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Research Lab Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Lab Manager

Mundelein, IL

$100K - $130K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an organized, proactive, and highly reliable Lab Operations Manager ... Partner closely with research teams to anticipate operational needs and remove bottlenecks.

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Research Lab Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35.5K

$69K

$95.3K

How much do research lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for research lab manager in Chicago, IL is $69,005.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do research lab managers make in the US?

Research lab managers in the US typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and the size of the institution. Those with advanced degrees or specialized skills in laboratory management or scientific research tend to earn higher salaries.

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 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 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 laboratory procedures, and experience with project management tools.

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?

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Lab Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Research Lab Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Lab Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Research Lab Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Research Lab Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Research Lab Manager job openings:
Research Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Lab Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,005 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Research Lab Manager 1

Northwestern University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Northwestern University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Apply for Job Job ID 54035
Location Chicago, Illinois
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Department: MED-Psych & Behavioral Science
Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Job Summary:

Manages daily operations of a new academic neurotechnology lab focused on targeting brain stimulation technologies using functional neuroimaging for therapeutics in mental health. At first this will include learning the day-to-day procedures of the lab, and eventually will include managing a growing team of research assistants. This will also involve assisting the Principal Investigator (PI) with organizational/regulatory tasks, including IRB proposals, funding applications, project management, staff management, and time management.

Tasks include recruiting participants for research studies, administering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatments in clinical trials, administering behavioral phenotyping to participants with intracranial implants, processing neuroimaging data using computational pipelines on high-performance computing infrastructure, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

The lab manager additionally monitors lab performance, analyzes and reviews results, and supervises development and implementation of new protocols. Assigns work and supervises lab personnel and reviews technical operations ensuring that all processes, protocols and procedures are quality controlled and functioning up to standards.

Develops implements and administers budgets, grant and administrative procedures. Co-authors scientific papers for presentation and publication and coordinates writing, submission and administration of grants.

Specific Responsibilities:

Other:

  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation
  • Behavioral phenotyping
  • Neuroimaging analysis

Miscellaneous

Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

  • 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.
  • Experience with clinical research

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

  • Project management skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills, comfortable interacting with patients with neuropsychiatric disorders
  • Knowledge of fundamental principles of neuroscience and/or psychology
  • Proficiency in data analysis

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

  • Prior experience in clinical trial management, with knowledge of IRB, patient recruitment, budgets, treatment delivery, and related issues.
  • Prior experience with administering transcranial magnetic stimulation or other clinical therapeutic technologies
  • Prior experience with computational neuroimaging, particularly resting-state functional MRI analysis

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Proficiency in principles of clinical research
  • Delivery of neuronavigated TMS treatments
  • Data analysis in MATLAB and/or Python

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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