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Research Lab Manager Jobs in Charleston, SC (NOW HIRING)

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Research Lab Manager information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$32.3K

$62.7K

$86.6K

How much do research lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for research lab manager in Charleston, SC is $62,686.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,400.00 and $74,900.00 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 Charleston, SC?

The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Charleston, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Lab Manager jobs in Charleston, SC?

For Research Lab Manager jobs in Charleston, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Lab Manager jobs in Charleston, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Lab Manager jobs in Charleston, SC are:

What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for Research Lab Manager jobs?

Cities near Charleston, SC with the most Research Lab Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Lab Manager job openings in Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,686 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

UNIV - Research Specialist I - Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology

MUSC Health & Medical University of SC

Charleston, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


MUSC Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 201 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

414th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Description Summary
The research specialist I will work under general supervision by the PI and Lab manager and will be part of a basic science research laboratory that focuses on mitochondria biology and treatment of mitochondrial diseases, especially Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A). The work of the individual will be with emphasis on cell culture, including maintaining cell lines including thawing, expansion, passaging using strict aseptic techniques and performing independent experiments including staining imaging and evaluation.
Furthermore, the individual will be involved in the maintenance of the transgenic mouse and rat colonies, histology and immunohistochemistry, microscope imaging, animal behavioral and electrophysiological studies, and utilizing various other laboratory techniques including PCR, western blotting.
Entity
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Research Grant
Cost Center
CC001060 COM REG MED Administration CC
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
Pay Grade
University-GEN06
Pay Range
37,200.00 - 48,300.00 - 59,500.000
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work Shift
Job Description
Research Specialist I
Job Purpose:
The research specialist I will work under general supervision by the PI and Lab manager and will be part of a basic science research laboratory that focuses on mitochondria biology and treatment of mitochondrial diseases, especially Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A). The work of the individual will be with emphasis on cell culture, including maintaining cell lines including thawing, expansion, passaging using strict aseptic techniques and performing independent experiments including staining imaging and evaluation.
Furthermore, the individual will be involved in the maintenance of the transgenic mouse and rat colonies, histology and immunohistochemistry, microscope imaging, animal behavioral and electrophysiological studies, and utilizing various other laboratory techniques including PCR, western blotting.
MUSC Minimum Requirements:
A high school diploma and two years work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science may be substituted for the two years of required experience.
Preferred Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or other life science is required. Strong organizational, record keeping, and interpersonal communication skills are required. Previous laboratory experience with cell culture and sterile techniques is preferred but not required. Preference will be given to candidates with willingness to learn new techniques and adapt to evolving project needs. Must be able to work with animals (mouse and rat).
Describe the guidelines and supervision an employee receives to do this job, including the employee's independence and discretion:
Employee is supervised by the PI and lab manager but expected to conduct experiments, collect and record data with decent level of independence and discretion.
Indicate additional comments regarding this position:
Work is conducted in a basic biomedical laboratory that focuses on mitochondrial diseases and their treatment.
Proposed Job Duties
Perform mammalian cell culture, ex vivo tissue culture experiments, with a range of experimental assays.
Percent of Total Time: 35 - Essential
Perform simple to complex laboratory procedures in one or more areas of laboratory investigation such as: DNA isolation and PCR; western blot; histological sample preparation and staining, immunohistochemistry, microscopy and a variety of other molecular biology procedures.
Percent of Total Time: 35 - Essential
Work closely with the PI and lab manager for animal colony management, including genotyping of transgenic mouse and rat lines, with assistance in behavioral and electrophysiological experiments including drug application.
Percent of Total Time: 20 Essential
Maintain accurate records and analyze research data, present progress updates and experimental findings in team meetings. Proficiency at programs including excel, and word.
Percent of Total Time: 10 - Essential
Supervisory Responsibilities
Number of employees directly supervised by this position: 0
Total number of employees supervised by this position: 0
Additional Job Description
Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and two years work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science may be substituted for the two years of required experience. Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb, using step stool. (Infrequent) Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Continuous) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both legs. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions. (Frequent) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction. (Continuous) Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift file boxes, from floor level to counter tops, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/ Ability to lift 40 lbs. centrifuge rotors from floor level to height of 40 inches, then down 20 inches into centrifuge drum, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes, from floor level to maximum height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level. (Frequent) Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops, 50 lbs. or greater, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors, normally. (Continuous) Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems. (Continuous) Ability to hear and/or understand conversations. (Continuous) Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually. (Continuous) Additional New Requirements: Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.
If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!
The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.
Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

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About MUSC Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MUSC is located in Charleston, SC, frequently named one of the best places in America to live. If charming, historic, vibrant, cultural, and coastal are adjectives that you find appealing, it's all here. In Charleston, you might find yourself dining at a world class restaurant tonight and relaxing on a boat as you explore our many waterways tomorrow. You might stroll along cobblestone streets, amidst centuries old homes by day and attend a jazz concert by night. Charleston is a place where you can live your life to its fullest.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charleston, SC, US

Year founded

1824