Research Lab Manager

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world‑renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

The Research Laboratory Manager directs the day-to-day operations of a large research laboratory with over 25 people, internationally recognized for neurobiology research. This position requires a responsible, diligent, conscientious and detail‑oriented individual with proven managerial and leadership experience. The manager should be a quick, resourceful and independent learner who enjoys interacting with people and finding creative solutions to projects and issues as they arise, and who can remain flexible when organizing their day and managing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities include serving as a liaison between the principal investigator, school-based compliance departments, and lab members; facilitating the research goals of the investigators; fostering a seamless operational environment; handling the onboarding and off‑boarding of lab members; ensuring compliance with university training and safety regulations; managing lab member support and evaluation; assisting directly with experiments such as genotyping, behavioral assays, immunostaining, stereotaxic injections, mouse surgery, odor exposure for molecular analysis, and single‑cell sequencing.

In addition, the manager will maximize efficiency and effectiveness of laboratory workflow; write and maintain animal protocols in compliance with federal guidelines; coordinate with animal facilities and veterinary staff; place and track supplies, inventory, and service contracts using HCOM; maintain precise budget tracking; communicate spending with the principal investigator; negotiate vendor discounts; and collaborate with the grants manager on billing and forecasting to control costs.

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

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) strongly preferred.
• Strong innovative and creative problem‑solving skills.
• Strong leadership abilities, friendly yet authoritative.
• Independent individual capable of working well in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented, ever‑changing environment.
• Proactively seeks ways to improve lab efficiency in space, spend and workflow.

• Term
  :
  One‑year term with potential extension dependent on performance and funding.
• Standard Hours/Schedule
  : 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm.
• Work Location
  :
  All duties must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location; visa restrictions may apply.

This position is salary grade level 055. The corresponding salary range can be viewed in Harvard's salary ranges.

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting 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.

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 has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Harvard's equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination policies help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.