Sr Manager, Research Operations & Procurement NHPRR

POSITION SUMMARY:

Eager to make a tangible impact and help deliver cutting-edge biological products? The Nonhuman Primate Reagent Resource (NHPRR) at UMass Chan Medical School, under the leadership of Diogo Magnani, invites you to join our dynamic team as a Sr Manager, Research Operations. The successful candidate will join a growing resource with 25+ years of experience, delivering products to 1,000 research laboratories, representing 22 countries, and supporting over 3,600 grants. This is your opportunity to contribute to advancing groundbreaking discoveries in models of human diseases while working in a collaborative, innovative reagent resource focused on developing biological products.

About the Role:

In this pivotal role, you will support and optimize NHPRR's research operations, ensuring the alignment of research and product operations. Your responsibilities will include maintaining high service levels in procurement and supply chain, managing external collaborations with CROs, overseeing the custody and flow of research samples, and ensuring our facilities and equipment function efficiently. You will also be accountable for reporting and curating data related to research operations and product lots.

This is an exciting opportunity for an operational expert who thrives in a detail-oriented, dynamic research environment and is passionate about bridging scientific innovation with robust, reliable team-based operations.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee the laboratory management, operations, workflows, processes, and procedures. Ensures meticulous attention to detail in all reporting and documentation, focusing on accuracy and compliance. Provide regular status reports to senior management and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure efficient procurement and supply chain processes and maintain high service levels for research and product operations.
• Manage relationships with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to support external activities, ensuring alignment with budgets, timelines, and quality. Oversee sample custody and product lot receiving, ensuring accurate tracking.
• Optimize and Continuously Improve Operations: Continuously improve laboratory operations and operational readiness, including day-to-day routines, workflow optimization, resource allocation, and process efficiency, to solve problems, plan corrective actions, enhance productivity and integrate new technologies.
• Foster Teamwork, Collaboration, Training and Mentorship: Work and develop cross-functional teams to maintain a strong sense of teamwork, mentor colleagues in the development and execution of scientific experiments, translate research into viable biotechnological products, and contribute to a pleasant, collaborative, and supportive work environment.
• Manage Multiple Initiatives: Oversee and coordinate multiple initiatives, ensuring timely delivery of results while maintaining high scientific standards, developing and adhering to project timelines and budgets. Perform other duties as assigned to support the research and operational goals of NHPRR.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in sciences, supply chain management, or a related field.
• 7+ years of relevant research and laboratory experience
• 5+ years of experience in operations management, preferably within a research or product development environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage procurement, supply chain, and external partnerships.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills, with a focus on detail and compliance.
• Ability to generate reports and manage operational data effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to interact with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in a research or biotech environment.
• Familiarity with CRO management, sample custody, and product development.
• Familiarity with operating under quality standards and processes.
• Experience managing facilities and equipment in a research setting.

** This is a hybrid work model with the understanding that the Manager will be mostly available onsite and ready to respond to emergencies. **