Clinical Research Support Laboratory Manager

Lab Manager – Clinical Research Laboratories

This Lab Manager role provides strategic and operational leadership for multiple clinical research laboratories across several locations in Connecticut. The position focuses on overseeing both wet and dry lab operations, managing laboratory resources and kit inventory, and ensuring laboratories can effectively support complex clinical trials, particularly in oncology. The Lab Manager leads a team of laboratory supervisors, shapes broader operational strategy, and partners closely with clinical research leadership to maintain high standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance in an academic medical center and cancer research environment.

• Oversee wet lab and dry lab operations across multiple laboratory locations, ensuring consistent, high-quality processes and adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
• Lead and supervise approximately 4–5 direct reports, including laboratory supervisors, providing coaching, guidance, and performance feedback to support their professional growth.
• Develop and implement operational strategies and projects that improve laboratory efficiency, quality, and scalability in support of clinical research and clinical trials.
• Manage laboratory operations related to kit inventory, supply chain, and resource planning to ensure timely availability of materials and equipment for ongoing and upcoming studies.
• Review and determine staffing needs for assigned departments, including defining job posting requirements, establishing salary guidelines, and interpreting labor agreements for exempt and non-exempt staff.
• Manage administrative support needs for exempt and non-exempt staff, recommending and implementing improvements, solutions, and process enhancements as needed.
• Oversee technology needs for assigned departments by monitoring systems, conducting inventory, and assessing system requirements to support laboratory and administrative operations.
• Develop and prepare departmental budgets, financial forecasts, and financial analyses, including reports comparing actual performance against budgeted targets.
• Manage the use of facilities, including office space, workstations, laboratory equipment, and office supplies, to ensure efficient and effective use of resources.
• Oversee administrative support for departmental activities to ensure projects and initiatives are completed accurately and on time.
• Plan, manage, and coordinate training sessions for staff in assigned departments when new policies, procedures, or practices are adopted.
• Ensure compliance with institutional and federal regulations as they apply to assigned departments, including laboratory operations and clinical research activities.
• Identify, plan, and develop administrative policies for assigned departments, and assist in reviewing and implementing institutional and departmental policies related to administrative functions.
• Assess staff development needs and staffing levels, making recommendations to ensure departments are appropriately resourced and staff have opportunities for growth.
• Monitor, develop, plan, and execute systematic research on user requirements, using tools such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and competitive analysis to inform operational and administrative improvements.
• Manage a team of exempt and non-exempt employees, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing work environment.
• Collaborate closely with the Associate Director of Clinical Research and other stakeholders to align laboratory operations with broader clinical research and institutional goals.
• Travel to different laboratory locations as needed to support on-site operations, staff, and projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the clinical research enterprise.

• Proven experience working in a laboratory environment, including advanced technical expertise in complex specimen processing procedures.
• Familiarity with BSL-2 laboratory standards and the ability to ensure adherence to these standards across multiple labs.
• Demonstrated management experience in an academic setting, including supervision of staff and oversight of multi-site operations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with internal staff and external study personnel, and to supervise and manage laboratory staff.
• Ability to think strategically and analytically, influencing constructive change and building strong collaborative relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex clinical trial protocols and laboratory manuals to evaluate clinical, physical, technological, and staffing requirements needed to conduct trials in accordance with protocols, policies, and regulations while ensuring participant safety.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet daily deadlines while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to manage projects outside current areas of expertise and a…