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Research Lab Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Lab & Safety Manager

Boulder, CO · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

The Lab & Safety Manager oversees the daily operations of a high-performance physics research facility, ensuring a safe, organized, and efficient environment. This role is the operational backbone of ...

The San Luis Valley Research Center is part of a network of 7 research centers (9 sites) throughout ... Manager and PCS Assistant Lab Supervisor. * Will assist the Disease Lab Supervisor in disease ...

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Research Lab Manager information

See Colorado salary details

$36.3K

$70.4K

$97.3K

How much do research lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research lab manager in Colorado is $70,436.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,900.00 and $84,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Lab Manager jobs in Colorado? For Research Lab Manager jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Lab Manager jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Research Lab Manager jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Research Lab Manager jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Research Lab Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Lab Manager job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,436 per year, or $33.9 per hour.
Intermediate Laboratory Sciences Professional

Intermediate Laboratory Sciences Professional

University of Colorado

Aurora, CO • On-site

$19.25 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department of Pediatrics | Section of Nutrition

Job Title: Research Services Professional

Working Title: Intermediate Laboratory Sciences Professional

Position #: 00846121 - Requisition #:39424

Job Summary:

The Boyle Lab investigates how earlylife biology shapes longterm metabolic health, using primary human mesenchymal stem cells, multi-omic assays, and functional cell culture models. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to studies that explore developmental, environmental, and molecular pathways influencing infant and child adiposity. Intermediate Laboratory Science Professionals, in the Boyle Lab perform duties in an experimental lab, or wet lab, and handle a variety of chemicals and/or potential "wet" hazards. Intermediate Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in laboratories where chemicals, drugs, or other materials or biological matters are tested and analyzed.

This role will be an integral member of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team working across Pediatrics, Nutrition, and campus-wide research programs. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual who wants to develop technical skills while playing a central role in a collaborative, impactful research program. Day-to-day work will include primary human mesenchymal stem cell culture, molecular assays, and sample processing, paired with essential lab management responsibilities such as maintaining inventories, supporting safety compliance, and implementing laboratory workflows. The mix of responsibilities offers a dynamic balance of bench science, problem-solving, and operational leadership, making this position ideal for someone seeking growth, autonomy, and meaningful scientific contribution within the Department of Pediatrics and the broader Anschutz research community.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform routine and moderately complex cell culture, including thawing, expanding, maintaining, and freezing primary human mesenchymal stem cells (training provided).

  • Conduct molecular biology and biochemical assays such as DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, bisulfite conversion, immunoassays, colorimetric assays, and sample preparation for downstream analyses.

  • Assist with experimental setup, reagent preparation, protocol execution, and accurate documentation of experimental procedures and analysis and presentation of results.

  • Process, label, track, and organize biospecimens from large cohort studies; maintain detailed sample inventories.

  • Manage day-to-day lab operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, scheduling equipment service, and preparing the lab for safety inspections.

  • Maintain clean, organized, compliant lab spaces; coordinate waste disposal; ensure adherence to biosafety and chemical safety requirements.

  • Support onboarding and training of students and junior lab members on standard procedures, safety expectations, and lab workflows.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

  • Assist with updating standard procedures, lab protocols, and shared documentation systems.

  • Contribute to troubleshooting new assays or workflow improvements.

  • Participate in weekly lab meetings and maintain updated task lists for ongoing projects.

  • Help prepare figures, data summaries, or data quality checks for presentations, grant reports, or collaborations (as appropriate to skill level).

  • Occasional weekend hours for cell culture maintenance, as needed.

This description is a summary only and describes the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is a public education, clinical, and research facility serving 4,500 students and is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of life-changing science, medicine, and healthcare. CU Anschutz offers more than 42 highly rated degree programs through 6 schools and colleges and receives over $500 million in research awards each year. We are the single largest health professions education provider in Colorado, awarding nearly 1,450 degrees annually. Powered by our award-winning faculty, renowned researchers, and a reputation for academic excellence, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus drives innovation from the classroom to the laboratory to the delivery of unparalleled patient care.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

  • Medical: Multiple plan options

  • Dental: Multiple plan options

  • Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

  • Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

  • Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

  • Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

  • Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

  • Holiday Days: 15/year

  • Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

  • ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field.

  • One (1) year professional level research experience.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field

  • Two (2) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory

  • Experience performing sterile cell culture in a research or clinical laboratory setting (e.g., mammalian cell culture, primary cell isolation, or iPSC/MSC maintenance).

  • Experience maintaining experimental records, electronic lab notebooks, or shared laboratory data systems.

  • Experience supporting laboratory inventories and safety programs, such as chemical inventories, hazardous waste disposal, or preparing for EH&S or biosafety inspections.

Conditions of Employment:

  • Must be willing and able to pass national criminal and sex offender background checks

  • Must successfully pass a 10-panel drug screen through Children's Hospital Colorado

  • Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

*For questions regarding Children's Hospital drug testing requirements, please contact Children's Human Resources at 720-777-8598. Some positions may require testing if access to Children's Hospital or their systems is needed at any time during employment with the University. If drug testing is required, it will be listed in the job posting.

Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Proficient knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques

  • Strong organizational and timemanagement skills, with the ability to manage concurrent tasks.

  • Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution

  • Outstanding customer service skills

  • Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a clean, efficient, and safe laboratory environment.

  • Willingness to learn new techniques and troubleshoot experimental issues.

  • Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medical terminology

  • Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

  1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

  2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

  3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Kristen.boyle@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by 4/30/2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $50,357 - $64,054

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.


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