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Research Lab Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Liberty

Engineering Lab Manager II

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

The Lab Manager must have experience with various fabrication and research equipment, with knowledge extending to operation, safety, maintenance and life-cycle management. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ...

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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All JobsResearch Lab JobsResearch Lab Manager JobsResearch Lab Manager Jobs in Virginia

Research Lab Manager information

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$34.2K

$66.4K

$91.7K

How much do research lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research lab manager?

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 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.

How much do research lab managers make in the US?

Research lab managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and the size of the organization. Salaries can vary based on the industry, location, and specific responsibilities, with some positions offering additional benefits or bonuses.

Is a research lab manager a stressful job?

A research lab manager often faces stress related to managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and ensuring safety and compliance. The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to handle unexpected issues, which can contribute to a high-stress environment at times.

What is a research lab manager?

A research lab manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory, including managing staff, maintaining equipment, ensuring safety protocols, and coordinating research activities. They often require strong organizational skills, knowledge of scientific procedures, and experience with lab management tools or software.

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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,411 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Lab Manager and Research Assistant

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

University of Virginia
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Virginiaexternal

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia seeks a Lab Manager and Research Assistant to work with Professors Benjamin Converse and Abigail Scholer.
The Lab Manager will be responsible for day-to-day management of multiple research projects, splitting their time equally each week between two professors' social psychology and behavioral science labs. This will involve administering behavioral studies in the lab and in field settings; preparing datasets and conducting preliminary analyses; and collaborating to produce and program experimental materials and stimuli. The Lab Manager will provide training and supervision of undergraduate research assistants and coordinate data collection. The Lab Manager will also be involved in lab administration tasks: tracking expenses, ordering equipment or materials for studies, leading lab meetings, and meeting with the principal investigators and graduate students regularly about progress and goal-setting and other duties as assigned.
The position is an excellent opportunity to gain multidisciplinary research experience in preparation for graduate study in social psychology, organizational behavior, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have an entrepreneurial mindset, ability to work independently, and a willingness to take initiative and find creative solutions to problems. They should be highly organized and attentive to detail. This is not a remote position.
Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in psychology, data science, public policy, or a related field by July 2026.
  • Two years of behavioral laboratory experience or work as a research assistant; experience gained over four academic semesters (or equivalent) as a student will be considered.
  • Familiarity with social psychology/behavioral science research methods and IRB management.
  • Experience administering studies in Qualtrics.
  • Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
  • Proficient in Excel and an additional statistical program such as R, SPSS, SAS, STATA.
  • Able to occasionally work nonstandard hours (e.g., evenings, weekends), depending on data-collection needs.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience working semi-independently on an original behavioral science research project (e.g., undergraduate honors thesis).
  • Experience with platforms that manage human subject pools (e.g., SONA).
  • Prior experience with data science methods (e.g., web scraping, data cleaning and manipulation)
  • Demonstrated interest in computer programming (e.g., Javascript, Python, JSON) and/or assisted coding using GenerativeAI platforms (e.g., Claude Code).

This position will remain open until filled. This is a non-exempt level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance. This position is located in Charlottesville, VA.
The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
Application Process:
Please apply online , and search for R0087185. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete an application online with the following documents:
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not receive full consideration. This position is open until filled.
References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three are required.
For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, js9rk@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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