What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Manager position at University of Michigan?
How to Apply
A detailed cover letter is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below.
Job Summary
The Laboratory Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Cuarenta research laboratory. This lab focuses on studying the effects of early life experiences on brain and behavior. This position is responsible for coordinating laboratory operations, animal research activities, regulatory compliance, and research support to ensure the efficient functioning of the laboratory. Responsibilities include managing laboratory inventories and purchasing, coordinating animal ordering and colony logistics, maintaining compliance with institutional and federal regulations, tracking laboratory expenditures, and supporting behavioral and molecular neuroscience experiments. The Laboratory Manager will work closely with the Principal Investigator, trainees, and research staff to maintain laboratory infrastructure, facilitate ongoing research projects, and ensure adherence to laboratory policies and procedures.
Responsibilities*
Laboratory Operations and Administration
Benefits
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
The salary range is $33,000 to $39,000. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is 2026.
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
A detailed cover letter is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below.
Job Summary
The Laboratory Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Cuarenta research laboratory. This lab focuses on studying the effects of early life experiences on brain and behavior. This position is responsible for coordinating laboratory operations, animal research activities, regulatory compliance, and research support to ensure the efficient functioning of the laboratory. Responsibilities include managing laboratory inventories and purchasing, coordinating animal ordering and colony logistics, maintaining compliance with institutional and federal regulations, tracking laboratory expenditures, and supporting behavioral and molecular neuroscience experiments. The Laboratory Manager will work closely with the Principal Investigator, trainees, and research staff to maintain laboratory infrastructure, facilitate ongoing research projects, and ensure adherence to laboratory policies and procedures.
Responsibilities*
Laboratory Operations and Administration
- Maintain laboratory inventories and coordinate purchasing of supplies and equipment
- Manage laboratory organization, including freezer inventories, sample tracking, and record keeping.
- Coordinate equipment maintenance, repairs, and service contracts
- Develop and maintain laboratory operational procedures
- Assist with animal handling, behavioral testing, tissue collection, sample processing, and molecular assays
- Behavioral tests include operant box behavioral testing, naturalistic behavioral assays
- Molecular assays include qPCR, ddPCR, RNAscope, immunocytochemistry, and western blots
- Maintain experimental records and assist with data organization and quality control
- Assist in manuscript preparation
- Coordinate animal ordering and colony logistics
- Maintain animal records and coordinate with animal care personnel
- Assist with planning and execution of animal-related laboratory activities
- Assist with preparation and maintenance of IACUC protocols, amendments, and compliance documentation.
- Maintain laboratory training and safety records.
- Track budgets, purchases, and vendor invoices
- Track laboratory expenditures and purchasing activities
- Assist with budget monitoring and financial recordkeeping
- High school diploma or Associate's degree and 1 to 2 years experience.
- Experience coordinating laboratory operations, including inventory management, purchasing, equipment maintenance, and laboratory organization.
- Experience with animal research and coordinating animal-related research activities.
- Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, zoology, psychology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field is preferred.
- 1-2 years experience preferred.
- Experience with rodents is a plus.
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance activities including IACUC protocols, animal research regulations, and laboratory safety procedures
Benefits
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
The salary range is $33,000 to $39,000. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is 2026.
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Salary : $33,000 - $39,000