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Microscopy Lab Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

$63K - $80K/yr

The Research Scientist/Lab Manager performs biomaterial fabrication and characterization within the ... electron microscopy. This position actively participates in research and design, conducts ...

The Research Scientist/Lab Manager performs biomaterial fabrication and characterization within the ... electron microscopy. This position actively participates in research and design, conducts ...

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Microscopy Lab Manager information

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$32.5K

$92K

$149K

How much do microscopy lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for microscopy lab manager in the United States is $91,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a microscopy lab manager do?

A Microscopy Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a microscopy laboratory, ensuring that equipment is maintained, protocols are followed, and experiments run smoothly. They are responsible for training staff and students on the use of various microscopes and imaging technologies, managing lab budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, they may assist with experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting technical issues. Their role is critical for supporting research projects and optimizing the lab's efficiency and output.

What are the main challenges a microscopy lab manager might face in balancing research support and facility maintenance?

Microscopy Lab Managers often juggle supporting researchers with maintaining complex imaging equipment. Ensuring that instruments are properly calibrated and available while providing training and troubleshooting can be demanding, especially during peak project periods. Effective time management and clear communication with both users and technical staff are essential to keep the lab running smoothly. Additionally, staying updated on new microscopy techniques and coordinating equipment upgrades can present ongoing challenges, but also offer opportunities for professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a microscopy lab manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microscopy Lab Manager, you need expertise in microscopy techniques, laboratory management, and a relevant science degree such as biology, chemistry, or materials science. Familiarity with advanced imaging equipment, image analysis software, and lab safety protocols is typically required, along with certifications in laboratory operations or safety if available. Strong organizational skills, leadership, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and collaborating with researchers. These skills ensure efficient lab operations, high-quality data output, and a safe, productive research environment.

What is the difference between Microscopy Lab Manager vs Microscopy Technician?

AspectMicroscopy Lab ManagerMicroscopy Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in biology, chemistry, or related field; often requires management experienceAssociate's or bachelor's degree; specialized training in microscopy techniques
Work EnvironmentLaboratory overseeing microscopy operations, managing staff, and ensuring quality controlPerforming microscopy procedures, preparing samples, and operating microscopes
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, biotech companies, universitiesResearch institutions, clinical labs, manufacturing

The Microscopy Lab Manager oversees microscopy operations, manages staff, and ensures quality standards, requiring leadership and management skills. In contrast, the Microscopy Technician focuses on performing microscopy tasks, sample preparation, and technical operation of microscopes. Both roles are essential in labs but differ mainly in responsibility level and scope of work.

More about Microscopy Lab Manager jobs

What cities are hiring for Microscopy Lab Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Microscopy Lab Manager job openings:

What states have the most Microscopy Lab Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Microscopy Lab Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Microscopy Lab Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,960 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

$63K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Rice University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please attach a cover letter and a curriculum vitae in the Supporting Documents section of the application.
Position Summary:
The Biomaterials Lab is dedicated to advancing patient health and addressing critical medical challenges through biomaterials research, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The lab provides shared research facilities, specialized equipment, technical expertise, and training to students, faculty, staff, and external collaborators to support the fabrication, characterization, and development of biomaterials, medical devices, regenerative medicine technologies, and research prototypes.
The Research Scientist/Lab Manager performs biomaterial fabrication and characterization within the Biomaterials Lab (https://bml.rice.edu) under the supervision of the Director. These fabrication methods include, but are not limited to, 3D printing, bioprinting, electrospinning, melt-write electrospinning, etc. Biomaterial characterization techniques include, but are not limited to, chromatography (size exclusion and affinity-based), thermal analysis, rheology, micro-computed tomography, fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. This position actively participates in research and design, conducts educational and outreach activities (such as a biofabrication workshop and an annual high school student biomaterials bootcamp), and implements and maintains laboratory safety procedures. The position also oversees the day-to-day operation of the laboratory and its users while managing long-term collaborative projects between the laboratory and other research and institutional partners. In addition, this position manages laboratory communications and marketing, including the lab website.
Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate has experience in several fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing, electrospinning, extrusion-based techniques, experience in several characterization techniques, such as chromatography, thermal, mechanical, and radiographic analysis, and experience in histologic analysis, such as frozen and paraffin-embedded specimens.
Workplace Requirements:
This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at the Bioscience Research Collaborative (BRC) at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Able to lift up to 25 pounds (moving computers and other related equipment).
Annual Hiring Range: This position offers a salary of $63,100 - $80,400, commensurate with education and experience.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in bioengineering/biomedical engineering (biomaterials), chemical engineering (biomaterials), mechanical engineering (biomaterials), or related discipline
  • 2+ years of related research experience in materials fabrication and characterizations

Skills:
  • Proficient and comprehensive knowledge of information management, knowledge management and publication management
  • Possess a logical and independent mind
  • Good interpersonal skills such as patience, determination, flexibility, and decisiveness
  • Excellent listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
  • Excellent scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to work in a team environment, to participate actively, to collaborate and to motivate others in the lab

Preferences:
  • PhD in a related scientific or engineering field
  • Experience in several fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing, electrospinning, extrusion-based techniques, etc.
  • Experience in several characterization techniques, such as chromatography, thermal, mechanical, and radiographic analysis, etc.
  • Experience in histologic analysis, such as frozen and paraffin-embedded specimens

Essential Functions:
  • Manages research projects and related budgets
  • Performs scientific research conducting independent experimental studies, facilitating other ongoing research in the laboratory, and developing and validating new protocols, methodologies, and / or theories
  • Communicates the results of scientific research through verbal presentations at scientific conferences and written articles submitted for publication
  • Actively engages to improve the laboratory's reputation and set of scientific capabilities
  • Seeks new research grants
  • Supervises, advises and/or trains students and professional researchers in the lab
  • Maintains a harmonious, safe, and efficient work environment by training new laboratory members in the correct use of equipment, ordering necessary supplies as needed, and coordinating routine equipment maintenance
  • Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:
  • Ensures progress, compliance with, and support for existing grants
  • Performs inventory, sets up and maintains scientific experiments and equipment,
  • Maintains and distributes records of research results as appropriate and provides guidance in experimental design and analysis
  • Engages in partnerships for educational and outreach work, such as with personnel within local schools and museums
  • Negotiates technical aspects of a contract for the purchase of new instrumentation, in supervising the installation of instrumentation, and as necessary, in repairing or upgrading instrumentation

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

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