Quail Research Laboratory Manager

NCSL International; Commerce (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

East Texas A&M University's Lyon Center for Gamebird Research seeks a Laboratory Manager for the Reyna Laboratory, overseeing daily operations and ensuring safe, compliant research activities. You will lead staff, coordinate projects, and support data analysis in upland gamebird studies.

The role emphasizes strong organizational skills, project management, and a passion for gamebird conservation, with opportunities for professional development within a university setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field; 2+ years in a lab setting with supervision.
• Experience in quail/upland gamebird/avian research preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership skills; ability to manage safety and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and mentor lab technicians.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and protocols.
• Maintain a safe working environment and conduct inspections.
• Oversee maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment.
• Implement quality control for reliable results.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and supplies for experiments.
• Handle project management, scheduling, record-keeping, reporting.
• Provide technical support, coordinate projects, assist in data analysis.
• Liaise between lab and departments, researchers, and clients.
• Contribute to programmatic and strategic planning for Reyna Lab and Lyon Center.
• Support the Lyon Center and its mission.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Laboratory equipment knowledge

Analytical techniques

Project management

Multitasking / prioritization

Budgeting / resource management

Safety & compliance oversight

Leadership / supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Tools

HPLC

ELISA

Job description

SUMMARY:

The Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research at East Texas A&M University is a cutting-edge research facility with a mission to discover solutions for sustainable gamebird populations, train the next generation of gamebird professionals, and transform the gamebird industry.

The Lyon Center is recruiting a highly motivated and experienced research laboratory manager to oversee the daily operation of The Reyna Laboratory for Upland Gamebirds, while promoting the center’s mission. The lab manager will play a critical role in supporting research by ensuring the laboratory facilities operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with university, state, and federal regulations. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of the research laboratory, including developing and implementing research projects, supervising staff, and adhering to animal use and safety protocols. This position is ideal for an individual with experience in research, excellent management skills, and a commitment to foster a collaborative and innovative workplace. Candidates should have experience in managing a research laboratory, with preference given to candidates with experience working in a quail/upland gamebird/avian laboratory and with knowledge of quail/upland gamebirds/avian research and conservation. The director of the Lyon Center will work closely with the selected candidate to provide ample professional development.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise, train, and mentor lab technicians
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and protocols
• Maintain a safe working environment and conduct regular inspections.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of laboratory equipment.
• Implement and maintain quality control measures to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Manage inventory, order supplies, and ensure a sufficient supply of materials for experiments.
• Perform administrative duties such as project management, scheduling, record-keeping, and reporting.
• Provide technical support for research experiments, coordinate research projects, and assist in data analysis.
• Acting as a liaison between the lab and other departments, researchers, and clients.
• Participate in programmatic and strategic planning for the Reyna Lab and Lyon Center
• Supporting the Lyon Center and its mission

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field. 2+ years of related professional experience in the laboratory environment, including experience in a leadership or supervisory role. Experience working in a quail/upland gamebird/avian research laboratory is preferred. The ideal candidate has a passion for upland gamebird research.

Knowledge / Skills: Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge and experience with laboratory equipment, procedures, and relevant analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, ELISA). Knowledge of management and supervision principles, including staffing, performance evaluation, and training. Project management.

Ability to: manage multiple priorities, organize workflows, work effectively, communicate technical information effectively, establish positive working relationships, resolve conflicts, operate within a budget, identify problems and recommend solutions, ensure compliance, and represent the Lyon Center with professionalism.

Licensing/Professional Certifications: N/A

Physical Requirements: Ability to walk, stand, bend, and lift for extended periods, ability to lift 30 lbs., be outdoors for extended periods, ability to communicate for the duration of shifts or events.

Other Requirements: May be required to work weekends or work hours outside of a normal schedule. Possible exposure to dust, animal dander, heat/humidity, direct sunlight, animal byproducts (including mortality), precipitation, and mud.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate:

• Has experience managing a quail/upland gamebird/avian research laboratory, producing research results, and supervising staff.
• Demonstrates proficiency in laboratory safety and biosecurity.
• Demonstrates impeccable organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Is detail-oriented with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Understands the importance of upland gamebird research.
• Prioritizes the mission of the Reyna Laboratory and the Lyon Center for Gamebird Research.
• Exudes professionalism.
• Has experience working in a higher education setting or familiarity with university processes, or working with research, conservation, or non-profit organizations.
• Enjoys interacting with the public, donors, public agencies, and corporate and non-profit partners.
• Has a passion and understanding for gamebirds, conservation, and/or the outdoors.