Laboratory Manager I

Inside Higher Ed; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A public research university in Athens seeks a dynamic Laboratory Manager I responsible for maintaining and preparing instructional biology labs. The role requires at least a high school diploma and 2 years of relevant experience, emphasizing organizational skills and knowledge of molecular biology techniques. You'll manage lab materials, oversee student staff, and ensure compliance with safety protocols. This position offers competitive pay commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for prepping and maintaining laboratory sections.
• Daily maintenance of multiple instructional laboratory sections.
• Setting up and breaking down laboratory materials.

Skills

Excellent organization skills

Ability to work independently

Good interpersonal skills

Knowledge of molecular biology techniques

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Posting Information

Posting Number: S14493P

Working Title: Laboratory Manager I

Department: Franklin-Biological Sciences

Posting Type: External

Employment Type: Employee

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Schedule: M-F, 8am-5pm

Salary: $37,000-$44,000 commensurate with experience

Posting Date: 12/11/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 01/12/2026

Location: Athens Area

University Information

The University of Georgia is a public research university, chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785. It is the state’s flagship institution and is ranked among the top 20 public universities in the U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is located in Athens, about 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with additional campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA is home to 19 schools and colleges, including the School of Medicine.

Website: https://franklin.uga.edu

Job Overview

This position is responsible for prepping and maintaining the introductory, instructional biology laboratory sections. Responsibilities include daily maintenance of multiple instructional laboratory sections (several days each week), setting up and breaking down laboratory materials, and ordering, preparing, and culturing laboratory materials.

Use of a P-Card is required.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Excellent organization skills.
• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot problems.
• Good interpersonal skills and collaborative attitude.
• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques.
• Basic computer skills.

Physical Demands

Moderate lifting of lab equipment, hand-eye coordination required to work culturing organisms under microscopes. Driving related duties are included.

Driving Responsibility

Yes

Position Trust and Access

Trust Position: Yes

Access to financial resources: Yes

Use of a P-Card: Yes (not essential function)

Security Access: Yes

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check, verification of credentials and employment history, and a satisfactory credit check if applicable. A pre-employment drug test may also be required.

Credit check criteria: UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background check information: UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities – Laboratory Prep (25%)

• Maintain detailed laboratory prep notes of standard operating procedures and update with changes as needed.
• Maintain records and documentation associated with the teaching laboratory classrooms.
• Clean and maintain equipment (microscopes, spectrophotometers, pipets, etc.).
• Arrange professional service for instrument cleaning and calibration as needed.
• Keep records of safety data sheets for chemical use and hazardous waste management.
• Provide supervision, safety information, and instructions for student staff.
• Troubleshoot equipment/supply issues.

Duties/Responsibilities – Teaching Support (20%)

• Weekly prep of introductory biology laboratories.
• Set up and break down 2-3 teaching laboratories each week.
• Daily stocking and changing out lab materials to support GLAs.
• Manage email communications to students and GLAs in the assigned lab courses.
• Other duties as assigned.

Duties/Responsibilities – Planning and Procurement (20%)

• Plan, schedule, and place orders.
• Cultivate, collect, and prepare materials needed for teaching laboratories each semester.
• Pickup cargo vans for course field trips.
• Ensure P-Card and other transactions are accurate and compliant with policies and procedures.

Duties/Responsibilities – GLA Oversight (15%)

• Provide daily oversight and support to GLAs assigned to the lab manager’s courses.
• Answer questions specific to the courses the lab manager oversees.
• Attend the weekly instructional meeting and lead portions that support pedagogical focus.
• Monitor GLA preparation and attendance to instructional meetings and teaching sessions.
• Schedule and independently hold make‑up instructional meetings for absent GLAs.
• Drive cargo vans to field trip sites.

Duties/Responsibilities – Curriculum Development (10%)

• Provide collaborative input into new curriculum proposals, eLC content, lab activities, etc.
• Test new laboratories.

Duties/Responsibilities – Outreach (5%)

• Assist with division graduation and requests from other UGA faculty/departments and existing community outreach programs.

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Name: Dr. Sophie Reindl
Recruitment Contact Email: [e-mail]