Lab Manager, Avalos Laboratory

Lab Manager, Avalos Laboratory, Princeton University

Location: Princeton, NJ

Salary Range or Pay Grade: $85,000-$100,000

The Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute at Princeton University is seeking a highly motivated Lab Manager to join the Avalos Laboratory at the rank of Associate Professional Specialist. The Avalos Lab develops innovative technologies at the interface of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, systems biology, protein engineering, biomolecular condensates, optogenetics, and sustainable biomanufacturing
. Our research aims to engineer microorganisms to produce fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, and advanced materials from renewable feed stocks while developing new tools that advance fundamental biology and biotechnology.

The Lab Manager will play a central role in supporting a dynamic and collaborative research environment composed of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, undergraduate students, visiting scholars, and research staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of a dynamic and collaborative research laboratory.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment, including oversight of laboratory safety, compliance, and standard operating procedures.
• Manage purchasing, inventories, equipment maintenance, vendor relationships, and laboratory budgets.
• Coordinate onboarding and training of new laboratory members in laboratory practices, equipment, and safety.
• Maintain strain, plasmid, reagent, and sample inventories, as well as laboratory databases and documentation.
• Coordinate the maintenance and scheduling of shared laboratory instrumentation.
• Organize laboratory meetings, seminars, and visits by collaborators.
• Assist with laboratory communications, and maintenance of the laboratory website.
• Participate in research projects involving microbial bioengineering and/or protein engineering.
• Mentoring of junior researchers.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work at the forefront of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering at Princeton University.
• A highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the‑art facilities.
• Opportunities to contribute scientifically to high‑impact research and co‑author publications.
• Professional development through interactions with leading researchers, national research centers, and international collaborators.

The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding.

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience in an academic, industrial, or government research laboratory.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with molecular biology, microbial engineering, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, protein engineering, or related laboratory techniques is highly desirable.
• Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling robotics, biofoundry technologies, or laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is a plus.
• Experience with scientific writing, grant preparation, website management, or laboratory outreach is a plus.
• Enthusiasm for mentoring young scientists and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating research environment.

The work location for this position is in‑person on campus at Princeton University and is subject to the University’s background check policy. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H‑1B visa requiring consular processing.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate for a full‑time position; salaries for part‑time positions are pro‑rated accordingly.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI