What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Manager position at Montana State University?
The Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology (MCB) in the College of Agriculture is the home of strong research programs in bacteriology, virology, molecular biology, immunology, and environmental microbiology. Pathogen research is supported by BSL2 and BSL3 research infrastructure, including small and large animal BSL2 facilities. The Evans Lab focuses on the neuropathogenesis of BSL2 orthobunyaviruses that can cause severe neurological disease in humans. The Evans lab combines molecular biology, virology, genetics, immunology, mouse models, and human cell models to study the virus and virus-host interactions that mediate orthobunyavirus neurological disease.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct research and experimentation related to the lab’s goals, including but not limited to, cloning, cell culture, work with mouse models, immunohistochemistry, protein analysis, RNA analysis, and sequence analysis.
- Manage and document lab materials, lab safety protocols, inventories, etc. Ensure lab facilities are in compliance with lab safety regulations.
- Oversee the maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment.
- Order and restock materials necessary for research activities.
- Train and oversee new lab members and students in laboratory techniques, experimentation, and safety.
- In addition to these tasks, the successful applicant is expected to refine, implement, and/or develop protocols and techniques related to the research as needed.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- A minimum of a Master’s Degree in a science field is required.
- Prior research-based laboratory experience required, preferentially in molecular biology or microbiology techniques including cloning, cell culture, protein analysis, and/or RNA analysis.
- Excellent time management, organizational and record-keeping skills.
- The successful applicant should demonstrate the ability to implement molecular biology and microbiology protocols, and to work independently to meet deadlines with little supervision.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- BSL2 experience.
- Experience working with small animal models.
- Excellent communication skills, including oral and written science communication.
- Prior lab management experience.
The Successful Candidate Will
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on September 17, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Sick Leave, Retirement PlanSalary : $53,116 - $80,972