Research Supervisor

NorthernBio; Muskegon (MI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

NorthernBio is seeking a Lab Supervisor to lead a team, oversee study conduct under GLP guidelines, and ensure compliance with SOPs and regulatory standards. The role blends office oversight with hands-on laboratory work, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills.

You'll manage scheduling, training, data review, and process improvements while coordinating with other departments and vendors. A Life Sciences background and 3+ years of lab experience with 1+ year of leadership are

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related discipline; equivalent experience may substitute.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant lab experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of management experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn additional applications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong understanding of study design, protocols, and GLP regulatory environment.
• Ability to resolve complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality oversight of study conduct including scheduling, planning, training, data review, archival, and project management.
• Ensure direct reports follow SOPs, protocols, and regulatory guidelines; maintain compliance.
• Identify resources necessary for staff to complete functions.
• Liaise between staff, departments, and management to communicate expectations and business needs.
• Oversee performance, development, and training needs of direct reports.
• Ensure timely, compliant maintenance of required equipment.
• Develop and maintain SOPs; communicate departmental policies and procedures to staff.
• Track departmental metrics and drive process improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate support of outside contractors or vendors as needed.
• Perform routine and complex technical procedures as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

MS Office

Communication skills

Study design & protocols

GLP & regulatory knowledge

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related discipline

Tools

Job description

Role Summary

Supervisors are responsible for the direct oversight and development of their team while maintaining day-to-day operations for their department. They actively support tasks as needed and oversee scheduling and cross-functional collaboration to ensure efficient workflow. They implement policies, processes, and procedures that affect staff and operations, while clearly communicating expectations, aligning team activities with business objectives and driving continuous improvement.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide quality oversight of study conduct through scheduling, planning, training, data review, archival, and general project management.
• Ensure that all direct reports adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and applicable regulatory guidelines, assuming full responsibility for their compliance.
• Identify and provide the resources necessary for staff to complete functions.
• Serve as the liaison between staff, other departments/groups, and management to communicate expectations and business needs.
• Oversee performance, development, training needs, and accomplishments for all direct reports.
• Assure timely and compliant performance of required equipment maintenance activities.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Communicate expectations, departmental policies, procedures, and business needs to direct reports.
• Track departmental metrics.
• Recognize, initiate, and lead process improvement activities.
• Coordinate the support of outside contractors or vendors.
• Perform routine and complex technical procedures and functions as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related discipline preferred. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or leadership role experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant lab experience required.
• Minimum of 1 year of management experience is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn and use additional applications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent understanding of study design and protocols.
• Advanced understanding of laboratory operations, federal regulations, and data handling in a GLP environment.
• Ability to resolve complex issues.

Behavioral Expectations

• Time Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Decision Making
• Team Player
• Adaptable
• Ability to Multi-Task and Work in a Fast-Paced Environment

Special Requirements

• The role will spend approximately 75% in an office setting and 25% in the laboratory. There will be exposure to human and animal potentially infectious materials and chemicals.
• Ability to don and wear personal protective gear for extended periods of time, including N95 masks and respirators.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs.
• Flexibility to work beyond typical work schedule including, but not limited to, evenings, weekends, and extended shifts with short notice on an as-needed basis.