Research Laboratory Manager

About the role

Department

BSD ACC - Groman Lab

Job Summary

The Groman Lab at the University of Chicago is seeking a process-driven Laboratory Manager to serve as the central operational hub for our research team. Investigating the neurobiological mechanisms of decision-making and addiction, our lab relies on seamless logistics, rigorous compliance, and clear organizational workflows. The Lab Manager will play a pivotal role in keeping research projects on schedule, overseeing day-to-day operations, and supporting personnel through proactive problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Oversees day-to-day administrative and physical operations of the laboratory space. Help to establish operational procedures and workflows to ensure success of lab operations.
• Manages laboratory purchasing, supply inventories, vendor relations, and equipment maintenance/repair schedules.
• Help with ensuring laboratory regulatory compliance with the expectation of becoming the primary operational lead for maintaining protocols, records, and inspection readiness.
• Coordinates lab-wide schedules, onboarding logistics for new hires, and safety training verification, daily supervision and mentorship of researchers and lab staff.
• Organizes and maintains lab documentation and data storage and proactively updating operational protocols.
• Manage vivarium operations and colony management compliance and be willing to work with rodents and assist with experiments involving rats.
• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications: Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Business Administration, Healthcare/Research Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 2+ years of full-time experience in laboratory management, research administration, project coordination, or a closely related operational role.
• Experience supervising administrative workflows, delegating daily duties to technicians/undergraduates, and organizing team schedules.

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptional organizational, time management, and planning skills, with a proven track record of managing multi-faceted logistics, supply procurement, and inventory systems.
• Formal training or demonstrated success in project management (e.g., developing SOPs, tracking project milestones, establishing data hygiene standards, or managing lab communication protocols).
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to coordinate schedules, enforce lab workflows, and delegate tasks across a multi-tiered team (undergraduates, technicians, trainees, and PI).

Working Conditions

• Office Environment.
• Weekend or evening hours may be required but will be infrequent and scheduled in advance.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (preferred)

Additional information

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

• Job Family
• Research
• Role Impact
• Individual Contributor
• Scheduled Weekly Hours
• 40
• Drug Test Required
• No
• Health Screen Required
• No
• Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
• No
• Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range $60,000.00 - $80,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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