Lab Director – Carnegie Mellon University Dietrich College

International Society for Contemplative Research; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Society for Contemplative Research is seeking a Lab Director at Carnegie Mellon University. This leadership role involves overseeing research operations, compliance with regulations, and financial management for the Center for Modern Digital Health. Candidates should possess 3-5 years of relevant experience and effective leadership skills. The position offers an opportunity to thrive in a collaborative environment, ensuring the integrity and success of research initiatives.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in data collection and analysis, research, or research lab methodology.
• Strong and self-sufficient leader capable of managing research projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee research pipelines including project development and data collection.
• Ensure compliance with IRB protocols and federal regulations.
• Manage research spending and grant submissions.

Skills

Leadership

Research Management

Data Analysis

Grant Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

Carnegie Mellon University’s Dietrich College is searching for a Lab Director to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by providing strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for our Center for Modern Digital Health and the Health and Human Performance Laboratory at Carnegie Mellon University, under the leadership of Dr. David Creswell. This role ensures the successful execution of research activities, compliance with institutional and federal regulations, and coordination of multidisciplinary projects. The position works closely with faculty, post‑docs, graduate students, research staff, students, and external partners to advance the Center and lab’s scientific goals.

Core responsibilities include:

Research Operations & Project Management

• Oversee and support all aspects of the research pipelines of several past, current, and future projects. This includes project development, participant recruitment, data collection, data analysis, publication, and data sharing
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to optimize lab operations
• Monitor study progress and proactively address operational challenges
• Work closely with the PI to develop long‑term research strategies
• Managing people across multidisciplinary teams, helping anticipate problems and generating solutions to best support personnel and research integrity

Regulatory Compliance & Ethics

• Ensure compliance with IRB protocols, federal regulations, and university policies
• Support study protocol submissions, renewals, modifications, and reports
• Maintain accurate documentation for audits and regulatory reviews

Financial & Grant Management

• Oversee research spending across awards, ensuring alignment with funding guidelines and institutional policies
• Collaborate with faculty, post‑docs, and graduate students on grant submissions, including budget justifications
• Coordinate with department grants administrators
• Supervise project managers and administrative staff
• Co‑lead hiring, onboarding, and performance management processes with the PI
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and well‑performing lab culture

Data & Systems Management

• Oversee data management systems to ensure data integrity and security
• Coordinate data sharing agreements with data science teams and research collaborators as needed
• Support open science and reproducibility initiatives
• Other duties as assigned

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Ability to operate as a strong, self‑sufficient leader capable of independently managing research projects and leading teams effectively

Qualifications:

• 3‑5 years of experience in data collection and analysis, research, and/or research lab or methodology experience required
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre‑employment background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore ourBenefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.