Quail Research Laboratory Manager

East Texas A&M University; Commerce (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee tuition assistance

Comprehensive benefits package

TRS retirement

Wellness program

Job summary

East Texas A&M University’s Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research seeks a Quail Research Laboratory Manager to oversee daily operations of the Reyna Laboratory for Upland Gamebirds, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficient facility management.

The role requires a bachelor’s in biology, 2+ years lab leadership, experience with quail or avian labs preferred, and strong supervision and project management skills to support research and collaboration with campus partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field; 2+ years of lab environment experience with supervisory responsibilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; strong management and training skills.
• Experience in a quail/upland gamebird/avian research lab preferred; passion for upland gamebird research.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and mentor lab technicians.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and protocols.
• Maintain a safe working environment and conduct regular inspections.
• Oversee operation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of lab equipment.
• Implement and maintain quality control to ensure reliable results.
• Manage inventory and supplies for experiments.
• Perform administrative duties: project management, scheduling, records, reporting.
• Provide technical support for experiments and data analysis.
• Act as liaison between lab and other departments, researchers, and clients.
• Participate in programmatic and strategic planning for the Reyna Lab and Lyon Center.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

Tools

HPLC

ELISA

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Job Title

Quail Research Laboratory Manager

Agency

East Texas A&M University

Department

President’s Office

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Commerce, Texas

Job Type

Staff

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.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE COMPETENCY

Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system or water treatment system.

WHY WORK AT EAST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY?

Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance

• Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
• Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.

Career Growth & Development

• Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.

Academic Excellence

• ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs.
• Over 140 degree programs , including nationally ranked online and graduate options.
• First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
• Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

• Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building , featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm.

Vibrant Campus Life

• Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams , contributing to a thriving campus community.

Prime Location & Growth

• Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas.

Visit us on our social media

• Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , LinkedIn , and ETAMU News

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.