Multi-Lab Research Operations & Safety Manager

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers seeks a Research Laboratory Operations Manager to oversee multiple ophthalmology labs, ensure safety compliance, and standardize procedures across Daneman and related labs. You will supervise staff, coordinate with Facilities, and assist in grant-related activities.

You will lead onboarding for new lab managers, provide training, and maintain documentation while driving continuous process improvements in a multi-lab environment.

Qualifications

• Nine (9) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area plus five (5) years of related experience/training.
• Advanced knowledge of a wide variety of specialized laboratory equipment.
• Advanced knowledge of necessary lab safety procedures and requirements, as well as chemical disposal guidelines.
• Focus of knowledge and skills dependent on area of specialty (laboratory research or instructional / experimental design).
• Solid leadership skills associated with planning work assignments, establishing priorities, scheduling instructional space, and ensuring completion of multiple projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty and staff.
• Solid knowledge of data acquisition and analysis techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of research discipline or instructional design to collaborate effectively with faculty and function as a resource to research and instructional associates.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills to effectively supervise all levels of staff.
• Strong abilities to conduct and report on scientific experiments and findings.
• Proficiency with Medical Terminology.
• Knowledge of clinical research.
• Demonstrated ability to respond and adapt to new and changing situation.
• Experience with tissue culture and various laboratory assays (e.g., PCR, Western Blot, immunohistochemistry).
• Demonstrated ability to find original and effective solutions to problems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management of basic science research facilities across multiple labs within the department.
• Serve as Lab Manager to the Research Director and Daneman Lab with dotted-line reporting to the PI.
• Act as department-wide training lead for incoming lab managers, providing onboarding and guidance.
• Develop standardized lab procedures and maintain documentation across labs.
• Assist with grant writing in support of the Daneman Lab and other labs as capacity allows.
• Communicate department-wide updates, safety audits, and operational notices.
• Represent the department in inventory audits and manage equipment purchasing.
• Train personnel on shared lab equipment and coordinate with Facilities on space changes.
• Serve as laboratory safety officer and ensure proper chemical storage and safety compliance.
• Oversee activities and staff of a large, multi-lab environment and supervise instructional staff.

Skills

Leadership

Lab safety

Data analysis

Communication

Staff supervision

Project management

Experiment design

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

PCR

Western Blot

Immunohistochemistry

Job description

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers seeks a Research Laboratory Operations Manager to oversee multiple ophthalmology labs, ensure safety compliance, and standardize procedures across Daneman and related labs. You will supervise staff, coordinate with Facilities, and assist in grant-related activities.

You will lead onboarding for new lab managers, provide training, and maintain documentation while driving continuous process improvements in a multi-lab environment.