoicing internal and external departments for services rendered by the Scientific Platforms, as well as reporting on volume and key performance indicators. This is a critical function for revenue and recovery.
• Manage specialized and large order (tools) purchasing function for the platforms; work closely with ZI Procurement Team ensuring timely processing of high cost scientific tools / purchase orders supporting what is required to run the platforms and to support the engineering operations of the platforms.
• Reconcile high volume and high dollar amount each month reporting on expenses, billing and revenue capture for the Platforms. Manage specialized billing utilizing iLab and internal billing systems ensuring “customers” (i.e. researchers, scientists) are appropriately charged for platform usage and revenue is reconciled.
• Manage several databases, updating inventory, user lists and develops procedures to maximize workflow, identify equipment for shared use, create specification pages for equipment and initiate the renting or purchase of said equipment to internal or external departments.
• Assist the Senior Director of Scientific Platforms to create annual budgets for each of the Scientific Platforms operations and expenditures, reconciliation, variance tracking of estimated expenses vs actual expenses and forecasting for new budgets.
• Manage and ensures budget allowances for expenses, including travel and conference management. Create itineraries for the Senior Director of Scientific Platforms, including travel arrangements, as well as event management for seminars and workshops.
• Collaborate with cross functional partners with regard to optimizing platforms function with all members, assist with special reports, presentations and other job-related duties, as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and/or its equivalent required, including a minimum of three (3) years of related business operations experience. Proficient in Microsoft Office is necessary. Prior experience in an industry, higher-ed institution or similar environment preferred.

Must be within commutable distance for all in-person or hybrid roles.

Preferred Qualifications

Must be a self-starter and able to work with many different customers and be able to provide a high level of customer service.

Must be well organized, detail oriented with proficient computer skills, including knowledge of spreadsheet software, presentation software and, preferably, database management software.

Must function efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced professional environment.

Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.