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Research Lab Manager Jobs in Carol Stream, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Research Lab Manager information

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$35.7K

$69.3K

$95.7K

How much do research lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for research lab manager in Carol Stream, IL is $69,283.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,900.00 and $82,700.00 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 job categories do people searching Research Lab Manager jobs in Carol Stream, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Lab Manager jobs in Carol Stream, IL are:

What cities near Carol Stream, IL are hiring for Research Lab Manager jobs?

Cities near Carol Stream, IL with the most Research Lab Manager job openings:

Research Lab Manager 1

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

$56K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Northwestern University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department: MED-Urology
Salary/Grade: EXS/6
Target hiring range for this position will be between be range is as be $56,780-$75,000 per year . Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Job Summary:
The Meeks Lab is seeking a Scientist who will oversee the operations of the laboratory, develop and manage foundational research projects in bladder cancer, especially the management of complex molecular biology techniques (single cell RNA-seq and digital spatial profiling), oversight of our mouse colony, and help in collaborations with investigators at NU. Our laboratory is vibrant, collaborative international group, fully supportive of each other
to identify cures for bladder cancer. We are seeking to recruit a new laboratory manager that will make will manage daily operations of a research lab.
More specifically, the Scientist will:
  • Help to supervise experiments and infrastructure of the lab, including mouse colony management, molecular biology techniques, cell culture, and genetic and protein analyses.
  • Directly participate in experiments, and assist other laboratory members with cell culture experiments, single-cell RNA-seq and digital spatial profiling
  • Independently plan, perform, and analyze experiments, and collaborate with PI on writing papers and grants;
  • Serve as technical resource to, graduate and post-graduate trainees and provide insight, advice and guidance on experimental technologies for cancer research.
  • Supervise and train lab support staff and oversee day-to-day operations of the laboratory, develops, implements & administers budgets, grant & administrative procedures.
  • Assist in IACUC and laboratory research safety protocols, reviews technical operations ensuring that all processes, protocols & procedures are quality controlled & functioning up to standards
Specific Responsibilities:
Technical
  • Manages technical operations of a lab involved in scientific research activities.
  • In consultation with Principle Investigator (PI) organizes & plans experiments ensuring that project objective are attained.
  • Oversees & guides lab staff in review of results & recommendation of changes to protocols to improve validity & accuracy.
  • Conducts more complex experiments & analysis.
Administration
  • Oversees & manages collection, maintenance, analysis & evaluation of data that will be used in grant submissions, presentations & publications.
  • Ensures that information is entered correctly into databases.
  • Assists PI in reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, summarizing, formatting, editing, & preparing tables, charts, graphs, progress & final reports, etc.
  • Coordinates between sponsoring agencies, collaboration organizations &/or other research &/or educational institutions.
  • Ensures research regulations are adhered to, IRB & ACUC approvals in place, material transfer agreements properly executed, & that radiation & lab safety requirements are up to date & implemented.
Finance
  • Manages lab budget & inventory including purchasing of supplies & services ensuring that they are necessary, reasonable & project related.
  • Orders & maintains inventory of lab supplies, chemicals, equipment & instrumentation & may distribute intra-departmental charges.
  • Negotiates with vendors, obtain quotes & arrange for demos of large equipment.
Miscellaneous
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 6 years' lab/bench or other relevant experience required; OR
  • Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 4 years' lab/bench or other relevant experience.
  • Supervisory or project management experience required.
Benefits
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .

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