Lab Operations Lead — Research & Compliance

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Groman Lab at the University of Chicago seeks a process-driven Laboratory Manager to serve as the central operational hub for the research team. You will ensure schedules are met, day-to-day operations run smoothly, and personnel receive proactive support to keep projects on track.

Reporting to the lab leadership, you will coordinate purchasing, regulatory compliance, onboarding, and data documentation, while supporting vivarium activities and experimental protocols as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Business Administration, Healthcare/Research Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 2+ years of full-time experience in laboratory management, research administration, project coordination, or a closely related operational role.
• Experience supervising administrative workflows, delegating daily duties to technicians/undergraduates, and organizing team schedules.
• Formal training or demonstrated success in project management.

Responsibilities

• Oversees day-to-day administrative and physical operations of the laboratory space. Help to establish operational procedures and workflows to ensure success of lab operations.
• Manages laboratory purchasing, supply inventories, vendor relations, and equipment maintenance/repair schedules.
• Help with ensuring laboratory regulatory compliance with the expectation of becoming the primary operational lead for maintaining protocols, records, and inspection readiness.
• Coordinates lab-wide schedules, onboarding logistics for new hires, and safety training verification, daily supervision and mentorship of researchers and lab staff.
• Organizes and maintains lab documentation and data storage and proactively updating operational protocols.
• Manage vivarium operations and colony management compliance and be willing to work with rodents and assist with experiments involving rats.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Business Administration, Healthcare/Research Administration, or related field

Job description

The Groman Lab at the University of Chicago seeks a process-driven Laboratory Manager to serve as the central operational hub for the research team. You will ensure schedules are met, day-to-day operations run smoothly, and personnel receive proactive support to keep projects on track.

Reporting to the lab leadership, you will coordinate purchasing, regulatory compliance, onboarding, and data documentation, while supporting vivarium activities and experimental protocols as needed.