Quail Research Laboratory Manager

Job Title: Quail Research Laboratory Manager

Agency: East Texas A&M University

Location: Commerce, Texas

Salary: Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate

Job Type: Staff

The Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research at East Texas A&M University is a cutting‑edge research facility dedicated to sustainable gamebird populations, training the next generation of gamebird professionals, and transforming the gamebird industry. The Center is recruiting a highly motivated and experienced research laboratory manager to oversee the daily operation of The Reyna Laboratory for Upland Gamebirds and promote the Center’s mission.

• Supervise, train, and mentor lab technicians.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and protocols; conduct regular inspections and maintain a safe working environment.
• Oversee operation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of laboratory equipment.
• Implement and maintain quality control measures to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Manage inventory, order supplies, and ensure sufficient materials for experiments.
• Perform administrative duties such as project management, scheduling, record‑keeping, and reporting.
• Provide technical support for research experiments, coordinate research projects, and assist in data analysis.
• Act as liaison between the lab and other departments, researchers, and clients.
• Participate in programmatic and strategic planning for the Reyna Lab and Lyon Center.
• Support the Lyon Center and its mission.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  2+ years of related professional experience in a laboratory environment, including leadership or supervisory roles.
• Preferred experience:
  
  Quail or upland gamebird/avian research laboratory.
• Knowledge/
  
  Skills:
  
  Excellent verbal and written communication; laboratory equipment knowledge, including HPLC and ELISA; management and supervision principles; project management.
• Professional
  
  Certifications:
  
  None.

• Ability to walk, stand, bend, and lift for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Encounter with dust, animal dander, heat/humidity, direct sunlight, animal byproducts (including mortality), precipitation, and mud.
• Possible weekend work or hours outside of a normal schedule.

• Experience managing a quail/upland gamebird/avian research laboratory and producing research results.
• Proficiency in laboratory safety, biosecurity, and project management.
• Detail‑oriented with strong organizational, time‑management, and deadline‑meeting skills.
• Understanding of upland gamebird research and commitment to the Reyna Laboratory and Lyon Center mission.
• Professionalism and experience in higher education or research/conservation/non‑profit settings.
• Public engagement skills with donors, public agencies, and corporate partners.
• Passion for gamebirds, conservation, and the outdoors.

• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, including communications systems, computer networks, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment, or water treatment systems.

• Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
• Comprehensive benefits package: health, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance.
• 12‑15 days of annual paid holidays; up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) with optional additional retirement plans.
• Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.
• Access to cutting‑edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.

On September 19, 2025 a Presidential proclamation imposed a $100,000 fee on new H‑1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M University will not pay this fee. Immigration sponsorship is at the applicant’s own expense and may be affected by the January 27, 2026 Texas Governor‑issued moratorium on new H‑1B filings.

All positions are security‑sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history…