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Research Lab Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... lab spending in check by communicating with grants manager on spending levels, patterns and future forecasting. Qualifications Basic Qualifications: * College degree in a related field of research ...

... lab spending in check by communicating with grants manager on spending levels, patterns and future forecasting. Qualifications Basic Qualifications: * College degree in a related field of research ...

... daily lab operations of multiple research labs ensuring efficiency, safety, and quality across all experimental workflows while maintaining an innovative environment. ● Manage general lab best ...

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How much do research lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for research lab manager in the United States is $66,985.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Lab Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Lab Manager, you need strong scientific expertise, leadership skills, and a relevant degree in the field (often a Master's or PhD). Experience with laboratory management systems, safety protocols, grant writing, and equipment maintenance is crucial, along with certifications such as CLIA or GLP compliance when applicable. Excellent organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help foster teamwork and ensure smooth lab operations. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining high research standards, ensuring safety, and achieving project goals efficiently.

What are some common challenges a Research Lab Manager faces and how can they be addressed?

Research Lab Managers often encounter challenges related to balancing administrative duties with supporting scientific research, maintaining compliance with safety regulations, and ensuring efficient use of resources. Navigating these requires strong organizational skills, clear communication with both researchers and administrative staff, and staying up to date with regulatory changes. Proactively scheduling regular team meetings, investing in ongoing training, and implementing standard operating procedures can help address these challenges and create a productive, compliant lab environment.

What are the responsibilities of a Research Lab Manager?

A Research Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a scientific laboratory, ensuring that research activities run smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities typically include managing laboratory staff, maintaining equipment and supplies, enforcing safety protocols, and assisting with budgeting and administrative tasks. They also support researchers by coordinating experiments, managing data, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential in this role.

What is the difference between Research Lab Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Lab ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; often requires management experienceMaster's or Ph.D. in specific research area
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, administrative offices, overseeing operationsLaboratories, conducting experiments, data analysis
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, universities, biotech companiesResearch institutions, universities, industry R&D
Primary FocusManaging lab operations, budgets, staffDesigning experiments, conducting research, publishing findings

The main difference is that a Research Lab Manager focuses on overseeing lab operations, staff, and budgets, while a Research Scientist concentrates on conducting experiments and advancing scientific knowledge. Both roles are essential in research settings but serve different functions within the research process.

More about Research Lab Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Lab Manager jobs? Cities with the most Research Lab Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs? The most popular types of Research Lab jobs are:
What states have the most Research Lab Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Lab Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Research Lab Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,985 per year, or $32.2 per hour.
Research Lab Manager

Research Lab Manager

Harvard University

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

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.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

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.

Job Description

The Research Laboratory Manager directs the day-to-day operations of a large [25+ people], internationally recognized Neurobiology Research Laboratory. This position calls for a responsible, diligent, conscientious and detail-oriented individual with a proven track record of managerial/leadership experience. A quick, resourceful and independent learner who enjoys interacting with people and finding creative solutions for projects and issues as they present themselves. Able to be flexible when organizing their day and managing multiple priorities at once.

This person will serve as a liaison between principal investigator, school-based compliance departments and lab members. They will be committed to facilitating the research goals of this hard-working group of investigators in a friendly yet assertive manner. Able to foster an operationally seamless environment for lab investigators to carry out their research. Handle the in-processing and out-processing of all lab members by guiding them through university onboarding processes and lab-specific requirements, by ensuring the compliance of mandated university training. Manage, guide, evaluate, provide feedback to, and generally support lab members in their roles within the lab.

Responsible for assisting with experiments when required, including directly carrying out experiments (based upon the specific prior research experience of the candidate); these experiments may include genotyping for colony management, running mice through behavioral assays, immunostaining, stereotaxic injections and mouse surgery, exposing mice to odors for molecular analysis, and single cell sequencing.

Responsible for maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of flow within the laboratory and managing the requirements to comply with general laboratory safety regulations. Responsible for writing and maintaining animal protocols and ensuring compliance of federal guidelines with respect to animal care regulations as well as maintaining a relationship with animal facility and vet staff to resolve animal-related problems and ensure proper spending for mouse colony maintenance.

Responsible for ordering of supplies and reagents on a weekly basis as well as determining the proper funding sources for purchases, maintenance of inventories, annual service contracts and repairs of equipment. Initiation and management of all orders using HCOM and other methods, track supplies and expenditures on a daily/weekly/monthly basis and maintain inventory.

Responsible for keeping lab budget in check, and communicating with principal investigator about spending and ideas for reducing costs, while ensuring that research projects can actively thrive. Communicate with vendors to attain bulk discounts and best pricing available. Working closely with grants manager on post-billing related challenges with vendors and internal AP Dept. Responsible for keeping lab spending in check by communicating with grants manager on spending levels, patterns and future forecasting. 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) strongly preferred. 
  • Strong innovative and creative problem-solving skills.
  • Strong leadership abilities, friendly, yet authoritative.
  • Independent individual who is able to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented, ever-changing environment.
  • Proactively assessing ways to make the lab a more efficient in regard to space, spending and workplace flow.
Additional Information
  • Term: This is a 1-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position. 
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week| Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Pre-Placement Medical Evaluation
  • Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
  • Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal. 

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

  • Generous paid time off including parental leave 
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
  • Retirement plans with university contributions 
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources 
  • Support for families and caregivers 
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

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 on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.