Lab Manager

Montana State University; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University’s Evans Lab in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology seeks a Research Lab Manager to conduct experiments and oversee lab operations.

The role involves cloning, cell culture, mouse models, immunohistochemistry, and molecular analyses, with supervision over staff and adherence to safety protocols. The successful candidate will develop protocols and coordinate day-to-day lab activities in a fast-paced research setting.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a science field is required.
• Prior lab research experience in molecular biology or microbiology techniques including cloning, cell culture, and analyses.
• Excellent time management, organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and experimentation related to the lab’s goals, including cloning, cell culture, mouse models, immunohistochemistry, protein analysis, RNA analysis, and sequence analysis.
• Manage and document lab materials, lab safety protocols, inventories, etc. Ensure lab facilities are in compliance with lab safety regulations.
• Oversee the maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Order and restock materials necessary for research activities.
• Train and oversee new lab members and students in laboratory techniques, experimentation, and safety.
• Refine, implement, and/or develop protocols and techniques related to the research as needed.

Skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Ability to work independently

Lab supervision

Education

Master’s Degree in a science field

Tools

Cloning

Cell culture

Protein analysis

RNA analysis

Mouse models

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Position Information

Announcement Number

STAFF - VA - 27080

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

The Evans Lab in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Lab Manager to conduct research activities and oversee lab functions.

Position Number

4C0449

Department

Department Microbiology & Cell Biology

Division

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

The Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology ( MCB ) in the College of Agriculture is the home of strong research programs in bacteriology, virology, molecular biology, immunology, and environmental microbiology. Pathogen research is supported by BSL2 and BSL3 research infrastructure, including small and large animal BSL2 facilities. The Evans Lab focuses on the neuropathogenesis of BSL2 orthobunyaviruses that can cause severe neurological disease in humans. The Evans lab combines molecular biology, virology, genetics, immunology, mouse models, and human cell models to study the virus and virus-host interactions that mediate orthobunyavirus neurological disease.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct research and experimentation related to the lab’s goals, including but not limited to, cloning, cell culture, work with mouse models, immunohistochemistry, protein analysis, RNA analysis, and sequence analysis.
• Manage and document lab materials, lab safety protocols, inventories, etc. Ensure lab facilities are in compliance with lab safety regulations.
• Oversee the maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Order and restock materials necessary for research activities.
• Train and oversee new lab members and students in laboratory techniques, experimentation, and safety.
• In addition to these tasks, the successful applicant is expected to refine, implement, and/or develop protocols and techniques related to the research as needed.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• A minimum of a Master’s Degree in a science field is required.
• Prior research-based laboratory experience required, preferentially in molecular biology or microbiology techniques including cloning, cell culture, protein analysis, and/or RNA analysis.
• Excellent time management, organizational and record-keeping skills.
• The successful applicant should demonstrate the ability to implement molecular biology and microbiology protocols, and to work independently to meet deadlines with little supervision.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• BSL2 experience.
• Experience working with small animal models.
• Excellent communication skills, including oral and written science communication.

The Successful Candidate Will

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?

This position has supervisory duties? Yes

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on September 17, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).