Research Lab Manager

Harvard Medical School; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance coverage

Retirement plans with contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A prestigious research university in Boston is seeking a Research Laboratory Manager to oversee day-to-day operations of a large Neurobiology Research Laboratory. The ideal candidate will manage personnel, ensure compliance with institutional regulations, and enhance research efficiency. Responsibilities include liaising between the principal investigator and lab members, managing lab safety protocols, and assisting in various research activities. This full-time position features generous benefits, including health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 3 or more years of related work experience.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day operations of the Neurobiology Research Laboratory.
• Serve as liaison between principal investigator and lab members.
• Manage laboratory safety and compliance.
• Assist in research activities such as genotyping and behavioral assays.

Skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

College degree in a related field

Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) preferred

Job description

Job Overview

The Research Laboratory Manager directs the day-to-day operations of a large 25+ person Neurobiology Research Laboratory, responsible for overseeing personnel, complying with institutional regulations, and ensuring efficient workflow. The role requires a detail-oriented, conscientious individual with proven managerial and leadership experience, who can adapt quickly, solve problems creatively, and manage competing priorities.

This person will serve as a liaison between the principal investigator, compliance departments, and lab members, facilitating research goals in a friendly yet assertive manner. They will handle onboarding and offboarding of lab members, ensure compliance with university training and safety guidelines, and provide ongoing support and feedback to lab staff.

They will assist and sometimes conduct research activities such as genotyping for colony management, behavioral assays, immunostaining, stereotaxic injections, mouse surgeries, odor exposure for molecular analysis, and single‑cell sequencing, depending on the candidate’s prior experience.

Additional responsibilities include managing laboratory safety, writing and maintaining animal protocols, coordinating with animal facilities and veterinary staff to resolve issues and manage colony costs, ordering supplies and reagents, tracking inventory and expenditures, and maintaining budget compliance in collaboration with the principal investigator and grant managers.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• College degree in a related field of research study.
• 3 or more years related work experience (relevant coursework may count toward experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) strongly preferred.
• Strong innovative and creative problem‑solving skills.
• Strong leadership abilities, friendly, yet authoritative.
• Independent individual who is able to work well in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented, ever‑changing environment.
• Proactively assessing ways to make the lab more efficient in regard to space, spending and workplace flow.

Additional Information

• Term: 1‑year term position from date of hire, with possibility of extension contingent on performance and funding.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm).
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, and Pre‑Placement Medical Evaluation.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage beginning on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Well‑being and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.