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Research Lab Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Molecular Ecology Lab Manager

Blacksburg, VA

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Our molecular ecology research uses DNA metabarcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA) to track food webs, seed dispersal, and pollination networks in the Mariana Islands. The lab manager will play a ...

Virginia Tech

Lab Manager

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Research / Scientific Applications are invited for a full-time lab manager position in the lab of Dr. Samantha Margherio, in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech. Our lab uses community ...

Virginia Tech

Research Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

This is an excellent position for candidates with previous research lab management experience who wish to pursue a career in medical research. Required Qualifications Graduate degree in biology ...

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$34.2K

$66.4K

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How much do research lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for research lab manager in Virginia is $66,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $79,300.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Lab Manager jobs in Virginia? For Research Lab Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Lab Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Research Lab Manager jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Research Lab Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Research Lab Manager job openings:
Research Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Lab Manager job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,411 per year, or $31.9 per hour.
Molecular Ecology Lab Manager

Molecular Ecology Lab Manager

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Virginia Tech rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Molecular Ecology Lab Manager
Job no: 534164
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Natural Resources
Department: Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Natural Resources
Job Description
The Rogers Lab (www.haldre.org) in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech is hiring a Molecular Ecology Lab Manager. Based in Blacksburg, VA, this full-time position is ideal for someone with strong molecular and project management skills who wants to support conservation-focused ecological research.
We study how invasive species and vertebrate loss reshape ecological communities. Our molecular ecology research uses DNA metabarcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA) to track food webs, seed dispersal, and pollination networks in the Mariana Islands. The lab manager will play a central role in generating high-quality molecular data and supporting a busy, multi-project lab.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field
• Experience with DNA extraction and PCR in a molecular biology research lab
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience preparing libraries for high-throughput sequencing (e.g., Illumina)
• Experience analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) or metabarcoding data
• Experience mentoring or supervising undergraduate researchers
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Hours per week
40
Review Date
10/6/25
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jennifer Phillips at jewolfor@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: September 11, 2025
Applications close:
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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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